2023 Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer
Comparison
Highlighted Features
2023 Highlander
2023Explorer
Adaptive cruise control
Yes
No, Optional Yes
Engine
2.4L inline 4-cylinder
3.0L EcoBoost® V6
Horsepower
265
400
Estimated Combined (MPG)
25
20
Speakers
6
6 , Optional 12 Bang & Olufsen B&O®, Optional 14 Bang & Olufsen B&O®, Optional 14 Bang & Olufsen
Base MSRP
$36,620
$52,005
Whole vehicle warranty months / (miles)
36 / 36000
36 / 36000
Roadside assistance months / (mi)
24 / 9999999
60 / 60000
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Copyright © JATO Dynamics Limited, 1990-2023. All Rights Reserved. For comparison purposes only. JATO has been diligent in providing accurate and complete information. However, JATO does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the data, and the information may not be comprehensive or use the same terminology as used elsewhere on this site. For additional details, see vehicle's "Full Specs" on Toyota.com or contact your Toyota dealer.
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Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer
Safety & Convenience Comparison
- All Toyota Highlander models come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/ PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA), and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). The Ford Explorer features Hill Descent Control and comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360®, which includes lane-keeping assist, lane-keeping alert, and drive alert.
- All Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer models come standard with rearview backup cameras with assist grid lines.
- With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, you can lock/unlock doors, start and stop the vehicle, locate your last parked location, check vehicle status, and monitor guest drivers remotely. A 1-year trial is included on all trims except the L (on which it is available). FordPass Connect is offered via the FordPass App as an optional upgrade, which allows drivers to start/stop, lock/unlock doors, access vehicle location, check tire pressure and fuel level, access vehicle wi-fi, and view Smart Card tips remotely.
Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer
Performance Comparison
- The Toyota Highlander’s gas models start with a new 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged Double Overhead Cam 16-valve D4S injection Atkinson-cycle-capable motor with stop-and-start engine technology. The Ford Explorer starts with a standard 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology.
- The Highlander’s standard gas model engine produces 256 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 310 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,700 to 3,600 rpm. The Explorer’s standard engine generates 300 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 310 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm.
- Prospective Toyota Highlander buyers can choose between 5 hybrid trims, each featuring a 2.5L L4HV Double Overhead Cam 16-valve D-4S injection engine. Those who opt for the higher Ford Explorer trims can choose between a 3.3L Hybrid or a 3.0L EcoBoost V6.
- The Toyota Highlander features an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Ford Explorer features a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- The Ford Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while the Toyota Highlander starts with front-wheel drive. The Toyota Highlander has available all-wheel drive on all models, while the Ford Explorer has available four-wheel drive for all models.
Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer
Design Comparison
- Both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander have third-row seating. Some configurations of the Toyota Highlander can seat up to 8 people, while all Ford Explorers can seat only up to 7 people.
- The Toyota Highlander offers a moonroof as an option on all but the entry-level Toyota Highlander L and LE grades. A panoramic moonroof covering the front and second row is standard on all Highlander Platinum grades. The Ford Explorer offers a twin-panel moonroof on XLT and higher grades but only includes a standard moonroof on its Platinum trim level.
- The Toyota Highlander offers heated front seats as an upgrade option for most trims. The Ford Explorer Base trim does not offer front-row heated seats, but it is a standard feature in the XLT and higher models. Both the Highlander and Explorer offer leather-trimmed and heated steering wheel upgrade options.
Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer
Warranty and Assistance Plans Comparison
- All new Toyotas, including the 2023 Toyota Highlander, come with a 3-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year or 60,000-mile Restraint Systems. Every new Ford Explorer comes with a New Vehicle Limited Warranty for three years or 36,000 miles and Safety Restraint Warranty for five years or 60,000 miles.
- The 2023 Highlander has a 5-year or 60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty and a Corrosion Protection Warranty for five years or unlimited miles. Similarly, the Ford Explorer has a Corrosion Warranty for five years or unlimited miles.
- The Toyota Highlander hybrid variants get a Hybrid System warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles. The Ford Explorer hybrid variants also have a Hybrid/Electric Unique Components warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles.
- All new Toyota Highlanders come with ToyotaCare, a maintenance plan that covers normal factory scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Ford does not include a maintenance plan but offers extended service plans for purchase.
- All new Toyota Highlander models come with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for two years, unlimited miles.
Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer
Technology Comparison
- The Toyota Highlander’s L, LE, XLE, and XSE trims come standard with an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display, six speakers, wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility, and Bluetooth streaming. The Ford Explorer features a standard SYNC® 3 10-inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen, six speakers, and wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via FordPass®.
- All Toyota Highlanders include five USB ports as standard. One 120V power outlet comes standard on gas variants of the Limited and Platinum models. Meanwhile, two 120V power outlets come standard on the Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum hybrid variants. All trims of the Ford Explorer come with two USB ports and 12V power outlets in the front, back, and cargo areas.
- The Toyota Highlander includes a 30-day/3 GB Wi-Fi Connect trial with AT&T hotspot and Integrated Streaming for Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions on all trims. It relies on a 4G network. Ford Explorer models offer FordPass Connect, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with a 3-month trial or up to 3GB of data, requiring a subscription after the trial.
- A Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System is available as an upgrade on most Ford Explorer models. Toyota offers Drive Connect with Destination Assist, Intelligent Assistant, and Cloud Navigation with Google Point of Interest data, as an available subscription for all models (1-year trial is standard on Platinum, Limited, Platinum Hybrid and Limited Hybrid). It is dependent on 4G network access.
Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer
Conclusion
- While both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander have hybrid SUVs, the Toyota Highlander offers a better suite of hybrid model options. These come in the form of 5 hybrid trims, all of which come with a 2.5L L4HV Double Overhead Cam 16-Valve D-4S Injection engine capable of delivering power comparable to top-grade SUVs.
- The Toyota Highlander has higher EPA-estimated mpg ratings than the Ford Explorer. It has a rating of 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. Compare that to the Ford Explorer’s rating of 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined.
- The Toyota Highlander also has some advantages in technology and connectivity options. It has more USB ports, included connected services, and a 12.3-inch screen upgrade package (The XSE also comes with 11 JBL® speakers if equipped with the upgrade package).
- The Toyota Highlander XSE also comes with a sport-tuned suspension system while still offering cargo space comparable to that of the Ford Explorer.
- The Toyota Highlander also comes with ToyotaCare, which covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. In contrast, Ford does not include a maintenance plan but offers extended service plans for purchase. Toyota’s legendary penchant for building quality vehicles is complimented by its maintenance plan, ensuring industry-leading durability and reliability.
- Most of all, the Toyota Highlander takes the edge in terms of its luxury options while still managing to come at lower price points on both its entry-level and top-end models. The Ford Explorer Base has a $36,760 MSRP, compared to the Toyota Highlander L, which has a $36,620 MSRP. For top-trim SUVs, the Ford Explorer Platinum has a $54,820 MSRP, while the Toyota Highlander Platinum has a $49,475 MSRP. The Toyota Platinum offers the same features and more versus the Ford Explorer Platinum.
- While the Ford Explorer has a powerful engine, the Toyota Highlander’s package makes for a more luxurious yet practical experience. Exceptional comfort, dependable power, and unrivaled vehicle care make it difficult for any SUV to compare to the Toyota Highlander. The 2023 Toyota Highlander is a prime choice for upscale SUVs and the clear winner in this 2023 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander head-to-head comparison.
- The Toyota Highlander has slightly higher EPA-estimated MPG ratings than the Ford Explorer. It also offers hybrid trims for a lower price than the Ford Explorer, making it a more price-accessible option for those who want a hybrid SUV.
- All Toyota Highlander trims come with ToyotaCare, which covers normal factory scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles. The Ford Explorer does not come with a standard maintenance plan, but buyers may purchase extended service plans.
- The Toyota Highlander’s entry-level and top-level trims cost less than their Ford Explorer counterparts. The Toyota Highlander L has a $36,620 MSRP, and the Ford Explorer Base has a $36,760 MSRP, while the Toyota Highlander Platinum has a $49,275 MSRP and the Ford Explorer Platinum has a $54,820 MSRP.