When comparing midsize SUVs, two titans compete for supremacy. The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are versatile vehicles known for their practical designs, spacious interiors, and reliable performance. In this article, we compare the 2024 Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander to help you make an informed decision about which one best fits your lifestyle.
Exterior Design
The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander both feature modern, bold designs. The Explorer offers a muscular, rugged look with strong lines and a distinctive front grille, while the Highlander features a more sophisticated, sleek profile.
The Explorer is 70.2 inches tall, 198.8 inches long, and 78.9 inches wide, while the Highlander measures 68.1 inches tall, 194.9 inches long, and 76 inches wide. The Explorer also boasts a slightly longer wheelbase at 119.1 inches, while Toyota’s is 112.2 inches, giving the Explorer a more commanding presence on the road.
Interior and Comfort
Although both SUVs prioritize comfort and space, their approach to interior design differs distinctly. The Ford Explorer’s spacious cabin offers 152.7 cubic feet of passenger space, comfortably accommodating up to seven people. It also provides plenty of legroom for all passengers, as well as substantial cargo space, with 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.8 cubic feet behind the first row with all seats folded. This is ideal for if you have a large family or regularly embark on long journeys.
Despite its more compact exterior, the Highlander offers 141.8 cubic feet of passenger space, which can accommodate up to eight people but sacrifices slightly on comfort. Its cargo area is smaller than the Explorer’s, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.3 cubic feet with all seats folded. If you often transport lots of people and aren’t too concerned about passenger space, the extra seat may be just what you need.
Performance and Handling
The Ford Explorer offers several powertrains, including a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 300 hp and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that delivers 400 hp. The hybrid variant was discontinued in 2024. Both engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is optional. This SUV is designed for power and efficiency both on and off the road. It can tow up to 5,600 pounds with the available trailer tow package.
The Toyota Highlander offers a choice between a traditional gasoline or hybrid powertrain. The gas engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 265 hp. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The Toyota can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is less than the Explorer but still ideal for most weekend getaways. While both SUVs perform well, the Explorer’s available rear-wheel-drive setup enhances towing capacity and dynamic handling.
Safety and Reliability
Both SUVs prioritize safety with several advanced driver-assistance systems. The Ford Explorer features Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes standard technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning.
The Highlander’s Toyota Safety Sense suite offers similar features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Both SUVs were rated a 2024 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Technology and Features
If you’re tech-savvy, you’ll appreciate the cutting-edge technology in both SUVs. The Ford Explorer offers an 8-inch touch screen with SYNC 4, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, or an optional 10.1-inch vertical screen on the higher trims. Higher trims also feature voice-activated navigation and a powerful Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The Toyota Highlander comes with its own comprehensive technology features, including an 8-inch touch screen with integration for smartphone apps, while a 12.3-inch touch screen is optional. Higher trims also offer a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, while lower models have a traditional analog gauge with a small 7-inch information screen. A six-speaker audio system is standard, or you can opt for an available 11-speaker JBL audio system.
Pricing and Value
The Ford Explorer midsize SUV has a starting MSRP of $38,455, while the Highlander begins at $40,720. Although the Explorer has a more affordable base rate, you can expect to pay up to $59,310 for higher trims.
The Highlander edges ahead regarding value retention over time. Both models come with a limited warranty for three years or 36,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty for five years or 60,000 miles. Toyota includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, which Ford doesn’t.
The Pros and Cons of the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander
Below, we compare the advantages and disadvantages of the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.
Ford Explorer Pros
- Strong engine options.
- Superior towing capacity.
- Spacious interior with advanced technology features.
Ford Explorer Cons
- Expensive higher trims.
- No hybrid option.
Toyota Highlander Pros
- Smooth ride quality.
- Excellent fuel efficiency in hybrid models.
- Quality interior materials.
Toyota Highlander Cons
- Less towing capability than the Explorer.
- Smaller cargo space.
Experience the Ford Explorer at John Kennedy Ford Feasterville
Both the 2024 Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander have unique strengths, making them excellent choices in the midsize SUV category. The Explorer stands out for its rugged performance, towing capacity, and advanced technology, while the Highlander shines with its smooth ride and premium interior. Your choice will depend on your requirements, whether you prioritize power and space or comfort and efficiency. If you’re in the Feasterville, Pennsylvania, area, we invite you to visit John Kennedy Ford Feasterville for a firsthand experience. Contact us today for a test drive to determine which SUV is ideal for your lifestyle.
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