Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Family Car Comparison
Compare the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, two popular family cars. Discover their key features, performance, and safety ratings to make an informed decision for your family’s needs.
When it comes to choosing a family car, the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are two popular options that offer comfort, space, and reliability. These SUVs are designed with families in mind, providing ample seating and cargo capacity for all your needs. The Ford Explorer boasts a powerful engine and a smooth ride, making it perfect for long road trips or daily commutes. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander offers excellent fuel efficiency and advanced safety features, ensuring peace of mind for parents. Both vehicles come equipped with modern technology and entertainment options to keep everyone entertained during the journey. Whether you prefer the ruggedness of the Ford Explorer or the efficiency of the Toyota Highlander, these family cars are sure to meet your expectations.
Ford Explorer offers spacious seating and ample cargo capacity for family needs. |
Toyota Highlander provides a comfortable and smooth ride for the whole family. |
Ford Explorer comes with advanced safety features to ensure the well-being of your family. |
Toyota Highlander boasts excellent fuel efficiency, making it cost-effective for family trips. |
Ford Explorer offers a powerful engine option for those seeking a more adventurous drive. |
- The Ford Explorer has a higher towing capacity, making it suitable for family vacations.
- The Toyota Highlander prioritizes comfort with its plush interior and smooth handling.
- Ford Explorer features advanced technology such as a touchscreen infotainment system for entertainment on the go.
- The Toyota Highlander has a reputation for reliability, ensuring peace of mind for family journeys.
- Ford Explorer offers optional third-row seating, accommodating larger families or extra passengers.
What are the key differences between Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander?
Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are both popular choices for family cars, but they have some key differences. One major difference is in their size and seating capacity. The Ford Explorer is generally larger and can accommodate up to seven passengers, while the Toyota Highlander typically seats up to eight passengers.
Price | Fuel Efficiency | Seating Capacity |
Ford Explorer is generally more affordable. | Toyota Highlander tends to have better fuel efficiency. | Ford Explorer typically has more seating capacity. |
Prices for Ford Explorer start at around $32,000. | Toyota Highlander offers hybrid models for improved fuel efficiency. | Toyota Highlander can accommodate up to 8 passengers. |
Prices for Toyota Highlander start at around $36,000. | Ford Explorer offers various engine options with different fuel efficiency levels. | Ford Explorer can accommodate up to 7 passengers. |
Another difference is in their performance and engine options. The Ford Explorer offers a range of engine choices, including more powerful V6 and V8 options, while the Toyota Highlander is typically equipped with a V6 engine. This may result in differences in acceleration and towing capacity between the two vehicles.
Which SUV has better fuel efficiency: Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander?
When comparing the fuel efficiency of the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, it’s important to consider factors such as engine size, drivetrain, and overall vehicle weight.
- Ford Explorer:
- The base model of the Ford Explorer has a fuel efficiency rating of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
- The hybrid version of the Ford Explorer offers even better fuel efficiency, with an estimated rating of 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- The Ford Explorer also has an EcoBoost engine option, which provides a good balance between power and fuel efficiency.
- Toyota Highlander:
- The base model of the Toyota Highlander has a fuel efficiency rating of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- The hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander offers superior fuel efficiency, with an estimated rating of 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- The Toyota Highlander also has an Eco mode, which optimizes the vehicle’s performance for better fuel economy.
- Conclusion:
- Both the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander offer good fuel efficiency ratings for SUVs.
- The hybrid versions of both models provide significantly better fuel efficiency than their base models.
- However, the Toyota Highlander hybrid has a higher fuel efficiency rating compared to the Ford Explorer hybrid.
The Toyota Highlander generally has better fuel efficiency compared to the Ford Explorer. This is partly due to its smaller engine size and lighter weight. The Highlander is often equipped with a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine option, while the Explorer offers larger V6 and V8 engines that consume more fuel.
Which SUV offers more cargo space: Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander?
When it comes to cargo space, both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander offer ample room for your family’s belongings. However, there are some differences in terms of overall cargo capacity and versatility.
- Ford Explorer
- Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander generally has more cargo space behind the third-row seats, allowing for greater storage capacity when all seats are in use. On the other hand, the Ford Explorer may offer more cargo space when the third-row seats are folded down, as it has a larger overall interior volume.
Which SUV has better safety ratings: Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander?
Safety is a top priority when choosing a family car, and both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander have strong safety features. However, safety ratings can vary depending on the specific model year and trim level.
Safety Ratings | Ford Explorer | Toyota Highlander |
Overall Safety Rating | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
Frontal Crash Rating | 5 Stars | 4 Stars |
Side Crash Rating | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conduct safety tests on vehicles. It’s recommended to check their websites for the most up-to-date safety ratings for the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.
Which SUV offers a smoother ride: Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander?
When it comes to ride comfort, both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander offer a smooth and comfortable driving experience for families.
When it comes to offering a smoother ride, the Toyota Highlander is often considered superior to the Ford Explorer.
The Ford Explorer is known for its responsive handling and sportier driving dynamics, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more engaging driving experience. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander is often praised for its comfortable and quiet ride, making it a great choice for long family trips.
Which SUV has better towing capacity: Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander?
When it comes to towing capabilities, the Ford Explorer generally offers higher towing capacity compared to the Toyota Highlander.
When it comes to towing capacity, the Ford Explorer generally has a higher rating compared to the Toyota Highlander.
The Ford Explorer is often equipped with more powerful engine options, including V6 and V8 engines, which provide greater towing power. This makes it a better choice if you plan on towing trailers, boats, or other heavy loads.
Which SUV is more affordable: Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander?
When comparing the affordability of the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, it’s important to consider factors such as trim levels, optional features, and current market prices.
1. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is known for its affordability in the SUV market. It has a starting price that is generally lower compared to the Toyota Highlander. Additionally, Ford often offers various incentives and discounts on the Explorer, making it even more affordable for potential buyers.
2. Toyota Highlander
While the Toyota Highlander is a reliable and popular SUV, it tends to have a higher starting price compared to the Ford Explorer. However, it is important to consider that the Highlander often comes with a higher resale value, which can offset the initial cost difference in the long run.
3. Factors to Consider
When comparing the affordability of the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, it is essential to consider other factors such as fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, insurance rates, and potential discounts or incentives offered by dealerships. It is recommended to research and compare these factors to make an informed decision based on individual preferences and budget constraints.
In general, the Toyota Highlander tends to have a slightly lower starting price compared to the Ford Explorer. However, as you move up in trim levels and add optional features, the price difference between the two vehicles may vary.