Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: SUV Giants Compared
Compare two of the top SUV giants, the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander, to find out which one comes out on top. Discover their key features, performance capabilities, and safety ratings in this comprehensive comparison.
When it comes to the SUV giants, the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander stand out as top contenders. These two vehicles offer exceptional performance, comfort, and versatility for those seeking a spacious and reliable SUV. The Ford Explorer boasts a powerful engine, advanced technology features, and a stylish design that appeals to adventure enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander impresses with its fuel efficiency, comfortable seating, and extensive safety features. Both SUVs provide ample cargo space and a smooth ride, making them ideal for family trips or daily commutes. Whether you prefer the ruggedness of the Ford Explorer or the practicality of the Toyota Highlander, these SUV giants are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
SUV giants: Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander, a comparison of two popular models. |
Both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander offer spacious interiors for comfortable seating. |
The Ford Explorer boasts powerful engine options, providing impressive performance on the road. |
The Toyota Highlander is known for its reliability and excellent fuel efficiency. |
When it comes to safety features, both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander offer advanced technologies. |
- The Ford Explorer offers a variety of trim levels and customization options for personalization.
- The Toyota Highlander provides a smooth and comfortable ride, ideal for long journeys.
- In terms of cargo space, the Ford Explorer offers ample room for all your storage needs.
- The Toyota Highlander comes with a range of driver-assist features to enhance safety on the road.
- Both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander have strong resale values, making them wise investments.
Which SUV offers more seating capacity: Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander?
When it comes to seating capacity, both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are spacious SUVs that can accommodate large families or groups. The Ford Explorer typically offers seating for up to seven passengers, with a third-row seat that can be folded down for additional cargo space. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander also has a seating capacity of up to eight passengers, making it a great choice for those who need extra seating.
SUV Model | Seating Capacity | Additional Features |
Ford Explorer | 7 | Third-row PowerFold® seats for added convenience |
Toyota Highlander | 8 | Available second-row captain’s chairs for enhanced comfort |
Comparison | – | Toyota Highlander offers seating for one additional passenger |
What are the engine options available for the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander?
The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander come with different engine options to suit various preferences and needs. The Ford Explorer offers a range of engines, including a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, and a hybrid powertrain option. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, as well as a hybrid powertrain option for improved fuel efficiency.
- Ford Explorer engine options:
- 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine
- 3.3L Hybrid V6 engine
- Toyota Highlander engine options:
- 3.5L V6 engine
- 2.5L Hybrid engine
- 3.5L Hybrid engine
Which SUV has better towing capabilities: Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander?
If you’re looking for an SUV with strong towing capabilities, both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander can handle moderate towing tasks. The Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped, making it suitable for towing small trailers or boats. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander has a slightly lower towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
- Ford Explorer offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds.
- Toyota Highlander has a lower maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
- Ford Explorer comes with a standard trailer sway control feature to enhance towing stability.
- Toyota Highlander lacks a dedicated trailer sway control feature, making it less stable during towing.
- Ford Explorer offers an available Class III Trailer Tow Package for even better towing capabilities.
What are the safety features offered by the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander?
The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander prioritize safety and come equipped with a range of advanced safety features. Both SUVs offer features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the Ford Explorer offers an optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, which includes additional safety technologies like evasive steering assist and voice-activated navigation.
Ford Explorer | Toyota Highlander |
1. Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology: Includes features such as Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System, Lane-Keeping System, and Rear View Camera. | 1. Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0: Offers features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. |
2. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™: Helps maintain stability and control during emergency maneuvers and on slippery surfaces. | 2. Star Safety System™: Consists of features like Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology®. |
3. SOS Post-Crash Alert System™: Activates the horn and emergency flashers in the event of an airbag deployment or fuel pump shut-off. | 3. Safety Connect®: Provides services like Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance, and Automatic Collision Notification. |
Which SUV has better fuel efficiency: Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander?
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander offer different options. The Ford Explorer’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine choice. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine offers decent fuel economy for its class, while the hybrid powertrain option provides even better fuel efficiency. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander’s standard V6 engine delivers competitive fuel economy, and the hybrid powertrain option offers even greater fuel efficiency.
The Toyota Highlander has better fuel efficiency compared to the Ford Explorer.
What are the interior features and technology offered by the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander?
The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander both come with a range of interior features and technology to enhance comfort and convenience. Both SUVs offer features such as touchscreen infotainment systems, smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and available premium audio systems. Additionally, the Ford Explorer offers optional features like a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate.
The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander offer advanced interior features and technology including touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance systems.
Which SUV has better off-road capabilities: Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander?
If you’re looking for an SUV with off-road capabilities, the Ford Explorer is a better choice compared to the Toyota Highlander. The Ford Explorer offers an available Terrain Management System with selectable drive modes, allowing you to optimize performance for different terrains. It also has an available Intelligent 4WD system for improved traction and stability. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander is more focused on providing a comfortable and smooth on-road driving experience.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is known for its excellent off-road capabilities. Here are some key features:
– Terrain Management System: The Explorer offers a Terrain Management System that allows the driver to select from different driving modes, such as mud/ruts, sand, and snow/gravel/grass. This system optimizes the SUV’s performance based on the terrain.
– Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System: The Explorer’s Intelligent 4WD system constantly monitors traction and adjusts torque distribution to provide maximum grip on challenging terrains.
– Hill Descent Control: This feature helps the Explorer maintain a steady speed while descending steep slopes, providing better control and stability.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander also offers impressive off-road capabilities. Here are some notable features:
– Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD: The Highlander’s AWD system intelligently distributes torque between the front and rear wheels, as well as between the left and right rear wheels, enhancing stability and traction on uneven surfaces.
– Multi-Terrain Select: The Highlander provides a Multi-Terrain Select system that allows the driver to choose from different modes like mud & sand, rock & dirt, and snow. This system adjusts throttle response and braking to suit the selected terrain.
– Downhill Assist Control: Similar to the Explorer’s Hill Descent Control, the Highlander’s Downhill Assist Control helps maintain a steady speed while descending steep slopes, ensuring a safe and controlled off-road experience.
Conclusion
Both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander offer impressive off-road capabilities. However, the Explorer’s Terrain Management System and Intelligent 4WD system provide a more advanced and versatile off-road experience. On the other hand, the Highlander’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD and Multi-Terrain Select system offer excellent stability and control. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on specific preferences and requirements.