If you've been out shopping for a new SUV, you've probably wondered what the differences are between the 2023 Ford Explorer vs. a 2023 Toyota Highlander. Full-sized SUVs offer a lot of the same features across the board and the Explorer and the Highlander are no exception. Our comparison guide takes a magnifying glass to these two models and shows why the Explorer gives buyers a better value for their dollar.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- They are both seven-seater SUVs; the Explorer offers more passenger room.
- Slightly more cargo space in the Explorer.
- More fuel efficiency in the Highlander, but more power from the Explorer.
WHICH SUV HAS MORE POWER?
Matchup after matchup, whenever an SUV is paired up against the Explorer, time after time the competition pales in comparison. The Explorer is a powerhouse of an SUV, offering multiple power trains each one stacking up stronger against the Highlander. The standard engine for the Explorer is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 with a maximum of 300 horsepower. For comparison, the standard engine of the Highlander is a 2.4 I-4 with 265 horsepower. A huge difference, especially behind the wheel. The Ford offers a total of three powertrains, the other two are a 3.3-liter hybrid V6 and a 3.0-liter Ecoboost V6, getting 318 and 400 hp respectively.
The only other engine the Highlander offers is a 2.5-liter V4 hybrid, with 243 horsepower. You've got to give it to both of these vehicles for providing a hybrid, more fuel-efficient option. However, the Explorer exchanges some of its fuel efficiency for power, but not by much. The Highlander gets a slightly higher fuel rating estimate than the Explorer for both its gas and hybrid. While the gas disparity isn't much off, it's the hybrid that shows the true difference in fuel efficiency when comparing engines. The Highlander hybrid engine gets 36 mpg and the Explorer hybrid gets 27 mpg.
OFF-ROADING & TOWING: THE EXPLORER
The Explorer has the Highlander beat in both off-roading capabilities and towing. It can tow 600 pounds more than the Highlander, maxing out at a total of 5,600 pounds. The standard drive train on an Explorer is a four-wheel drive compared to the all-wheel drive system a Highlander has. The Explorer has the higher ground clearance and comes equipped with a terrain management system further emphasizing its off-the-lot readiness for any terrain. The Highlander does not offer any trims that cater to off-roading unlike the Explorer with the Timberline trim, which furthers its off-road features with upgraded shocks, skid plates and more. The Terrain Management system that comes with the Explorer is an intelligent off-roading system that gives the Explorer an additional edge because it can adapt to multiple different terrains.
DOES THE EXPLORER HAVE MORE FEATURES THAN THE HIGHLANDER?
It depends on what features you're looking for in your next SUV, as both these cars vary in what they offer across their trims. However, we find that the Explorer has more to offer on its base trim than the Highlander.
The Explorer gives passengers about an inch more head and leg room than the Highlander and is the longer and wider of the two. The Explorer maxes its cargo capacity at over 87 cubic feet while the Highlander stops at just over 84 cubic feet. Some standard features that the Explorer includes that the Highlander doesn't are rear parking aids, remote engine start, and remote trunk release. On the other hand the Highlander has a standard keyless start, adaptive cruise control, and heated mirrors which aren’t on the Explorer.
WARRANTY AND PRICE
The Highlander and the Explorer both come with their versions of a warranty that help justify their price points. For the Highlander you can get the same as the Explorer, with a 36,000 mile over three years basic warranty and 60,000 miles over 5 years of their powertrain warranty The Highlander offers a free maintenance plan while the Explorer does not. On average, both of these cars are going to cost you about the same starting at around $36,600.
WHICH IS THE BETTER SUV IN 2023?
For nearly the same price, you're getting a stronger powertrain, better towing statistics, and a roomier cabin with the Explorer. The Highlander and the Explorer are going to keep you safe on every drive with their nearly identical safety features across a few different trims. Overall, the Explorer offers more to buyers for their money and will prove reliable for years to come - under any condition.