Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
The Continued Rivalry of the Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
How much have the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander changed in this new model year? Let’s take a look at this 3 row SUV comparison.
Note: Due to the overlap of model years, we’ll include the 2025 Explorer which will challenge 2024 Highlanders for about six months.
What’s New This Model Year
2024 Toyota Highlanders in Phoenix are part of the generation introduced in 2023. They come in 5 trim levels. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard. These 3 row SUVs come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 driver assistance. 2025 Highlanders should appear by December, but details are not clear yet.
2024 Explorers also have an 8-inch touchscreen that is upgraded to a unique vertical 10.2-inch touchscreen on higher trims. With eight editions, it’s easier to find a good price point. Plus you can find a rugged trail partner in the Explorer Timberline. Standard driver assistance and related features include frontal collision warning systems, lane departure warning assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, and more.
The 2025 Ford Explorer has an all new look inside and out. There are new interior color schemes and an available contrast black roof. Standard driver assist features are even more plentiful, and Ford BlueCruise is offered on more trims.
The Explorer dash wears a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen that is a good partner for the 12.3-inch digital driver information display. Other 2025 goodies include the introduction of the Ford Digital Experience. This includes the standard Google Assistant and integrated Google Maps.
Explorer vs Highlander Cabin Size
When you hear about a 3 row SUV, you have every right to wonder whether it has a third row big enough for humans. After all, our kids are growing all the time. We need a safe place to put them.
2024 Explorer passenger volume is 152.7 cubic feet while the 2024 Toyota lags with 141.8 cubes. That’s a difference of 12 cubic feet. That’s about the size of one child!
Furthermore, the second row legroom is slightly better than the 2024 Highlander. Even more important, the Explorer has 4.2 inches of extra third row legroom. The Highlander has a miniscule 28 inches while the 2024 Ford Explorer has a much more worthy 32.2 inches.
Beyond the numbers, Highlanders have a few flaws that hurt passenger space. One is the high floor which makes the third row so cramped. The other is the uneven front seat armrests that are awkward for the users.
New for 2025, the Explorer has been redesigned with a new dashboard that allows for more space for front row riders. It is still incredibly hospitable to second and third row riders, making it a better choice for big families. Explorer Active models have power-adjustable chairs for both the driver and front passenger. You’ll find some exciting Ford Explorer offers and manufacturer incentives at our Phoenix Ford dealership.
Utility
A big 3 row SUV needs to be tough and strong. You can bet that the 2024 Explorer matches those criteria. It has a bigger cargo hold and a bigger overall cargo area. That means you can stuff in more stuff when the family is going on a trip.
Explorers have excellent tow ratings. Plus they have Ford’s trailer backup assist technology. That’s something you won’t find on the Toyota Highlander.
New for 2025, the entry level Explorer Active comes ready to pull a load. The trailering package is now standard even at this lowest price point. You can get trailer assistance for safer maneuvers while hitching, traveling in reverse, or handling the extended blind spot.
Cargo space has changed for the 2025 Explorer model year. To learn more, check out this new Explorer review. You’ll find information about standard features and available amenities, including wireless charging, wireless apple carplay and panoramic moonroofs.
Explorer vs Highlander Performance
The 2024 Toyota Highlander has a 265-horsepower engine that is sure to lag behind the Explorer’s 300-horsepower engine. As Edmunds writes, the Explorer can easily outpace the competition. Their test drivers praise its uncommonly good handling. Consumer Reports calls it relatively agile for its size. Kelley Blue Book puts it in the top tier of its segment based on its swift 0-60 mph sprint.
Standard rear-wheel drive gives a racier edge to the Explorer’s handling. Highlanders have the more conventional front-wheel drivetrain.
As a second choice engine, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has good fuel efficiency, but it is truly underpowered. Going a different direction entirely, the 2024 Explorer ST has a twin-turbocharged V6. This remarkable engine cranks out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
For 2025, the Explorer continues its dominance with the 300-hp and 400-hp engines.Plus Explorers have Ford’s excellent 10 speed automatic transmission, which has been recalibrated for 2025. You can bet those extra gears provide an advantage over the Highlander’s 8-speed unit.
Conclusion
While the Highlander is fine, the 2024 Explorer pulls ahead in important categories ranging from style to size to performance. Preserving everything good and adding so much more, the 2025 Ford Explorer really pushes ahead of the competition.
Schedule a test drive of the new Ford Explorer and discover its value for yourself.
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Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown.
Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details.