2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2024 Toyota Highlander Review

Picture of the 2025 Ford Explorer

2025 Ford
Explorer

MSRP*: $39,755 to $59,200
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

Picture of the 2024 Toyota Highlander

2024 Toyota
Highlander

MSRP*: $39,270 to $51,675
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City Info not available 21 - 22 MPG
MPG - Hwy Info not available 28 - 29 MPG
Seating Capacity 6 - 7 seats 7 - 8 seats
Cargo Space Info not available 84.3 ft3
Engine
  • 300-hp, 2.3-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 400-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 265-hp, 2.4-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain Four Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 300 - 400 hp 265 hp
Towing Capacity 5,300 - 5,600 lbs 5,000 lbs
Exterior Length 198.8 in 194.9 - 197.4 in
Exterior Width 78.9 in 76.0 in
Leg Room Front 42.9 - 43.0 in
Rear 38.3 - 39.0 in
Front 42.0 in
Rear 38.7 in
Head Room Front 38.9 - 40.7 in
Rear 38.2 - 40.5 in
Front 38.4 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.1 - 39.4 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The Ford Explorer offers a bit more room for passengers in the back seat than the Toyota Highlander. The Ford Explorer will be popular with taller drivers and passengers in the front seat, due to its greater front head- and legroom than the Toyota Highlander.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Whether you pick the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander, it's going to cost you about the same.

Dimensions
Since the Ford Explorer is much wider than the Toyota Highlander, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. When looking at overall length, the Ford Explorer takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Toyota Highlander.

Performance
With the Ford Explorer, you'll be able to pull heavier loads than the Toyota Highlander. The Ford Explorer has a little more horsepower than the Toyota Highlander.

Powertrain
With similar torque, the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander are about even in transmitting their respective horsepower to the wheels.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander.