2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

Picture of the 2025 Ford Explorer

2025 Ford
Explorer

MSRP*: $39,755 to $59,200
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Picture of the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

2024 Toyota
Highlander Hybrid

MSRP*: $40,970 to $53,375
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MPG - City Info not available 35 - 36 MPG
MPG - Hwy Info not available 34 - 35 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)
  • 243-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gas/Electric Hybrid)
Transmission Automatic Continuously Variable
Drivetrain Four Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 300 - 400 hp 243 hp
Towing Capacity 5,300 - 5,600 lbs 3,500 lbs
Exterior Length 198.8 in 194.9 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 Hybrid. 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 Hybrid.

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 Hybrid, it's going to cost you about the same.

Dimensions
Since the Ford Explorer is much wider than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 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 Hybrid.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Ford Explorer is clearly the choice over the Toyota Highlander Hybrid for pulling heavy loads. The Ford Explorer has a little more horsepower than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Powertrain
Due to its much higher torque, the Ford Explorer does a much better job of transmitting its engine's horsepower to its wheels than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Utility
The Ford Explorer has less seating than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, making the Toyota Highlander Hybrid the better choice, if you need to chauffeur many passengers.