2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Explorer bursts onto the scene with a thrilling 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, leveraging its RWD platform for a more engaging feel, starting at a competitive $40,050. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid captivates with its remarkable efficiency, delivering an impressive 36 combined MPG, significantly besting the Explorer's 24 combined MPG. While the Explorer dominates in raw power, showcasing 55 more horsepower than the Toyota's 245 hp system, the Grand Highlander maximizes utility with a larger 20.6 cu ft cargo area compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft. The $4,160 price gap also plays heavily into the decision, as does the Hybrid's superior 37/34 MPG city/highway versus the Explorer's 20/29 MPG, making the Toyota the clear marathon runner versus the Explorer's powerful sprint.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid offers vastly superior fuel economy at 36 combined MPG, crucial for daily driving costs.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid provides more utility with 20.6 cu ft of cargo space and standard AWD capability.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer’s superior 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a traditional RWD setup, promises a more dynamic driving experience.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer undercuts the competition significantly with an MSRP of $40,050, offering high horsepower for a lower entry price.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You prioritize maximum acceleration, benefiting from the 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the driving dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive platform paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Budget is a primary concern, as the Explorer starts $4,160 less expensive than the Grand Highlander Hybrid.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- Minimizing fuel stops is essential, thanks to the segment-leading 36 combined MPG rating.
- Maximum passenger and gear hauling is required, utilizing the best-in-class 20.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You demand the all-weather security provided by its standard all-wheel drive system.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 201.4" |
| Width | 78.9" | 78.3" |
| Height | 69.9" | 72.1" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | — |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 37/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 36 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 636.4/584.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 17.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 12.3 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid than the Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid carries an MSRP of $44,210, creating a $4,160 price difference when stacked against the Ford Explorer's starting price of $40,050.
Which vehicle is significantly better on gas for long road trips?
The Grand Highlander Hybrid is the clear efficiency champion, achieving 36 combined MPG, a massive 12 MPG advantage over the Explorer's 24 combined MPG rating.
Is the Ford Explorer much faster than the Toyota Hybrid?
Yes, the Explorer holds a considerable power advantage, boasting 300 horsepower compared to the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 245 horsepower, offering 55 more horsepower for spirited driving.
Do these crossovers offer similar overall dimensions?
While both are large crossovers, the Toyota is slightly longer at 201.4 inches and notably taller at 72.1 inches, while the Explorer is wider at 78.9 inches.
Which car uses a more traditional transmission?
The 2025 Ford Explorer utilizes a conventional 10-speed automatic transmission, whereas the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
How does the cargo space compare behind the third row?
The Grand Highlander Hybrid is slightly more practical for cargo, offering 20.6 cubic feet, which is 2.4 cubic feet more than the 18.2 cubic feet available in the Ford Explorer.
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