2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid lies in fuel efficiency, with the Highlander Hybrid achieving a combined 35 MPG compared to the Explorer's 24 MPG—an 11 MPG advantage. Performance metrics heavily favor the Explorer, boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Hybrid's 243 hp output. Pricewise, the Explorer undercuts the Highlander Hybrid by $6,770, starting at $40,050 versus $46,820. While the Explorer is physically larger at 198.8 inches long and offers slightly more cargo space at 18.2 cubic feet, the Highlander Hybrid counters with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) against the Explorer's Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) base configuration. These metrics set a clear trajectory for which vehicle excels in power versus long-term operational cost savings.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is superior for commuters due to its 35 MPG combined rating, significantly reducing weekly fuel expenditure.
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer offers superior spatial accommodations with a 198.8-inch length and 18.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer provides a substantial power advantage with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer has a lower entry barrier, priced $6,770 less than the Highlander Hybrid, offering more base horsepower for the dollar.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Maximum engine output is a priority, as the Explorer delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Buyers require more absolute passenger/cargo volume, characterized by its 198.8-inch length and 18.2 cu ft cargo capacity.
- The initial purchase price must remain below $41,000, as the MSRP starts at $40,050.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- Fuel economy is the absolute highest priority, evidenced by the 35 MPG combined rating.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive is necessary, whereas the Explorer's base is Rear-Wheel Drive.
- A lower overall vehicle height (68.1 inches) is preferred for garage fitment or access.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 194.9" |
| Width | 78.9" | 76.0" |
| Height | 69.9" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 112.2" |
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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
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 | 243 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 |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 598.5/598.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 17.1 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in 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 | — | 8.0 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 57.2 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | P235/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | 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 Highlander Hybrid.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid than the Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a significantly higher MSRP of $46,820, which is $6,770 more expensive than the 2025 Ford Explorer's starting price of $40,050.
Which crossover provides superior acceleration metrics based on specs?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is superior in raw power metrics, producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the Highlander Hybrid generates 243 hp.
What is the difference in fuel efficiency between the two models?
The Highlander Hybrid achieves a combined 35 MPG with identical city/highway ratings, outperforming the Explorer's 24 MPG combined rating (20 city/29 highway).
Does the base configuration of either vehicle include All-Wheel Drive?
No, the base 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the entry-level 2025 Ford Explorer utilizes a Rear-Wheel Drive system.
Which vehicle offers more cargo room behind the rear seats?
The 2025 Ford Explorer provides marginally more usable space, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 16 cubic feet.
Are there major differences in physical size that impact maneuverability?
Yes, the Explorer is substantially larger, measuring 198.8 inches in length and 78.9 inches in width, while the Highlander Hybrid is shorter at 194.9 inches and narrower at 76.0 inches.
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