2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the muscular power of the 2025 Ford Explorer and the efficiency champion, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, is a classic crossover conundrum. If sheer output matters most, the Explorer boasts a compelling 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, making it feel punchy right off the line compared to the Hybrid’s 245 hp. However, the financial story flips quickly: the Grand Highlander Hybrid costs $4,660 more initially, but its impressive 34 MPG combined crushes the Explorer's 24 MPG combined, saving significant money over the long haul. Furthermore, the Toyota offers better utility with a slightly larger 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet. While the Explorer uses traditional RWD and a 10-speed automatic, the Toyota leans into efficiency with standard AWD and a CVT, balancing daily usability across very different priorities.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid's significantly better 34 MPG combined fuel economy makes it the clear winner for daily driving economy.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
With greater height (72.1 inches) and slightly more cargo capacity at 20.6 cu ft, the Grand Highlander Hybrid offers more practical space for family gear.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer provides a substantial performance edge with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, appealing to drivers prioritizing acceleration.
2025 Ford Explorer
Despite lower fuel economy, the Explorer’s $40,050 MSRP is $4,660 less than the Toyota, offering a lower barrier to entry.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You prioritize maximum engine output, as the Explorer delivers 300 hp compared to the Hybrid's 245 hp.
- You are seeking a lower initial purchase price, starting at $40,050.
- You prefer the driving dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive platform paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- Saving on fuel is paramount, given its segment-leading 34 MPG combined rating.
- You need the extra utility, as its 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity exceeds the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.
- You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive capability right out of the box.
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 | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 36/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 34 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 619.2/550.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | 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 | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
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 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Toyota compared to the Ford?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is significantly more efficient, achieving 34 MPG combined, which is 10 MPG better than the 2025 Ford Explorer's 24 MPG combined rating. This difference will translate to fewer stops at the pump for the Toyota owner.
Is the Ford Explorer much quicker than the Grand Highlander Hybrid?
Yes, the Explorer offers noticeably more power, generating 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque from its engine. The Grand Highlander Hybrid produces 245 hp, meaning the Ford provides about 55 more horsepower for more spirited driving.
Which vehicle has a higher MSRP?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid carries a higher starting price of $44,710, making it $4,660 more expensive than the Ford Explorer's $40,050 MSRP.
Does one of these crossovers offer more standard utility space?
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid has a slight edge in utility, offering 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The Ford Explorer provides 18.2 cubic feet in the same configuration.
Are there major differences in their drivetrain configurations?
The Explorer features a rear-wheel-drive platform paired with a conventional 10-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Toyota comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission focused on efficiency.
Do these vehicles require premium fuel?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid specify regular unleaded as their required fuel type, keeping running costs predictable.
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