2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Toyota Highlander is the $5,220 difference in MSRP, with the Explorer starting at $40,050 versus the Highlander's $45,270. Performance metrics also diverge, as the Explorer generates 300 hp from its standard engine, substantially outperforming the Highlander’s 265 hp. Both vehicles achieve an identical 24 MPG combined rating, though the Explorer is slightly larger, measuring 198.8 inches in length compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches. Cargo capacity favors the Explorer, offering 18.2 cubic feet against the Highlander's 16.0 cubic feet. The primary mechanical distinction involves drivetrain, as the Explorer utilizes standard Rear Wheel Drive while the Highlander includes All Wheel Drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Highlander offers superior City MPG at 21 versus the Explorer's 20, which benefits stop-and-go driving efficiency.
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Explorer provides 18.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, exceeding the Highlander's 16.0 cubic feet for increased utility.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer delivers 300 hp, offering a 35 hp advantage over the Highlander's 265 hp output.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer wins on price, starting $5,220 lower than the Highlander while offering higher horsepower.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Your budget prioritizes a lower entry price point, beginning at $40,050.
- Maximum power is essential, as the Explorer produces 300 hp compared to 265 hp.
- You prefer the stability characteristics of a standard Rear Wheel Drive platform.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- All Wheel Drive capability is a mandatory specification for your primary driving conditions.
- Slightly better city fuel economy (21 MPG vs. 20 MPG) is a deciding factor.
- You value a vehicle with marginally smaller exterior dimensions (194.9 inches length vs. 198.8 inches).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 375.9/501.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 17.9 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 | P235/65R V |
| 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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2026 Toyota Highlander.
What is the key drivetrain difference between the 2025 Explorer and the 2026 Highlander?
The 2025 Ford Explorer comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive, which is often preferred for handling dynamics. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander includes All Wheel Drive as standard equipment, offering enhanced traction in adverse conditions.
How does the standard engine performance compare between these two crossovers?
The Explorer holds a distinct power advantage, generating 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander produces 265 hp with the same 310 lb-ft of torque rating, meaning the Explorer offers 35 more horsepower.
Which vehicle is significantly more affordable based on the MSRP figures?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is the more accessible option, with an MSRP of $40,050. This represents a $5,220 savings compared to the 2026 Toyota Highlander's starting price of $45,270.
Do the fuel economy ratings differ substantially between the two models?
Both vehicles share an identical 24 MPG combined rating. However, the Highlander edges out the Explorer slightly in city driving by achieving 21 City MPG versus the Explorer's 20 City MPG, while the Explorer has a minor highway advantage at 29 MPG.
Is one vehicle demonstrably larger or offer more usable cargo space?
The Explorer is physically larger in length (198.8 inches vs. 194.9 inches) and width. This translates directly to storage capacity, as the Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet of cargo room compared to the Highlander's 16.0 cubic feet.
What are the differences in the standard automatic transmissions used?
The 2025 Ford Explorer utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2026 Toyota Highlander is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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