2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The age-old crossover conundrum: do you prioritize raw power and a lower entry price, or long-term savings and efficiency? That’s the heart of the 2025 Ford Explorer versus the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid debate. The Explorer grabs attention with a $40,050 MSRP, significantly undercutting the Highlander Hybrid’s $47,020 price tag, and it packs a punch with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque from its RWD setup. However, the gap closes quickly at the pump; the Highlander Hybrid boasts an impressive 35 MPG combined, blowing past the Explorer's 24 MPG combined figure—a difference of 11 MPG. While the Explorer is physically larger at 198.8 inches long, the Highlander offers superior fuel economy for daily driving, leaving buyers to weigh upfront cost against substantial operational savings over three to five years of ownership.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its excellent 35 MPG combined efficiency.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer is slightly larger and offers more usable space, being 198.8 inches long compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer offers significantly more grunt, delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Despite the $6,970 higher starting MSRP, the 11 MPG efficiency advantage translates to better long-term value.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You need immediate power, as the Explorer provides 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, starting at $40,050.
- You prefer the dynamic feel of traditional rear-wheel drive for better handling balance.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- Fuel savings are paramount, evidenced by its stellar 35 MPG combined rating.
- You require standard all-wheel drive capability for varied conditions.
- You value a quieter powertrain experience inherent to the hybrid system.
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 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Highlander Hybrid than the 2025 Explorer?
The Highlander Hybrid starts at an MSRP of $47,020, making it $6,970 more expensive than the Explorer's base price of $40,050. This higher initial cost must be balanced against its significant fuel savings.
Is the power difference between these two crossovers noticeable during highway merging?
Absolutely; the 2025 Explorer offers 300 hp, which is substantially more than the Highlander Hybrid’s 243 hp. If you frequently pass or merge at speed, the Explorer’s extra 57 hp will be apparent.
Which crossover offers better fuel efficiency for a long daily commute?
The 2026 Highlander Hybrid is the clear winner for efficiency, delivering 35 MPG combined, while the Explorer manages only 24 MPG combined. That 11 MPG difference translates to fewer stops at the pump.
Does the Explorer's larger size translate to better cargo hauling ability?
The Explorer is longer at 198.8 inches versus the Highlander's 194.9 inches, but the published cargo capacities are close; the Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet compared to the Highlander Hybrid’s 16 cubic feet.
Are there major differences in the type of fuel required for these vehicles?
Fortunately, both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel, which simplifies fueling. However, the fuel consumption rate varies dramatically due to their respective powertrains.
What is the key difference regarding drivetrain layout?
The 2025 Ford Explorer features a rear-wheel drive setup paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive utilizing a continuously variable transmission.
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