2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2026 Ford Explorer often comes down to prioritizing space versus initial cost and power delivery. If you need maximum passenger and cargo volume, the Grand Highlander, at 201.4 inches long, offers superior utility with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, compared to the Explorer's smaller 16.3 cubic feet. However, the Explorer fights back with a base MSRP of $38,330, undercutting the Toyota's $40,860 starting price, while also boasting higher output with 300 horsepower versus the Grand Highlander's 265 hp. Both models manage the same 24 MPG combined, utilizing regular unleaded fuel, but the Explorer uses a slightly more advanced 10-speed automatic transmission while the Toyota relies on an 8-speed. Ultimately, deciding hinges on whether that extra 35 horsepower and lower entry price outweigh Toyota's noted size advantage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander's FWD setup and slightly better highway MPG (28 vs 29) are similar, but the overall efficiency for stop-and-go commuting marginally favors Toyota, despite the Explorer's slightly better highway number.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander provides significantly more utility with a larger 20.6 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft, which is crucial for hauling family gear.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer appeals more with its higher output of 300 horsepower and a more engaging 10-speed automatic transmission paired with its standard RWD platform.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers 35 more horsepower for an MSRP that is $2,530 cheaper than the Grand Highlander, providing more bang for the initial dollar spent.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You need the absolute maximum cargo hauling capability, evidenced by its 20.6 cu ft cargo volume.
- You prefer the proven reliability often associated with Toyota's 8-speed automatic transmission.
- You need a slightly larger physical footprint at 201.4 inches in length for maximum passenger comfort.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Maximizing base engine power is key, as the 300 hp engine is noticeably stronger than Car 1's 265 hp.
- You prioritize a lower initial outlay, with the Explorer starting $2,530 less at $38,330 MSRP.
- You prefer a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) biased platform for driving dynamics, unlike Car 1's standard FWD.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 198.8" |
| Width | 78.3" | 78.9" |
| Height | 70.1" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| 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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 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 | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/28 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2026 Ford Explorer.
Does the extra horsepower in the Ford Explorer translate to better fuel economy?
Surprisingly, no; both vehicles list an identical 24 MPG combined economy. However, the Explorer edges out the Grand Highlander slightly on the highway with 29 MPG versus 28 MPG, but loses a point in the city (20 MPG vs 21 MPG).
Which SUV is physically bigger inside for storage?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the clear winner for cargo space, offering 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row. The 2026 Ford Explorer lags significantly here, providing only 16.3 cubic feet in the same configuration.
How much more expensive is the Toyota Grand Highlander compared to the Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander starts at an MSRP of $40,860. This is $2,530 more expensive than the 2026 Ford Explorer's base MSRP of $38,330.
Is the Ford Explorer's RWD setup noticeable for daily driving?
The Explorer comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), which often offers better handling balance than the Grand Highlander’s standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD). While both use regular unleaded, the RWD layout might feel different, especially in poor weather conditions.
How do the transmissions compare between these two crossovers?
The Ford Explorer utilizes a more advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, designed to help manage its 300 horsepower. The Toyota Grand Highlander uses a dependable 8-speed automatic transmission, which is optimized for its slightly less powerful 265 hp engine.
Are the dimensions very different between the two models?
Yes, the Toyota Grand Highlander is physically longer at 201.4 inches compared to the Explorer's 198.8 inches, suggesting more potential cabin space. However, the Explorer is slightly wider at 78.9 inches versus the Toyota's 78.3 inches.
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