Explorer vs Highlander
For three-row suv shoppers, the Explorer from Ford and the Highlander from Toyota are two of the obvious candidates. Neither car runs away with this one; most of the differences are small enough to shrug off.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Explorer wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Highlander wins
- Space & Practicality Highlander wins
- Off-road & Towing Explorer wins
- Engine & Performance6.3
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Off-road & Towing6.0
- Engine & Performance5.1
- Fuel Economy & Range9.3
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Explorer has 35 hp more power
It’s a small lead (300 hp versus 265 hp), but it’s real, and it goes to the Explorer. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Highlander has room for 8 seats
The Explorer isn’t far behind at 7 seats, but the Highlander’s 8 seats still comes out ahead. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
-
The Explorer has 600 lb more towing capacity
A narrow win for the Explorer. With 5,600 lb to 5,000 lb, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
-
The Explorer has
The Highlander sits lower on wheelbase at 112.2 in; the Explorer lists 119.1 in. Think about which suits your habits. Neither is better in general; it’s a trade-off between cabin space and maneuverability.
-
The Highlander has better city fuel economy
Close, but not identical: the Highlander lists 22 mpg and the Explorer lists 20 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Highlander starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
The Explorer is physically larger, so the Highlander will be the easier fit wherever space is limited.
Dimensions
| Spec | Explorer | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8 in | 194.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 69.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Explorer leads
The engine & performance comparison is tighter than it first looks, with the Explorer marginally ahead. The Explorer steps ahead thanks to 35 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Prioritize engine & performance, and the Explorer is where you should land.
Total system output
Explorer: 300 hp Highlander: 265 hp The Explorer’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Highlander leads
On balance, the Highlander leads the fuel economy & range section, just not by much. The Highlander gives you better city fuel economy. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the Highlander is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (city)
Explorer: 20 mpg Highlander: 22 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Highlander has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Highlander leads
The Explorer comes close on space & practicality, but the Highlander does just enough to lead. The Highlander stands out with room for 8 seats. The Highlander has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. That makes the Highlander the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Seats
Explorer: 7 seats Highlander: 8 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Explorer leads
On off-road & towing, the difference is modest, and it favors the Explorer. The Explorer wins here with 600 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. For off-road & towing, the Explorer is the one to beat.
Max towing
Explorer: 5,600 lb Highlander: 5,000 lb If you tow regularly, the Explorer’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Explorer | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 300 hp (winner) | 265 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Explorer | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 22 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Explorer | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 16 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 84.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Explorer | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,600 lb (winner) | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Explorer | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 13.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Ford Co-Pilot360 | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Explorer | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8 in | 194.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 69.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Explorer | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,050 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Explorer if…
- you want more power (300 hp vs 265 hp)
- you want the higher towing capacity (5,600 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you like more of everything, size included
Choose the Highlander if…
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you want better city fuel economy (22 mpg vs 20 mpg)
- you want the more compact car
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Explorer or the Highlander?
The Highlander wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you’d rather have 35 hp more power on the Explorer.
Which is larger, the Explorer or the Highlander?
The larger model here is the Explorer (198.8 × 78.9 × 69.9 in); the Highlander is more compact at 194.9 in.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Ford’s Explorer against Toyota’s Highlander. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is room for 8 seats, and that goes to the Highlander. There’s a bonus as well: the Highlander has better city fuel economy. The Explorer’s strongest argument is 35 hp more power.
If your days lean on engine & performance, I’d pick the Explorer; if they lean on fuel economy & range, the Highlander.
My pick: the Highlander, unless having 35 hp more power matters more to you than the rest.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.