Toyota Highlander vs Ford Explorer
When your travels around Amherst, Manchester, and Derry, NH, require an upgrade, purchasing a reliable SUV—like the 2021 Toyota Highlander or 2021 Ford Explorer—is just what you need. Both provide the power and safety features you need, as well as comfort you want.We at Ira Toyota of Manchester have created this Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer comparison to help you decide which SUV most closely matches your needs. Keep reading to learn more, or skip to browsing our Highlander inventory here.
Toyota Highlander vs Ford Explorer: Performance Capabilities
Driving the Highlander or Explorer means having access to powerful capabilities. But impressive horsepower isn’t all these vehicles have to offer. Their powerful engines make it possible to bring your favorite outdoor toys along for the ride. Let’s take a closer look!
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Toyota Highlander vs Ford Explorer: Performance Specs |
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Highlander |
Explorer |
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Engine |
3.5L V6 |
2.3L EcoBoost® |
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Horsepower |
295 HP |
300 HP |
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Towing Capacity |
5,000 pounds |
5,600 pounds |
Whether you choose the Highlander or Explorer, you’re in for an equally powerful commute. But which makes it possible to travel longer distances without needing to refuel?
The Highlander comes standard with an EPA-estimated 21 city/29 highway MPG.1 The Explorer, on the other hand, offers a slightly improved city fuel rating with its EPA-estimated 27 city/29 highway MPG.
Although, if you’re looking for a truly fuel-efficient commute, the Highlander is the way to go. When you drive one of their four hybrid models, you’ll obtain an EPA-estimated 36 city/35 highway MPG.1
Toyota Highlander vs Ford Explorer: Interior Features
Traveling inside either the Highlander or Explorer means having access to comfortable amenities. For example, both come standard with three-zone automatic climate control, which gives you and your passengers the freedom to independently set and adjust your climate settings as you commute.
Additionally, heated and ventilated front seats are available with both models.
Technology is where these vehicles really shine. Standard features of both SUVs include:
- 8-inch touchscreen display
- SiriusXM® All Access trial subscription
- Built-in Wi-Fi
Where the 2021 Highlander takes the lead is with the Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connective features. With this, you can pair your smartphone to your SUV and use the touchscreen to filter through your song options. While it’s a standard feature with the Highlander, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are only offered with the available SYNC® 3 system in the Explorer.
Highlander vs Explorer: Advanced Safety Systems
The safety of you and your passengers is the most important thing. That’s why both the Highlander and Explorer come standard with a comprehensive safety suite. Let’s take a closer look!
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Toyota Highlander vs Ford Explorer: Standard Safety |
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Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ |
Ford Co-Pilot 360™ |
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While both SUVs provide comprehensive safety suites, only with the Highlander do you get additional safety features—like adaptive cruise control, lane tracing, and sign assist—included in the standard safety suite. With the Explorer, an available upgrade is needed.
Toyota Highlander vs Ford Explorer: The Verdict
After reading through our Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer comparison, you can see that both SUVs provide the power, comfort, and safety you need to give your travels around Amherst, Manchester, and Derry, New Hampshire, the upgrade you need. Although, after reading, it’s clear the Highlander is the way to go.
To learn more about this vehicle and all the ways it’ll improve your commute, contact or visit us at Ira Toyota of Manchester today!
1EPA-estimated 21 city/29 highway/24 combined MPG for 2021 Highlander; 20 city/27 highway/23 combined MPG for 2021 Highlander AWD; 36 city/35 highway/36 combined MPG for 2021 Highlander Hybrid. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
