VS
At a Glance
Power
400hp @ 5500
265hp @ 6000
Torque
415lb-ft @ 3500
310lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 400hp @ 5500 while the Toyota Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Explorer returns 22 mpg est. while the Highlander uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $56,905 for the Explorer and $53,225 for the Highlander. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Ford ExplorerST 4WD 2026 - From $56,905
Toyota HighlanderPlatinum AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $53,225
Performance
Power Output (hp)
400hp @ 5500
265hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
415lb-ft @ 3500
310lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (2025)mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
28 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
20.2gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
194.9in
Width (in)
78.9in
76in
Height (in)
69.8in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4766lbs
4453lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Highlander
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Highlander
Value
Highlander
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota Highlander
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($53,225)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Highlander?
The Explorer gets 22 mpg est. and the Highlander gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Highlander is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Explorer or Highlander?
The Explorer produces 400hp @ 5500 and 415lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Highlander delivers 265hp @ 6000 and 310lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Highlander?
The Explorer starts from $56,905 and the Highlander from $53,225. The Highlander is cheaper by $3,680 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Highlander?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Highlander can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Highlander?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.