VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
265hp @ 6000
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
310lb-ft @ 1700
Towing
5000lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140cc
2.4 L/146cc
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 300hp @ 5500 while the Toyota Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $45,155 for the Explorer and $47,640 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
265hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
310lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140cc
2.4 L/146cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
28 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
197.4in
Width (in)
78.9in
76in
Height (in)
69.6in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
4420lbs
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
—
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Explorer
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Explorer
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Lower starting price ($45,155)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Highlander
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Explorer or Highlander?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Highlander delivers 265hp @ 6000 and 310lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Highlander?
The Explorer starts from $45,155 and the Highlander from $47,640. The Explorer is cheaper by $2,485 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.