Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander

Where the Pavement Ends, Adventure Begins

Rugged SUVs like the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander are your passport to uncharted paths and unforgettable memories. A standard or available all-wheel drive system comes with either SUV, providing your vehicle with the traction to grip even the most unforgiving types of terrain. A Terrain Management System™ aids during the most rugged environments; however, key differences within these systems set the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander apart.

While AWD is offered with each SUV, the base configuration of the Ford Explorer is capable enough to conquer the unknown. Its standard rear-wheel (RWD) drive system is ideal for off-roading since power comes from the back wheels. As a result, the Explorer is better positioned to push the vehicle forward, which is especially helpful on slippery surfaces like dirt trails or sand.

While the Highlander only offers an AWD system, the Explorer provides freedom of choice: RWD for casual adventures or AWD for rugged excursions.

Everyday Excursions Made Extraordinary

You know that a new adventure begins each time you take the wheel. From loading up your trailer for an unplugged weekend to a trip to the local ice cream shop after your daughter's science fair win, the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander are equipped to handle life's adventures with simplicity.

Each SUV comes with a standard or available power liftgate. This feature simplifies the loading and unloading of gear and groceries since a press on the key fob is all that's needed. Watch as the liftgate automatically opens, meaning you can make fewer trips and won't have to put an object down to manually open the rear of your SUV.

Say goodbye to driver fatigue on long journeys. With Ford’s exclusive BlueCruise, you can enjoy the ease of hands-free highway travel. Available BlueCruise harnesses advanced technology to steer, brake, and accelerate your Explorer seamlessly across more than 130,000 miles of North American roads. While keeping your attention on the road, BlueCruise lets you embrace precious moments with your family and arrive at your destination feeling recharged.

Bold Design Meets Unstoppable Spirit

While some prefer the geometric profile of other SUVs, you want your vehicle to break free from tradition. The Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander revolutionize the adventure SUV segment with modern designs. Rather than feature harsh corners and dramatic arches, these SUVs are designed with sleek lines and crisp contours. Who says rugged can't be refined?

To help align your SUV with your aesthetic, the Ford Explorer includes four unique styles for each of its five levels:

• Active 100A & Active: Features an understated design that doesn’t distract from the adventure ahead.
• ST-Line: Adds stealth to every commute with its blacked-out grille, sporty accents, and Red accent cabin stitching.
• Tremor: Hints at its rugged capabilities with an Electric Spice grille and wheel accents.
• Platinum: Epitomizes refinement with its scalloped grille and rich cabin accents.
• ST: Manages a balance of graceful aggression with its quad chrome exhaust system and 21-inch Magnetite-painted wheels.

While the Toyota Highlander has a similar number of trim levels, there are few discerning design differences between them, making them blend together while each of the Ford Explorer trims stands out.

Driving Into the Digital Age

Inside the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander, you’ll find a digital hub designed to keep you connected and entertained, no matter how far from home you roam. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ let you sync your smartphone to your SUV while keeping the cabin clear of cables. Effortlessly access your playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks with your phone’s interface mirrored directly on the display screen.

Sadly, this is where the similarities end for Highlander drivers. The Ford Explorer graciously steps into the contemporary podium with its exclusive features, including:

• Ford Digital Experience: Features a high-resolution, 13.2-inch touchscreen display with crisp colors and a fully customizable interface.
• Google Integration: Access Google Play, Google Maps, and Google Assistant without needing to sync your phone for the most connective experience.
• Advanced speaker system: Listen to music with concert-quality audio thanks to the 10-speaker B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®.

Google Assistant is your virtual assistant. It interprets natural speech commands to find points of interest, adjust cabin settings, and more. While the Highlander offers Intelligent Assistant, a similar voice recognition system, it doesn’t include the advanced capabilities offered by Google. Furthermore, Toyota’s Intelligent Assistant is only offered with a subscription.

Smarter Features, Safer Drives

Safety is non-negotiable. The Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander are crafted to boost confidence thanks to their innovative safety suites: Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ and Toyota SafetySense™ 2.5+. Each system uses sophisticated monitoring technology to work with your safe driving habits. Alerts are delivered when a hazard is detected. Some features may use evasive steering or braking measures when certain conditions are met.

Regardless of which SUV you choose, you’ll have access to features like:

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Keeping System
• Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control

The Ford Explorer’s Intersection Assist can boost your confidence behind the wheel. This feature adds an extra layer of confidence when navigating a busy intersection, providing alerts to oncoming cross-traffic and even assisting with evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision. Sadly, no similar feature is offered with the Toyota Highlander.

The SUV Built for Your Crew

From school drop-offs to weekend adventures, your vehicle's cabin must provide comfortable space for all on board. A spacious cabin is one of the many components you must consider. Luckily, there's no shortage of premium amenities in either the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander since each comes standard or optionally with:

• Second-row captain’s chairs
• Tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control
• Panoramic glass roof
• Cabin air filter
• Heated second-row seats

With Google Play integration, your Ford Explorer transforms into a mobile living room. While parked, you can stream videos on YouTube or Amazon Prime and enjoy a growing selection of compatible video games. Add the available Active Motion® massaging front seats, and those moments spent waiting for your take-out order or your son’s football practice to end become opportunities for pure relaxation and joy. Once again, the Highlander offers no comparable features.