Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
When you need an SUV with three rows to support your large family or all your belongings, models like the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are splendid options. Each SUV is safe and reliable. Plus, their pleasant driving demeanors make for enjoyable travels around Rising Sun, North East, and Elkton, MD.
What happens when you pit the Ford Explorer vs. the Toyota Highlander? Our goal is to find out.
Research is the backbone of any successful car-shopping process. So, at Ramsay Ford, we’ve created helpful resources for you, like our Explorer vs. Highlander comparison.
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Engine Options
With a large, 3-row vehicle, having ample power under the hood is a must. Whether for towing duties or just trying to make passing maneuvers on the highway, access to high-end horsepower and torque is always helpful. The 2021 Explorer is noticeable stronger than the competing Toyota Highlander.
The V6 engine of the Highlander makes 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.
All three motors in the 2021 Explorer outperform the Highlander:
- 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-cylinder making 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
- 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 making as much as 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque
- 3.3L Hybrid V6 making 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque.
If you drive the Highlander and Explorer back to back, the power gap is quickly evident.
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Towing Capacity
When towing ATVs, trailers, campers, or boats, you want an SUV that remains composed and delivers steady capability. The 2021 Ford Explorer takes a page from the rich history of Ford trucks by offering an immense maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds when equipped with the V6 motor. Even if you stick with the 2.3L 4-cylinder, you can expect a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander can’t match the towing ability of the Explorer. Maximum towing for the Toyota SUV measures just 5,000 pounds, the same figure you can expect from the hybrid engine of the Explorer.
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Interior Cargo and Passenger Room
From the outside, the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander seem similar in size. When you climb into the cabin, however, you see how different the interior packaging is.
For instance, the passenger volume of the Highlander measures 141.3 cubic feet, a far cry from the 152.7 cubic feet of the Explorer. As for cargo, the Highlander offers 16 cubic feet behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet behind the first row. The Explorer once again outperforms the Toyota, offering 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 87.8 cubic feet behind the first row.
Ford Explore Topples the Toyota Highlander
The 2021 Explorer has too much in terms of performance, capability, and interior space for the Highlander to keep pace. You can see how these features and specifications come together in the Explorer by contacting Ramsey Ford.
We’re happy to answer questions before booking a test drive around the North East, Elkton, and Rising Sun, MD, communities!
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| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 5:30PM |
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