Ford Explorer Sport vs Toyota Highlander
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Toyota Highlander
Overview
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | XLS | XLE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2003 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $21,870 (best) | $46,270 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 17 MPG | 24 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 15 MPG | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 20 MPG | 28 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 16.8 gal | 17.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 203 hp | 265 hp (best) |
| Torque | 237 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 4 L (best) | 2.4 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 7 seats (best) |
| Doors | 3 | 4 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 71 cu ft | 84.3 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 5,140 lbs (best) | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload | 600 lbs | 1,225 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,769 lbs (best) | 4,376 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 6.7 in | 8 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 101.8 in | 112.2 in (best) |
| Length | 180.4 in | 194.9 in (best) |
| Width | 70.2 in | 76 in (best) |
| Height | 68.2 in (best) | 68.1 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford Explorer SportXLS | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | 2 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Ford Explorer Sport | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | XLS $21,870 MSRP(Currently comparing) | XLE $46,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | XLS $22,545 MSRP | XLE $48,020 MSRP |
| 3 | XLS $24,890 MSRP | XSE $48,340 MSRP |
| 4 | XLS $25,565 MSRP | Limited $50,725 MSRP |
| 5 | XLT $23,835 MSRP | Limited $52,475 MSRP |
| 6 | XLT $26,915 MSRP | Platinum $53,925 MSRP |
| 7 | XLT Premium $25,595 MSRP | Platinum $55,675 MSRP |
| 8 | XLT Premium $28,760 MSRP | — |
Ford Explorer Sport vs Toyota Highlander FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 Ford Explorer Sport vs 2026 Toyota Highlander on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Ford Explorer Sport starts lower at $21,870.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (21,870).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on horsepower in this comparison (265).
- Which has better seats: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on seats in this comparison (7).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2003 Ford Explorer Sport or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2003 Ford Explorer Sport leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,140).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2003 Ford Explorer Sport vs 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Toyota Highlander (5/5 NHTSA overall).