Ford Explorer 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 ExplorerActive 100A | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Active 100A | XLE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2027 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $38,465 (best) | $46,270 |
| Lowest listing price | $17,470 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $46,469 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $64,269 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 37 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 20 MPG | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 17.9 gal | 17.9 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp (best) | 265 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.3 L | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 6 seats | 7 seats (best) |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 85.8 cu ft (best) | 84.3 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 5,300 lbs (best) | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload | — | 1,225 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | — | 4,376 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 7.9 in | 8 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in (best) | 112.2 in |
| Length | 198.8 in (best) | 194.9 in |
| Width | 78.9 in (best) | 76 in |
| Height | 69.9 in (best) | 68.1 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive 100A | 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 | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 | None reported (best) |
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 | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Active 100A $38,465 MSRP(Currently comparing) | XLE $46,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Active 100A $40,465 MSRP | XLE $48,020 MSRP |
| 3 | Active 200A $40,400 MSRP | XSE $48,340 MSRP |
| 4 | Active 200A $42,400 MSRP | Limited $50,725 MSRP |
| 5 | ST-Line $44,200 MSRP | Limited $52,475 MSRP |
| 6 | ST-Line $46,200 MSRP | Platinum $53,925 MSRP |
| 7 | Tremor $49,200 MSRP | Platinum $55,675 MSRP |
| 8 | Tremor $56,460 MSRP | — |
| 9 | Platinum $50,660 MSRP | — |
| 10 | Platinum $52,660 MSRP | — |
| 11 | ST $53,660 MSRP | — |
| 12 | ST $55,660 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Ford Explorer37 for sale
See all
Used2025 Ford Explorer
ST-Line
31,300 mi$35,810Jay Hatfield GMC of Pittsburg
Frontenac, KS
Used2025 Ford Explorer
ST-Line
31,300 mi$35,810Jay Hatfield Chevrolet of Pittsburg
Frontenac, KS
Used2025 Ford Explorer
Active
Gray•Gray79,005 mi$28,499Jay Hatfield GMC Chanute
Chanute, KS
Used2022 Ford Explorer
King Ranch
56,871 mi$34,499Jay Hatfield Chevrolet of Vinita
Vinita, OK
Used2025 Ford Explorer
Active
Gray•Gray79,005 mi$28,499Jay Hatfield Chevrolet Chanute
Chanute, KS
- New
2027 Ford Explorer
Tremor
Avalanche Gray•OnyxN/A$53,779MSRP $53,780Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 Ford Explorer 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: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2027 Ford Explorer starts lower at $38,465. Live Ford Explorer listings start at $17,470.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (38,465).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on horsepower in this comparison (400).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2027 Ford Explorer or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2027 Ford Explorer leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,600).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2027 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Toyota Highlander (5/5 NHTSA overall).