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) | $45,270 |
| For sale now | 0 | 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) | 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 | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Active 100A $38,465 MSRP(Currently comparing) | XLE $45,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Active 100A $40,465 MSRP | XLE $47,020 MSRP |
| 3 | Active 200A $40,400 MSRP | XSE $47,340 MSRP |
| 4 | Active 200A $42,400 MSRP | Limited $49,725 MSRP |
| 5 | ST-Line $44,200 MSRP | Limited $51,475 MSRP |
| 6 | ST-Line $46,200 MSRP | Platinum $52,925 MSRP |
| 7 | Tremor $49,200 MSRP | Platinum $54,675 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 | — |