The 2025 Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are top contenders in the midsize SUV market if you need three-row seating, but they have different key attributes. While Ford leans into power and tech, Toyota banks on efficiency and long-term value. Our team at Jim Burke Ford in Bakersfield digs into how these family haulers compare on ease of driving, comfort, tech features, safety records, and pricing.
Performance Comparison
Ford’s 2025 Explorer features a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds. The ST variant increases this to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque from its turbo 3.0-liter V-6 and features a rear-wheel platform that handles corners better than you might expect.
Toyota’s Highlander counters with a 2.4-liter turbo four with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both the Explorer and the gas-powered Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is enough to handle most family trailers, boats, or campers. The Highlander Hybrid’s towing capability is a bit lower, at 3,500 pounds.
Ford Explorer
Fuel economy is estimated at 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with the 2.3-liter engine. Four-wheel-drive variants offer 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The V-6 engine gets 18 mpg and 25 mpg, respectively, regardless of drive wheels, and its 10-speed automatic shifts smoothly.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is best for drivers who prioritize fuel economy over raw power, and its soft suspension smooths out rough roads that might jar Explorer passengers. The hybrid version delivers 243 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, with a curb weight of 4,515 pounds and an impressive fuel economy of 35 mpg combined.
Interior and Comfort
The Ford Explorer’s cabin accommodates seven people (six in the ST trim) in a space that feels genuinely roomy. You’ll find 43 inches of front legroom, 39 inches of legroom for middle riders, and a usable 32.2 inches of legroom in the third row, which is 4.5 inches more third-row space than the Highlander offers. With 152.7 cubic feet of total passenger volume, everyone will be comfortable in the Explorer.
Cargo space gives the Explorer another advantage. Behind the third row, you’ll find 16.3 cubic feet of room — enough for four rolling suitcases. Fold everything flat, and that figure jumps to 85.8 cubic feet, slightly edging out the Highlander’s 84.3 cubic feet. Ford’s 2025 updates include nicer materials throughout, with soft-touch surfaces and fresh color schemes.
Ford Explorer
Padded surfaces, leather trim, and metal speaker surrounds create an upscale feel. Massaging front seats add comfort, and well-placed cupholders and storage bins handle your family’s daily needs.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander offers seven- or eight-passenger layouts with captain’s chairs or bench seating. The cabin has 42 inches of front legroom, 38.7 inches of legroom in row two, and 28 inches of legroom in the third row, making the back row more suitable for kids. Eight-passenger models edge out the Explorer’s seven-seat maximum. Five USB ports and up to two 12-volt outlets keep devices charged, while higher trims add rear seat ventilation for summer comfort.
Technology and Features
Ford loads the Explorer with tech centered around its SYNC 4 system. Its standard 13.2-inch touch screen, notably larger than the Highlander’s 12.3-inch interface, runs Ford Digital Experience software, supporting Google and Amazon apps alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Eight USB ports and video streaming capability keep everyone connected.
Sound quality gives Ford another edge. The 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen system in Platinum models delivers richer audio than Highlander’s 11-speaker JBL setup. SYNC 4 adds voice commands, wireless phone connections, and cloud-based maps. Higher trims have BlueCruise hands-free highway driving with 5G connectivity for instant loading.
Toyota’s approach to technology emphasizes reliability over flashy features. The standard 8-inch touch screen provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 12.3-inch display optional. Audio includes a basic six-speaker setup or an 11-speaker JBL upgrade. Traffic Jam Assist operates at speeds of 25 mph or less, which is less advanced than Ford’s BlueCruise but still useful for commuting.
Safety and Reliability
Both SUVs offer robust safety packages. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Assist+ bundles adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Airbag coverage includes dual-stage front, side, knee, and side curtain airbags with rollover sensing.
Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+ offers similar features, along with collision warnings. The Highlander earned Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration five-star ratings. Reliability favors Toyota, with the Highlander ranking well above average, while the Explorer scores slightly below average. Reliability rankings impact resale value: the Highlander retains 61% of its value after five years, compared to the Explorer’s 43%.
Ford Explorer
The Explorer’s Co-Pilot360 Assist+ combines adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot alerts, lane-keeping assist, and collision prevention with automatic braking, and the SOS Post-Crash Alert System calls for help automatically after serious impacts. Ford offers three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties. Despite ranking slightly below average in reliability, the Explorer scores well in crash tests from major safety agencies.
Toyota Highlander
Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision alert with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims add parking sensors. Toyota’s reliability means fewer repairs. Warranty coverage matches Ford’s three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain protection, plus two years of free maintenance. Hybrid models have a 10-year/150,000-mile battery warranty.
Pricing and Value
Starting MSRPs are nearly identical, with the Explorer at $40,050 (Active) and the Highlander at $40,320 (LE). Ford offers four trims: Active, ST-Line ($45,050), ST ($54,770), and Platinum ($52,525).
Toyota’s five trims climb gradually: LE ($40,320), XLE ($43,470), XSE ($47,140), Limited ($47,575), and Platinum ($52,725).
Ford’s value case rests on capability and features rather than long-term economics. Its 5,000-pound tow rating handles your camper or boat trailer with ease, and its popularity with SUV buyers shows its enduring appeal.
Test Drive a New Ford Explorer Today at Jim Burke Ford
The best way to decide between the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander is to get behind the wheel. Stop by our Jim Burke Ford dealership in Bakersfield and chat with our friendly team. We’ll answer any questions you have and set you up with a test drive so you can see the advantages of the Ford Explorer for yourself.
