Picking a three-row SUV for a Bakersfield family usually comes down to a few practical questions. Is there enough room for kids, luggage, and everything else that gets packed before a road trip? Can it handle longer drives through the Central Valley? And does its powertrain fit the way your family actually travels?
The 2027 Ford Explorer vs. 2027 Toyota Highlander comparison is especially interesting because these two SUVs now take very different approaches. The Explorer continues with gasoline-powered EcoBoost engines, available four-wheel drive, and a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity. The completely redesigned 2027 Highlander, meanwhile, is now all-electric, offering up to 338 horsepower and a manufacturer-estimated driving range of up to 320 miles.
If you want to see the Explorer in person, you can browse new Explorer inventory at Jim Burke Ford anytime.
2027 Ford Explorer vs. 2027 Toyota Highlander: Which Family SUV Wins?
Which one makes more sense depends heavily on how your family drives.
The 2027 Ford Explorer leans into traditional SUV strengths: strong engine choices, proven towing capability, plenty of cargo space, and an available Tremor model for drivers who regularly venture beyond pavement. Ford offers five Explorer trims for 2027: Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST, and Platinum.
The 2027 Toyota Highlander is a completely different vehicle from the 2026 version. Toyota has replaced the previous gas and hybrid Highlander powertrains with an all-electric setup. The new Highlander will be offered in XLE and Limited grades, with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations depending on trim. Toyota says the longest-range versions can travel an estimated 320 miles on a full charge.
For families comparing these SUVs, the question is no longer simply horsepower versus fuel economy. It is now gasoline convenience and towing capability versus electric driving and the potential to eliminate gasoline from your daily commute.
2027 Ford Explorer: Power, Space, and Versatility
The Explorer carries its familiar formula into 2027 with five trims ranging from the practical Active to the performance-focused ST and rugged Tremor.
Explorer Engine Lineup: 300-HP EcoBoost and Up to 400-HP V6 Power
The standard engine in the 2027 Explorer Active and ST-Line is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower. Ford also uses this engine as the standard powertrain in the Tremor.
Drivers looking for more performance can step up to Ford’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. It is standard in the ST and available in the Tremor and Platinum. Ford rates the engine at up to 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, although exact horsepower can vary according to emissions configuration and the state where the vehicle is sold.
Every Explorer uses a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is offered on applicable models, while Intelligent 4WD is available or standard depending on configuration.
For Bakersfield families merging onto Highway 99 or heading over the Grapevine with passengers and cargo aboard, the Explorer’s combination of turbocharged power and a traditional automatic transmission remains one of its strongest selling points.
Explorer Seating, Cargo Room, and Technology
The 2027 Explorer can seat up to seven passengers. The Active provides up to 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity and 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row. The ST and Tremor provide up to 85.3 cubic feet because of configuration differences.
Ford also continues its tech-heavy interior. The Explorer Active includes a 13.2-inch center display paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as part of the Ford Digital Experience. That gives families a large interface for navigation, entertainment, connectivity, and vehicle controls.
Driver-assistance technology remains an important part of the Explorer package, with Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot assistance, adaptive cruise control, and other available systems helping drivers manage everyday traffic.
Explorer Towing: Up to 5,000 Pounds
Towing remains a major Explorer advantage for 2027.
Ford rates the Explorer for a maximum loaded trailer weight of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Class III Trailer Tow Package includes a hitch receiver, wiring connections, Tow/Haul Mode, and Trailer Sway Control.
That makes the Explorer an attractive choice for families planning to pull a boat toward Lake Isabella, a utility trailer around Kern County, or a small camper for weekends away.
If towing capability is non-negotiable, it is worth getting pre-approved before shopping so you can focus on finding an Explorer configured for your needs.
Explorer Tremor: Off-Road Hardware Returns for 2027
Introduced to the Explorer lineup for 2026, the Tremor returns for 2027 as Ford’s off-road-focused option.
The Explorer Tremor includes increased ride height, specially tuned suspension, steel underbody protection, and a Torsen limited-slip rear axle designed to improve traction on uneven surfaces. Ford lists 8.7 inches of ground clearance for the Tremor.
The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost provides 300 horsepower, while the available 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 raises output to as much as 400 horsepower. The Tremor seats up to six passengers.
For families heading onto gravel roads around Lake Isabella or exploring the Sierra foothills, the Tremor offers meaningful mechanical upgrades rather than simply adding an off-road drive mode.
2027 Toyota Highlander: A Completely New All-Electric SUV
The biggest change in this comparison is unquestionably the Highlander.
Toyota completely redesigned the Highlander for 2027 and made it the company’s first three-row battery-electric SUV sold in the United States. Instead of the previous gasoline and hybrid choices, every 2027 Highlander uses an electric powertrain.
Toyota plans two grades: XLE and Limited. The XLE will offer front-wheel drive or electronic all-wheel drive, while the Limited comes with AWD.
Highlander Range, Batteries, and Horsepower
The 2027 Highlander gives buyers several battery and range combinations.
The XLE FWD uses a 77.0-kWh battery and has a manufacturer-estimated 287-mile range. XLE AWD buyers can choose a 77.0-kWh battery with an estimated 270-mile range or a larger 95.8-kWh battery with an estimated 320-mile range. The Limited AWD comes standard with the 95.8-kWh battery and is also estimated at 320 miles.
Power varies by drivetrain as well. Front-wheel-drive models produce 221 combined horsepower, while AWD Highlanders produce 338 combined horsepower.
That means the AWD Highlander actually produces more horsepower than the Explorer’s standard 300-horsepower four-cylinder, although the Explorer ST and available V6 still provide the highest output in this comparison.
Highlander Charging Instead of Fuel Economy
Comparing MPG no longer makes sense because the 2027 Highlander does not use gasoline.
Instead, buyers need to consider driving range and charging access. The Highlander includes a North American Charging System, or NACS, port and supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging. Toyota estimates that the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes under ideal DC fast-charging conditions. A dual-voltage 120V/240V charging cable is also included.
For a Bakersfield household that can regularly charge at home, the Highlander could substantially change the daily ownership experience by eliminating trips to the gas station. Families that regularly take long road trips, tow trailers, or travel through areas with limited charging infrastructure may still find the Explorer’s gasoline powertrain more convenient.
Highlander Seating and Cargo Space
The new Highlander remains a three-row family SUV, but maximum seating drops from the eight-passenger capacity offered by certain previous Highlander configurations.
The 2027 model seats up to seven passengers. It comes with second-row captain’s chairs, while an available bench provides another seating configuration without increasing capacity beyond seven.
Cargo volume measures 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 45.6 cubic feet with the third row folded. Toyota also says folding both rear rows opens up approximately 80 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
Inside, Toyota equips the Highlander with a standard 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, multiple charging options throughout the cabin, and Toyota Safety Sense 4.0.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Explorer vs. Highlander
The 2027 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander comparison now highlights two very different approaches to the three-row SUV.
Performance and Capability Specs
| Spec | 2027 Ford Explorer | 2027 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Powertrain | 2.3L EcoBoost turbo I-4 | Battery electric |
| Standard Horsepower | 300 hp | 221 hp XLE FWD |
| Maximum Horsepower | Up to 400 hp with 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 338 hp with AWD |
| Drivetrain | RWD or Intelligent 4WD | FWD or electronic AWD |
| Maximum Towing | 5,000 lbs when properly equipped | Not yet announced by Toyota |
| Maximum Seating | 7 passengers | 7 passengers |
| Maximum Cargo | Up to 85.8 cu. ft. | Up to approximately 80 cu. ft. |
| Energy Source | Gasoline | Electricity |
| Maximum Range | Gasoline range varies by configuration | Up to 320 miles, manufacturer estimated |
Ford has published a 5,000-pound maximum towing figure for the 2027 Explorer. Toyota had not announced a corresponding towing-capacity figure for the all-electric 2027 Highlander as of September 2026, so shoppers who need to tow should wait for Toyota’s final specifications rather than assuming the previous Highlander’s ratings carry over.
Cargo Space and Seating Comparison
The Explorer provides a slight maximum cargo advantage, offering up to 85.8 cubic feet compared with approximately 80 cubic feet in the Highlander. Behind the third row, the numbers are extremely close: 16.3 cubic feet in the Explorer Active versus 15.9 cubic feet in the Highlander.
Both vehicles now top out at seven passengers, eliminating the eight-passenger advantage the 2026 Highlander previously held.
Which Three-Row SUV Fits Your Bakersfield Family?
Families who regularly tow a boat, camper, or utility trailer have a clear reason to look closely at the Explorer. Ford has already established its 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity, while Toyota has not yet released an official tow rating for the new electric Highlander.
The Explorer also makes sense for drivers who want the convenience of quickly refueling on long trips, more maximum cargo room, or the off-road hardware included with the Tremor. Performance-focused shoppers can move all the way up to the V6-powered ST with as much as 400 horsepower.
The Highlander offers a different set of advantages. Its available 338-horsepower AWD powertrain delivers strong electric performance, and models equipped with the larger battery have a manufacturer-estimated 320-mile range. For families with home charging who spend most of their time commuting around Bakersfield and the Central Valley, plugging in at home instead of buying gasoline could be a major attraction.
The Highlander also introduces features such as vehicle-to-load capability, which can allow the battery to power compatible external devices when the appropriate accessories are used.
Ultimately, the 2027 comparison is less about deciding which SUV is universally better and more about choosing the type of vehicle that fits your household. The Explorer provides gasoline-powered flexibility, proven towing numbers, additional maximum cargo room, and available off-road capability. The Highlander provides an entirely electric driving experience, competitive horsepower, and as much as 320 miles of estimated range.
Test Drive the 2027 Ford Explorer at Jim Burke Ford
If the Explorer’s towing capability, cargo space, available V6 power, or Tremor off-road hardware sounds like the right fit for your family, getting behind the wheel is the best way to see how it fits into your routine.
Our Bakersfield team can help you compare Explorer trims, drivetrain options, available features, financing, and trade-in choices before you make a decision.
For current pricing and availability, browse new Explorer inventory or contact us directly. Our team can help you find a 2027 Ford Explorer equipped for commuting around Bakersfield, family road trips, towing, and whatever else you have planned.
