2018 Ford Explorer vs 2018 Toyota Highlander: Head To Head Comparison

For a number of years, they were popular options in the midsize SUV market, and for good reason. Both sport utilities can be customized with a variety of comfort and safety features, as well as engines that deliver surprisingly potent performance and, in certain cases, 

Outstanding fuel efficiency

We have divided everything into different categories to make it easier for you to choose which of these SUVs is best for you. These concentrate on every aspect, including handling, freight capacity, and cabin room. Price, fuel efficiency, and safety are also taken into account. Basically, for this head-to-head comparison, everything you might take into account while purchasing an SUV has been taken into account.

2018 Ford Explorer vs 2018 Toyota Highlander: Reliability

Having such a stellar track record when it comes to anticipated accuracy, you could be excused for thinking the Highlander will win this race. According to the ratings, the Explorer actually has a higher reliability rating.

The Highlander has a (still above-average) rating of 3.5 points, while the Ford receives a rating of nearly five points out of five. In its whole class, the Explorer has one of the highest anticipated reliability scores. Although the Toyota is excellent, the Ford is simply superior.

2018 Ford Explorer vs. 2018 Toyota Highlander: Seat Comfort 

Depending on whether you select the second-row bench seat or twin captain’s chairs, the Explorer and Highlander both come standard with cloth seating surfaces and have seating for seven to eight passengers.

In any of these midsize SUVs, choosing the captain’s seats is a smart move unless you actually need the extra seat. They’re comfier and make it simpler to reach the third row. Although each of these SUVs offers heated and ventilated seats as an upgrade option, the Highlander offers a more comfortable ride overall. The room provided by several competitors is just not available in the explorer’s seats.

2018 Ford Explorer vs. 2018 Toyota Highlander: Cargo Space 

The Ford Explorer easily defeats virtually every other midsize SUV with three rows of seating in terms of load capacity.

21 cubic feet are available behind the third row of seats in the Explorer. The Ford has 43.9 cubic feet of space when the backmost seats are folded down. You can get 81.7 cubic feet of space overall if you fold both rows of back seats.

When the third row of seats is occupied, the Highlander has 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space. When the back seats are folded down, the space increases to 42.3 cubic feet, which is almost Explorer-level. When both rows of the back seats are folded down, there is a total space of 83.7 cubic feet. That is more than the Explorer, but Ford ultimately has a clear advantage in terms of its ability to transport cargo.

2018 Ford Explorer vs. 2018 Toyota Highlander: Interior Quality

Both the Explorer and Highlander can be outfitted with a variety of opulent extras, but the Toyota has a superior interior.

A chic and tranquil spot to unwind is The Highlander’s cabin. The interior’s materials have a high-end appearance and feel to them. The cabin of the Explorer, in contrast, simply cannot compete. While most surfaces have a sturdy feel to them, there are some noticeable cheap plastics, and the Explorer is beginning to show its age in terms of interior quality. Both the Explorer and Highlander can be outfitted with a variety of opulent extras, but the Toyota has a superior interior. The Highlander’s cabin is a chic and tranquil setting for your vacation.

2018 Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Price Comparison

The victory in terms of price is really close. Although the Toyota is more affordable than the Explorer at the outset, buyers should steer clear of the Highlander’s base (and weak) four-cylinder. The optional V6 engine for the Highlander brings the cost of the two SUVs to within a few hundred dollars of one another.

The cost of the Ford Explorer can quickly increase with extras. Models at the top of the line, such as the Platinum 4WD trim, start at about $53,000. A top-of-the-line Highlander Limited Platinum AWD costs about $47,000, for reference.

2018 Ford Explorer vs. 2018 Toyota Highlander: Performance

We’ve already made it clear that the Highlander’s base four-cylinder engine is inadequate for moving the large SUV. Particularly when hauling loads of passengers and baggage, the larger 3.5-litre V6 engine’s 295 horsepower and superior performance are much improved.

Three different engines are available for the Explorer. The basic engine is a 3.5-litre V6 with 290 horsepower, and other options include a more fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder with 280 horsepower and a 365-horsepower V6 with dual turbochargers. The Explorer’s third and final engine gives it a very sporty performance and acceleration that easily overtakes the Highlander.

2018 Ford Explorer vs. 2018 Toyota Highlander: Ride and Handling Quality

When it comes to giving a comfortable ride over long distances, the Highlander and Explorer make excellent travelling companions. The Highlander’s handling isn’t particularly exhilarating, as we’ve mentioned during our test, but the Explorer receives harsher criticism. It can be difficult to manage the Ford through confined locations because it has a wide turning radius and feels larger than it is. This makes it a fairly straightforward decision to award the Highlander the victory in ride and handling.

2018 Ford Explorer vs 2018 Toyota Highlander: Specifications

Specifications	2018 Ford Explorer	2018 Toyota Highlander
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (FFV)	Flex-fuel
Transmission	Transmission    6-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drive Type	Front wheel drive	Front wheel drive
Cylinders	V6	V6
Total Seating	7	7
EPA city/highway MPG	17/24 MPG	17/24 MPG

Conclusion

It would be very difficult to choose between these two cars. It would all boil down to preference. It is of general knowledge that Toyota makes such practical and versatile cars, while Ford is one known for its sharpness and reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions