2023 Ford Explorer vs. 2023 Toyota Highlander Comparison Study

Engine & Performance

The Ford Explorer offers a choice of three engines, including a hybrid option. The hybrid engine provides excellent fuel efficiency and reduces the impact on the environment. The gasoline engine options include a 2.3-liter EcoBoost and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost. Both engines deliver exceptional performance, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience.

The Toyota Highlander also offers a choice of engines, including a hybrid option. The standard engine is a hybrid powertrain 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, and a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine is also available. The hybrid engine, like the Explorer, provides excellent fuel efficiency and is a great choice for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

Let's look at both in more detail.

2023 Ford Explorer Engine Features

The base 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four engine delivers 300 horsepower, while the 3.3-liter hybrid engine produces a combined 318 horsepower. The performance-oriented ST trim features a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that provides a whopping 400 horsepower.

All engines feature turbocharging, electric assist, and responsive acceleration to deliver plenty of power for drivers maneuvering on and off the highway.

The standard rear-wheel drive can be upgraded to four-wheel drive, and a ten-speed automatic transmission is standard across all trims. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, the four-wheel drive and EcoBoost V6 models are sure to impress. The Timberline trim adds a bit of off-road capability, with improved traction on slippery surfaces and forest roads. It is also worth noting that the Ford Explorer has an exceptionally smooth handling experience.

2023 Toyota Highlander Engine Features

The 2023 Toyota Highlander comes standard with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It offers sufficient acceleration and is capable of handling highway passing and merging easily. The 2023 Highlander is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts satisfactorily.

The new engine is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Compared to the old 3.5-liter V6 engine, the new four-cylinder engine provides a somewhat better low-end response, with full torque available at a low 1700 rpm, while the V6 couldn't summon full grunt until a relatively high 4700 rpm. This translates to improved towing performance with a maximum rating of 5,000 pounds.

There is no hesitation when you step on the accelerator, even if you need extra power for highway passing. For those who prioritize fuel efficiency, the Highlander also offers a hybrid option with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 243 net system horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

While the hybrid engine isn't as powerful as the gas engine, it still performs adequately and offers better fuel economy for those who want to save on gas over the long term. The hybrid model is rated for a lower maximum tow weight of 3,500 pounds, but it still has the option of front-wheel or all-wheel drive on every trim.

Interior Space and Comfort

The Ford Explorer offers spacious and comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. The third-row seating is spacious enough for adults, and the second-row seating can be configured to accommodate different passenger needs. The cargo space is also generous, providing plenty of room for luggage, gear, and other items.

The Toyota Highlander offers seating for up to eight passengers, making it a possible choice for families who need extra space for passengers. The third-row seating is spacious and comfortable, and the second-row seating is also roomy. The cargo space also provides adequate room for luggage, gear, and other items.

2023 Ford Explorer Interior Features

The 2023 Ford Explorer has a straightforward and functional interior design with good visibility and lots of room for sports, groceries, moving, and more. What is also really is the Explorer comes standard with creature comforts like tri-zone automatic climate control, a driver's side power seat, and the Sync 3 infotainment system. The Explorer's Co-Pilot 360 suite offers a range of standard safety features, including blind-spot information, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision assist. The vehicle also provides great storage space and a versatile infotainment system. The front legroom measures an impressive 43 inches, providing ample space for the driver and front passenger. This is more than enough legroom when compared to other SUVs in the market.

The second-row legroom measures 39 inches, which is a comfortable amount of space for passengers. The third-row legroom offers 32.3 inches of space, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone in the car. The driver and front passenger seats are comfortable and supportive, ensuring a relaxing ride, and the outboard second-row passengers also have ample legroom.

The Explorer comes standard with cloth seats for the Base and XLT models, while the Limited trim and up offer leather seats that are heated and ventilated for the front row and heated for the second row. This provides an extra level of comfort, making long journeys much more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.

Overall, the 2023 Explorer offers a comfortable and spacious interior, making it an excellent choice for families and groups who require plenty of passenger and cargo space. With its ample legroom, comfortable seats, and luxurious features, the Explorer is perfect for long journeys, a trip to the lake, or daily commutes to Detroit.

2023 Toyota Highlander Interior Features

The Toyota Highlander can seat up to 8 passengers in the L and LE trims, but the XLE and Limited trims can have either captain's chairs or a bench seat. Legroom in the first two rows is decent, while the third row is a bit snug. In terms of convenience, every Highlander comes with eight cup holders, six bottle holders, and a concave conversation mirror for the driver. This year, the wireless charging pad has been moved to a more accessible spot.

Switching the second-row bench seat for captain's chairs provides seating for seven. The gas engine trim packages offer 38.7 inches of legroom in the second row and 28.0 inches in the third row, while the hybrid version provides 41.0 inches in the second row and 27.7 inches in the third row, making it a better choice for second-row passengers.

Although the third row is small, it can be suitable for children and has the benefit of being easily accessible. The first and second rows feature supportive and comfortable seating with durable materials suitable for the family dog or camping trips. The base trim offers standard features such as tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and soft-touch surfaces. Leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats on higher trims give the Highlander a good look and feel.

Technology and Safety Features

Both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander offer advanced infotainment technology, including a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and a premium sound system. They also offer a range of available safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

2023 Ford Explorer Safety Features

The 2023 Ford Explorer is an ideal family car, providing a comfortable and safe ride. This SUV earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a 2021 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. It comes with a plethora of safety features, such as child door locks, child seat anchors, parental control systems, and a variety of airbag systems.

The Explorer also has stability and traction control features, parking assistance elements like rear parking sensors and rear view cameras, as well as automated driving warnings like blind spot alerts, collision warning systems, driver attention assist monitors, and lane departure warning systems. With these advanced tech features, you can rest assured that you and your family are safe and secure on Michigan's roads.

2023 Toyota Highlander Safety Features

The 2023 Toyota Highlander is designed for long trips and comes with decent capabilities to provide a confident driving experience. It has safety features that give you an extra pair of eyes on the road, including eight airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, and the Star Safety System™ which includes Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology® (SST).

In addition, the 2023 Highlander has an Anti-theft system with an alarm and engine immobilizer. The Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) is a suite of safety features that includes Road Sign Assist (RSA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

Price and Value

The base model prices for the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are similar, with the Ford Explorer starting at around $36,760 and the Toyota Highlander starting at around $36,420. Both vehicles offer a range of standard features and available upgrades, including advanced safety and driver assistance features, premium sound systems, and infotainment technology.

Let's look at pricing and value of both vehicles and their trim levels in a bit more detail.

2023 Ford Explorer Price Details

The 2023 Ford Explorer offers an array of trim options that cater to different driving styles and preferences. With a starting MSRP of $36,760, the Base trim is the most affordable option. As you move up the trim options, you get access to a wider range of features and capabilities. The XLT starts at $38,570 and the ST-Line at $46,005, while the Limited is priced at $47,070. The Timberline is an off-road-focused trim option that starts at $48,980. If you're looking for more power, the ST starts at $50,005, while the top-of-the-line Platinum and King Ranch trims offer premium features and luxury styling at starting MSRPs of $53,820 and $54,075, respectively. No matter which trim you choose, the 2023 Ford Explorer delivers a great combination of style, performance, and value.

2023 Toyota Highlander Price Details

The 2023 Toyota Highlander offers six different trim levels, each with its own unique features and price point. The base L trim starts at an MSRP of $37,755, followed by the LE with a starting MSRP of $40,155, and the XLE with a starting MSRP of $43,155. The sporty XSE has a starting MSRP of $44,750, while the more luxurious Limited starts at $47,410. The range-topping Platinum trim level is priced from $50,410, offering exclusive features to enhance your driving experience.