2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Competitive Comparison

The 2025 Ford Explorer delivers a bold and muscular design that makes a strong impression on the road. Its broad-shouldered stance and refreshed front fascia, featuring a new grille, updated headlights, and reworked lower air inlets, give it a modernized yet rugged appearance. At the rear, redesigned taillights enhance its contemporary aesthetic, making it a well-rounded option for families and adventurers alike. For those looking to stand out further, the Platinum, ST, and ST-Line trims offer an optional black-painted roof, adding a sleek and distinctive flair. Inside, the Explorer has seen thoughtful updates, including new color schemes and soft-touch materials, elevating its interior to meet the needs of today’s SUV buyers.

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander also presents a compelling design, with a focus on refinement and functionality. Its larger dimensions, four inches longer than the standard Highlander, lend it a commanding road presence while emphasizing its spacious and versatile interior. The addition of contemporary paint colors like Cement and Heavy Metal offers a modern touch, complementing its sophisticated yet practical styling. Inside, the Grand Highlander’s symmetrical dashboard and high-quality materials create a sense of harmony, while its roomy third-row seating is designed to comfortably accommodate adults.

Both SUVs excel in providing a balance of style and practicality, but the Ford Explorer’s bold exterior updates and enhanced interior refinement make it particularly appealing for those seeking a modern, rugged family vehicle.

The 2025 Ford Explorer delivers impressive performance and versatility through its range of powertrain options. The standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds in Car and Driver testing. For those seeking more power, the available 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, found in the ST trim, delivers 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque with a rapid 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds, also noted in Car and Driver testing. Both engines pair with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive for added capability.

The Ford Explorer also offers competitive fuel economy. The 2.3-liter engine achieves EPA-estimated ratings of 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway in rear-wheel drive configurations, while the 3.0-liter V6 provides 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the Explorer excels in both daily driving and hauling needs.

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander provides a single non-hybrid engine option, a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. In Car and Driver testing, the Grand Highlander achieved a 0-60 mph time of 7.0 seconds. While its acceleration is adequate for family driving, it doesn’t match the Explorer’s dynamic performance. The Grand Highlander’s smooth ride and light steering make it well-suited for long trips and everyday use.

Fuel efficiency is a key advantage for the Grand Highlander, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. In Car and Driver highway testing at 75 mph, the Grand Highlander achieved 29 mpg. It also matches the Explorer with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

While the Toyota Grand Highlander focuses on comfort and efficiency, the Ford Explorer excels in delivering stronger performance and faster acceleration. Backed by its higher horsepower and versatile powertrain options, the Explorer is the ideal choice for drivers seeking capability and excitement, as demonstrated in Car and Driver testing.

The 2025 Ford Explorer’s interior upgrades emphasize comfort and practicality, with soft-touch materials on key surfaces and new color schemes for a modern feel. A redesigned dashboard adds space for front passengers, while the third-row seat features a one-touch mechanism for easier access.

In Car and Driver testing, the Explorer excelled in cargo capacity, fitting four carry-on suitcases behind the third row and 31 with the second and third rows folded flat. Its tech features include a standard 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen with Ford Digital Experience software, supporting Google and Amazon apps, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Eight USB ports, video streaming, and an up to 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system (Platinum trim) enhance connectivity and entertainment for all passengers.

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander focuses on space and comfort, with a roomy third row accommodating adults more comfortably. The cabin’s symmetrical dashboard and optional captain’s chairs enhance long-haul comfort, while practical features like a power liftgate and second-row window shades make family travel easier. Tech highlights include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and an upgraded JBL sound system in higher trims.

While the Toyota Grand Highlander offers more third-row space, the 2025 Ford Explorer excels in advanced infotainment, premium materials, and cargo flexibility, making it a standout choice for families prioritizing tech and utility.

The 2025 Ford Explorer is equipped with a robust suite of safety features and driver assistance technologies. It offers comprehensive airbag coverage, including dual-stage front, front-seat side, front knee airbags, and the Safety Canopy® system with side-curtain airbags and rollover sensors. Driver assistance includes AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, Auto Hold, and an optional self-parking assist feature. Additional safety highlights include the SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ and a secure LATCH system for child seat installation. A Perimeter Alarm and SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System provide added peace of mind.

The Explorer’s warranty includes a three-year/36,000-mile limited coverage and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, Ford does not offer complimentary maintenance.

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander also boasts an impressive range of safety features. Standard driver-assistance systems include forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. Similar to the Explorer, it offers self-parking assist as an optional upgrade. Toyota provides a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, with the added benefit of complimentary maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles.

While both SUVs offer strong safety and driver-assistance systems, the Ford Explorer stands out with features like the SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ and advanced airbag coverage, providing comprehensive protection for families on the road.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offers a versatile range of trims designed to cater to various driver preferences. Starting in the High $30K range, the Active trim includes a 300-hp 2.3L EcoBoost® engine, Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+, and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. For those seeking sporty aesthetics, the ST-Line in the mid $40K range adds black accents, 20-inch wheels, and a premium B&O® sound system. The Platinum trim focuses on luxury, featuring leather seats, a panoramic Vista Roof, and massaging front seats in the low $50K range. Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the ST trim, equipped with a 400-hp 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 and sport-tuned suspension, priced in the mid $50K range.

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander’s pricing starts in the low $40K range with the LE trim and extends to the mid $50K range for the fully loaded Platinum trim. The XLE trim, positioned in the mid $40K range, includes synthetic leather upholstery, a power liftgate, heated front seats, and optional second-row captain’s chairs, making it a good choice for its balanced feature set and affordability.

While both SUVs offer a variety of trims, the Ford Explorer provides more performance-oriented and luxury-focused options, giving buyers a broader range of choices within comparable price points.

The 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander are both exceptional mid-size SUVs, each catering to different priorities and preferences. The Explorer shines with its bold design, dynamic performance, and advanced technology, making it ideal for drivers seeking a rugged yet refined vehicle that delivers excitement and utility. Its powerful engine options, such as the 400-hp 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, and innovative tech features like the 13.2-inch touchscreen and Ford Digital Experience software, set it apart as a modern, capable family SUV.

The Toyota Grand Highlander offers a spacious interior and thoughtful design, making it an excellent option for larger families or those who frequently need adult-friendly third-row seating. Its range of trims and standard convenience features cater well to comfort-focused buyers, but its performance capabilities and technology options do not quite match the versatility of the Explorer.

While the Grand Highlander offers spacious interiors and excellent efficiency, the Ford Explorer excels in delivering a more balanced package of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. Drivers seeking a dynamic driving experience and a versatile trim lineup will find the Explorer to be the superior choice.

To experience the 2025 Ford Explorer firsthand, visit Dorian Ford today or schedule a test drive. Discover how the Explorer can meet your needs and exceed expectations for your next family SUV.