Finding the right midsize SUV can make a difference when you're heading out on an adventure. Drivers deciding between the Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander will want to look at these two vehicles side by side to see which SUV is the right fit.
At Richmond Ford Lincoln, we're here to help our friends near Richmond, Mechanicsville, and Ashland, VA, learn more about the Explorer vs. Highlander by detailing some of their key differences. Keep reading to see which of these SUVs is suited to meet your needs!
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander Specs
There are some notable differences between the 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 Toyota Highlander when comparing performance.
While the Highlander comes standard with a V6 engine, the standard EcoBoost® engine within the Explorer provides more power…
| Engine Specs | Ford Explorer | Toyota Highlander |
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 300 | 295 |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 263 lb-ft |
Even more power is given with the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine in the Ford Explorer. It generates up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This helps give the 2021 Explorer the ability to tow up to 5,600 pounds. At most, the 2021 Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Space Inside the Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
Both the 2021 Highlander and 2021 Explorer offer expansive cabins that include three rows of seating as well as the choice between a middle-row bench or available captain's chairs. While each vehicle can accommodate the same number of passengers, there are some differences with the actual space offered in both models…
- First row:Â Enjoy an extra inch of legroom in the first row of the Ford Explorer compared to the Toyota Highlander.
- Second row:Â The second row in the Explorer has 59.1 inches of hip room while the Highlander only has 57 inches.Â
- Third row:Â The third-row passengers in the 2021 Explorer enjoy 38.9 inches of headroom and 32.2 inches of legroom. Inside the Toyota Highlander, there is 36.1 inches of headroom and 27.7 inches of legroom in the third row.
A Look at Their Features
There are a lot of similarities when it comes to the features that you'll get with these two SUVs, including advanced infotainment systems and standard tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control systems.
While you can get an available 11-speaker audio system in the Toyota Highlander, the 2021 Ford Explorer has an available 14-speaker premium audio system for a surround-sound listening experience.
Plus, only the Ford Explorer offers the available Active Park Assist 2.0 system. This lets the vehicle find an open parking spot and safely navigate itself into the space with the simple push of a button.
2021 Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Making Your Choice
At Richmond Ford Lincoln, we hope you found our Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander comparison helpful in showing you what these respective SUVs offer.
Of course, you're now aware of how they differ and all the factors that show you that the Explorer leads in each of these categories. You can learn even more by dropping by our dealership for a closer look, or you can just climb in and take it out on the road!
Schedule your test drive with us now. We're happy to give our friends and neighbors near Richmond, Mechanicsville, and Ashland, Virginia, the guidance they need to find the vehicle that's perfect for them!