2025 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: Comparing 2 Popular Midsize SUVs

The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander have three rows of seating for larger families but feature designs catering to different needs. One provides more passenger seating and is more fuel efficient, while the other offers more power and space for passengers. Read as we compare the 2025 Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander interior, performance, value, and more to help you decide which is best for driving in Birmingham, Alabama.

2025 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: Design and Interior Features

The Ford Explorer has space for up to seven across three rows of seats, while the Toyota Highlander has seats for up to eight but with limited space in the third row. The Ford Explorer has a longer wheelbase (119 inches vs. the Highlander's 112 inches), which may offer a smoother ride. Ford also makes better use of the cabin space with 152.9 cubic feet of passenger volume compared to Toyota's 141.8 cubic feet.

The Ford has more space for passengers across every row in the Explorer vs. Highlander comparison, with 39 inches of legroom in the middle row and 32.2 inches in the third row compared to the Toyota's 38.7 and 28 inches, respectively. Cargo space is about on par across both SUVs. The Ford has 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 85.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, while the Toyota offers 16 and 84.3 cubic feet, respectively.

2025 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: Technological Features

The SUVs also differ in technology, which can affect the vehicle you prefer. The Explorer has a larger standard 13.2-inch vertical touch screen, whereas the Highlander has a standard 8-inch screen in lower trims or an available 12.3-inch horizontal screen in higher trims. Both models include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster for monitoring important vehicle information. The Ford Explorer includes a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system on all trims except for the base, with the Toyota Highlander featuring a standard six-speaker setup on most trims and an available 11-speaker JBL sound system. 

2025 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: Performance

When comparing performance, the choice comes down to power or efficiency. The 2025 Ford Explorer offers up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine (standard on the ST and available on the Platinum), while the Toyota Highlander's most powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine produces 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

When comparing standard engines, the Ford Explorer's turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine on the base, ST-Line, and Platinum produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is still more potent than the Toyota's standard offering. If towing is a consideration, you don't need to run the numbers. The Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander have the same maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. A 10-speed automatic transmission in the Explorer provides more gears than the Highlander's eight-speed automatic, potentially improving fuel efficiency and performance.

2025 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: Fuel Efficiency Numbers

The 2025 Ford Explorer gets 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive. Models with all-wheel drive drop to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Upgrading to the V-6 gets you 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

The Highlander achieves 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive numbers drop to 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Highlander's hybrid models are even more fuel-efficient.

2025 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: Reliability and Safety Compared

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Ford Explorer the same "Good" rating as the Toyota Highlander on the small overlap front test. The Highlander performed better in its LATCH ease of use test, with a "Good" rating vs. the Explorer's "Acceptable." The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave both SUVs five stars for crash tests. However, the Explorer has higher ratings for frontal crash test results.

Regarding reliability, J.D. Power rates the 2025 Explorer at "Great," with a score of 87/100. The Highlander gets the same "Great" rating but with a slightly lower reliability rating of 81/100. According to Kelley Blue Book, the Explorer will retain 48.8% of its value after five years, while the Highlander will hold 64.5%.

2025 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: Price

The Ford Explorer comes in four trim levels. It ranges from $39,785 for the base Active model to $54,240 for the top ST trim. The Toyota Highlander has five gas models and additional hybrid models. The base LE trim starts at $39,820, with the top Platinum trim at $52,225. Previous Explorer models came with an off-road-focused Timberline trim, but the Highlander doesn't have a comparable trim.

Is the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander Better?

While the Toyota Highlander is more fuel efficient, the Ford Explorer is a more powerful vehicle with better performance. To experience the Ford Explorer for yourself, visit Stivers Ford of Birmingham to take it for a test drive. Our team can walk you through its features to help you make an informed decision.

Images By OEM