Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: SUV Showdown
Three-row SUVs have a very special place in our hearts. The best three-row SUVs have ample seating for at least 7 people, making them ideal for families. They’re also often built with trucklike specs, and while they may not be quite as powerful as, say, a Ford Super Duty truck, they’re capable enough to do some serious work.
So, which brand makes the best three-row midsize SUVs for sale near Destin? Let’s delve deep into some specs and do a vehicle comparison of the 2024 Ford Explorer vs. the 2024 Toyota Highlander.
What’s the Most Affordable Three-Row SUV?
When you start shopping for a car, the first question on your mind is probably whether or not you can pony up the dough to buy it in the first place.
Both the Explorer and Highlander are available in multiple different trims. Here’s a breakdown of each, along with their starting MSRP:
2024 Ford Explorer:
- Base: $36,860
- XLT: $38,760
- ST-Line: $46,455
- Limited: $47,520
- Timberline: $49,430
- ST: $50,105
- King Ranch: $54,625
- Platinum: $54,770
2024 Toyota Highlander:
- LE: $39,270
- Hybrid LE: $40,970
- Hybrid LE Nightshade: $41,970
- XLE: $42,420
- XSE: $44,015
- Hybrid XLE: $44,120
- Hybrid XLE Nightshade: $45,120
- Limited: $46,525
- Hybrid Limited: $48,225
- Platinum: $49,725
- Hybrid Platinum: $51,425
The Explorer starts out significantly less expensive, making it the most affordable SUV overall. It also offers a selection of high-end trims for buyers who want a bit more luxury, making it a versatile option for a wide range of shoppers.
What’s the Most Powerful Three-Row SUV?
Both of these family-style people movers are available with two different engine options, each of which comes with their own benefits and drawbacks.
| 2024 Ford Explorer engines |
o 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four
|
o 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6
|
| 2024 Toyota Highlander engines |
o 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder
|
o 2.4-liter four-cylinder with hybrid motor
|
It’s also worth noting that both have two drivetrain options—the 2024 Explorer can be bought with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, while the 2024 Highlander presents a choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
Regardless of which powertrain configuration you end up with, the numbers don’t lie. The Ford Explorer is by far the best SUV for towing, and its more robust 4WD system allows it to get a little farther off the beaten path.
Which Three-Row SUV Has the Most Space?
The whole point of buying an SUV with a third row is to allow maximum space for seating and storage. The Explorer and Highlander offer a number of arrangements thanks to their folding second and third rows, but which one has the most space?
The 2024 Explorer has a length of 198.8 inches and a width of 78.9 inches, while the Highlander comes in at 194.9 inches long and 76.0 inches wide, meaning the Explorer is noticeably bigger. So, how does this translate to the interior?
Here’s a breakdown of Highlander and Explorer interior dimensions:
| 2024 Ford Explorer | 2024 Toyota Highlander | |
| Head room (1st/2nd/3rd) | 40.7 in./40.5 in./38.9 in. | 41.2 in./39.4 in./36.1 in. |
| Shoulder room (1st/2nd/3rd) | 61.8 in./61.9 in./54.6 in. | 59.0 in./58.7 in./55.0 in. |
| Hip room (1st/2nd/3rd) | 59.2 in./59.1 in./40.9 in. | 57.2 in./57.0 in./45.6 in. |
| Leg room (1st/2nd/3rd) | 43.0 in./39.0 in./32.2 in. | 42.0 in./38.7 in./28.0 in. |
| Cargo volume (behind 3rd) | 18.2 cu. ft. | 16.0 cu. ft. |
| Cargo volume (behind 2nd) | 47.9 cu. ft. | 48.4 cu. ft. |
| Cargo volume (behind 1st) | 87.8 cu. ft. | 84.3 cu. ft. |
The Highlander has a bit more max head room in the front and a little more side-to-side space in the third row, but the Explorer has significantly more interior space overall. The Explorer’s third row is capable of seating two adults, while the rearmost seats in the Highlander will have trouble fitting anyone taller than a child.
Which Three-Row SUV Has the Best Technology?
First, let’s talk infotainment. Both SUVs have two different screen setups. The Explorer comes with an 8.0-inch SYNC 3 system in the Base model, while other trims get the vertically-oriented tablet-style 10.1-inch screen with SYNC 3. On the other hand, most Highlander models come with an 8.0-inch touch screen display, while the Limited and Platinum grades get a 12.3-incher.
So, the Highlander gets points for having the largest screen available, but the Explorer includes their upgraded system in more models, which gives it a better value.
Both SUVs come with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM capability, and a variety of connected services including a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. They can also both be optioned with wireless device charging and premium sound systems, although Ford’s Bang & Olufsen system has more speakers than Toyota’s JBL setup.
They also have an impressive array of advanced safety features through Ford CoPilot 360 and Toyota Safety Sense, respectively. The Explorer and Highlander both have excellent safety ratings. For 2024, the Highlander received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS; however, the Explorer got the highest distinction of Top Safety Pick+, giving it the edge and making it the safest family SUV of the two.
Find the 2024 Ford Explorer for Sale Near Niceville, FL
The results are in. The 2024 Highlander puts up a good fight, but it just can’t match the Explorer’s class-leading blend of power, technology, interior space, and value for car shoppers near Panama City Beach.
Our Ford dealership in Crestview has plenty of special offers and deals on new cars, and we also have a legendary half-million mile limited powertrain warranty on select models. Get ahold of us online or call us at (850) 367-7358 to learn more about a Ford Explorer for sale near you.
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