Situated right between compact and full-size SUVs, midsize SUVs are best known for their versatility, offering the same towing capacity and generous payload as larger vehicles, but at a much lower price point. However, in today’s industry, this particular class is also one of the most competitive, with different brands competing to provide the ideal family car. In this market, both Ford and Toyota have consistently earned a reputation for offering high-quality midsize SUVs that balance urban practicality and maneuverability. Specifically, two midsize models that perform well in this area are the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.
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Both automakers are focused on releasing the latest versions of their respective models, with the 2025 Ford Explorer arriving in the second quarter of 2024 with a suggested retail price of $39,755 to $54,160, depending on trim package. will be put on the market. Meanwhile, to celebrate its 25th anniversary, the 2025 Toyota Highlander is not expected to hit the U.S. market until November 2024.
Although official pricing has not been released, the estimated price of the new Toyota Highlander is expected to be $40,000. Through the operation of their respective models, both models have built solid reputations and attracted a significant portion of their target consumers. In fact, in 2023, the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander each earned an overall consumer rating of 80 from JD Power. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the specs, comparing each model’s expected strengths and weaknesses.
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The Ford Explorer is one of the longest-selling SUV models in the United States.
First introduced in 1991 to complement the Bronco II, the Explorer was a successful pioneer in popularizing the sport utility vehicle class in the North American market. Essentially, the first iteration of the ’90s model was a hybrid version of the preceding Ford vehicle. The Explorer had an eye-catching boxy frame based on the Ford Ranger. Built on the Bronco framework, it had enough cargo space to rival a station wagon, which at the time was considered the equivalent of a minivan.
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In fact, the original Explorer was available in two- and four-door models, making it considerably larger than the original truck. Over the generations, the Explorer has continued to evolve with changes in automotive engineering and technology, and now ranks among the four longest-selling models continuously sold in the United States, along with its siblings the Expedition and Mustang. It has been.
Throughout its period of operation, Explorer has cultivated a fairly specific consumer segment. When Ford first launched the Explorer, its advertising and marketing campaigns targeted young families interested in a car that touted reliability and comfort while also promising plenty of off-road adventure. . Today, that description remains largely unchanged, with approximately 32% of consumers under the age of 44. Ford has been trying to expand into other market segments with new derivatives, such as offering a utility crossover for blue-collar workers to replace the now-discontinued Ford Explorer Sport Trac. However, it has not achieved the same level of sustained success as the original Explorer.
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Toyota Highlander is the originator of SUV unibody design
Nearly a decade after the launch of the Ford Explorer, the Toyota Highlander debuted in the United States in 2001, serving as a test pilot for the Japanese automaker’s first foray into the sport utility vehicle class. Just as the Explorer popularized the SUV class, the Highlander is also considered the originator of the SUV unibody design configuration, which was more commonly used in sedans and compact cars at the time. Interestingly, Hyundai had already trademarked “Highlander” as a trim in both Japan and Australia, so Toyota launched the Highlander in those markets under the name “Kluger.” This is a play on the German word kruger, meaning “smarter.” Throughout its decades of distribution, the Highlander has proven to be a strong member of the midsize SUV class, known as a timeless performer with 1.8 times more durability over 250,000 miles.
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Because the original model was built on the existing Camry architecture, the Toyota Highlander’s initial target audience was families looking for a roomy, efficient SUV with the nimble handling of a compact car. While Highlander continues to be family-focused with each new model, the general consumer image is shifting toward younger owners with families and active lifestyles that include outdoor activities. Other target audiences for the Highlander in today’s market include technology enthusiasts interested in a car with cutting-edge gadgets and owners interested in fuel economy for their daily commute.
Toyota Highlander’s hybrid trim offers maximum efficiency
Fuel economy is one of the most important factors consumers consider when evaluating midsize SUV options. On average, the standard model’s fuel economy falls in the 18-22 mpg range, but the outlier hybrid can boost that number up to about 30 mpg. Looking at the 2024 Toyota Highlander lineup, more than two-thirds of the models in circulation were hybrid models equipped with a 2.5-liter L4HV 16-valve D-4S injection engine that reached 260 horsepower. All iterations of the Highlander Hybrid E and XLE to Premium consistently reach a combined efficiency of 36 mpg, well above the average fuel economy for these vehicles. Meanwhile, the Highlander’s internal combustion model had an efficiency rating of 25 mpg, and that figure rose to 29 mpg during highway driving.
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Interestingly, Ford has decided to eliminate hybrid powertrains in the 2025 Explorer, except for its police utility vehicle line. But when you look at the fuel economy statistics, it’s hard to justify such a decision, as the hybrid model achieves an efficiency of 28 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. For the standard ICE Explorer, overall fuel economy reaches 24 mpg, peaking at 28 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city. A few integers change depending on whether the trim is AWD or FWD. So, overall, the Toyota Highlander has the advantage with more powerful hybrid technology, but when it comes to combustion, the Explorer and Highlander are both pretty even.
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Ford Explorer leads in cargo volume
Another important factor to consider is the space and comfort of a midsize SUV to balance efficiency and carrying capacity. Many additional factors can affect the available interior space, such as seating layout and number of passenger rows. The general range of cargo capacity you can expect for a midsize SUV tends to be around 15 to 30 cubic feet. Since Toyota introduced the fourth generation of the Highlander, it has promoted modern models with sleeker, more aerodynamic bodies that offer increased cargo capacity. As a result, the 2024 model now has 16 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row and 48.4 cubic feet of storage space behind the second row, for a total cargo volume of 84.3 cubic feet.
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By comparison, the 2024 Ford Explorer has about 2 cubic feet more cargo space in the third row, 18.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 47.9 cubic feet. Additionally, the Explorer’s second row has the equivalent of 39 inches of legroom. That’s a pretty good indicator of comfort, slightly more than the Highlander, which has 38.7 inches of second-row legroom. General reviews praise the Explorer’s first two rows of space for passengers to move around, but the third row tends to be a bit cramped. This is likely a compromise to increase cargo capacity in the rear.
Both have the latest technology and safety features
While more practical aspects such as interior dimensions and fuel economy are worth considering, the innovative touches that effectively pique consumer interest cannot be overlooked. On that note, the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are loaded with the latest technology and safety features. The 2024 Explorer is equipped with an array of cutting-edge systems, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist, and the new BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), which notifies the driver of vehicles passing in their blind spot. The dashboard is equipped with a 10.1-inch LCD vertical touchscreen that includes Pilot360 for premium navigation and SYNC3, which enables a wide range of connectivity media from Apple CarPlay to Android Auto. Additionally, drivers can download the FordPass app on their phones for even more personalization.
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The Toyota Highlander’s infotainment center features a small 8-inch touchscreen, with customers having the option to purchase the larger 12.3-inch screen that comes standard on the Grand Highlander. However, like the Explorer, the Highlander’s infotainment center emphasizes versatility, as the system includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy customization based on the driver’s mobile device. I’m doing it. Additionally, consumers can subscribe to the Toyota App, which further expands on modifications, including Remote Connect. Remote Connect essentially turns your smart device into a key that allows you to remotely lock or unlock your Highlander. Like the Explorer, the Highlander is equipped with many safety features and warning systems, as well as front and rear parking assist, which automatically applies the brakes if the vehicle is about to hit a nearby object. Overall, both the Explorer and Highlander are pretty evenly matched when it comes to having the latest cutting-edge technology and safety systems.
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