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Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander

Comparing 2019 Explorer to the 2019 Toyota Highlander 

Toyota Highlander touts the phrase "Let's explore every possibility," and promotes these features:

  • Terrain management
  • Performance
  • Technology

Terrain Management

Simply Stated - Tell Your Customers

  • Explorer offers the Intelligent 4-Wheel Drive System* with Terrain Management System (TMS)* that includes driver-selectable settings to match the current terrain. Highlander does not offer individual settings

Competitive Chatter - What They're Saying

Toyota promotes Highlander's Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive system and its ability to help give the driver better control.


Ford Facts

The Intelligent 4WD System* paired with Terrain Management System (TMS)* also helps give the driver better control. Four driver-selectable settings are available to match the current terrain:

  • Normal
  • Mud/Ruts
  • Sand
  • Snow/Gravel/Grass

Highlander does not offer individual settings. .

Performance

Simply Stated - Tell Your Customers

  • Compared to Highlander, Explorer delivers:
    • More horsepower
    • More torque
    • Better EPA-estimated highway fuel economy
    • Twice the towing capacity

Competitive Chatter - What They're Saying

Toyota states that Highlander's 2.7L I-4 engine (FWD) delivers:

  • 185 horsepower
  • 184 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 20 city/24 hwy./22 combined mpg
  • Up to 1500 lbs. towing capacity(1)

Ford Facts

2.3L EcoBoost I-4 vs. 2.7L I-4 in Highlander:

  • More horsepower - 95 additional horsepower:(2) 280
  • More torque - 126 additional lb.-ft. of torque:(2) 310
  • Better EPA-estimated rating for highway fuel economy (19 city/27 hwy/22 combined mpg) - with 27 hwy. mpg(3) vs. 24 hwy. mpg for Highlander
  • Twice the available towing capacity - with up to 3000 lbs. towing capacity(1) compared to just 1500 lbs. for Highlander

Technology

Simply Stated - Tell Your Customers

  • Explorer offers features not available on Highlander, like:
    • Enhanced Active Park Assist*
    • Wi-Fi* connectivity for up to 10 devices

Competitive Chatter - What They're Saying

Described by Toyota as having multitalented tech, Highlander boasts about its:

  • EnTune audio system
  • Turn-by-turn navigation
  • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Ford Facts

Explorer matches Highlander's multitalented tech features.

PLUS, Explorer offers technology with more capability:

  • 500-watt Audio System from Sony®*
  • Enhanced Active Park Assist*
  • Wi-Fi* connectivity for up to 10 devices

* Denotes available feature.

(1) Properly equipped.

(2) Horsepower and torque ratings achieved with 93-octane fuel.

(3) Actual mileage will vary.

NOTE: Wi-Fi is an available feature. FordPass Connect is an optional feature on select vehicles and is required for certain remote features.  Service includes a 1-year trial for remote features, excluding Wi-Fi hotspot, that starts with vehicle sales date (after which, fees apply). Connected service and related feature functionality is subject to compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks may affect functionality and availability, or continued provision of some features, prohibiting them from functioning. Certain restrictions, 3rd-party terms or message/data rates may apply.