Compare Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander

The Ford Explorer is a Perfect Family SUV – Discover What Sets it Apart from the Competition in Sebring, FL

The Ford Explorer has been serving Florida families well for more than two decades. With three rows of seats, enough power to tow a camper or small boat, and all the features that Avon Park, FL drivers want, there's a lot to know and appreciate about the latest Explorer models, and the Alan Jay Ford team is your trusted guide to help you get to know it better.

While the Ford Explorer has a lot to offer any family or driver from Lake Placid and beyond, we know that it's not the only SUV with three rows that might be competing for your attention. In order to help you get acquainted and make the right choice for your needs, we've compared it side by side with the Toyota Highlander. Here are the results of this comparison, illustrating everything that makes the Ford Explorer stand out.

Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander

When you look at these two SUVs next to each other, they appear, on the surface at least, to have a lot in common. Both have three rows of seating, and both are available with either a gas engine or hybrid system. But on closer inspection, you'll find a number of areas where the Explorer comes out ahead.

  • Towing ability. When it comes to towing your family's small camper or fishing boat, the Ford Explorer has a slightly higher maximum towing capacity, topping out at 5,600 pounds, compared to just 5,000 pounds maximum for the Toyota Highlander.
  • Comfort and legroom. Regardless of where they're sitting inside the vehicle, passengers will be more comfortable and have more room to stretch their legs in the Ford Explorer than in the Toyota Highlander. In fact, all three rows of the Explorer have more room than the three rows of the Highlander. For example, there is 43 inches of legroom in the front seat of the Explorer, vs. 42 inches in the Highlander. In the second row, our SUV has 39 inches of legroom, vs. 38.5 in the Toyota. Finally, the third row of the Explorer will be much more comfortable for your passengers, with more than 32 inches of space, vs. 27 inches of legroom in the Toyota Highlander.
  • Cargo space. Not only does the Ford Explore have more space for your passengers, but it also has more room for your cargo than the Toyota Highlander. Behind its third row, Arcadia, FL drivers will find up to 18.2 cubic feet of space inside the Explorer. But behind the third row of the Highlander, there is space for just 16 cubic feet. Overall, the Ford Explorer also has a maximum cargo capacity as well, with up to 87.8 cubic feet available with the seats folded down, more than the Toyota Highlander has with its seat folded down.
  • Power and performance. Depending on your needs, the Ford Explorer is available with three different engine options, all of which offer enough power and oomph to get you up to highway speeds safely and quickly. The Toyota Highlander has just two engines available. Not only does the Explorer have more opportunities to customize the level of power in your SUV, but it also has more power than both Highlander options. Whether you want an entry-level SUV or a hybrid model, you can expect a greater output with the Ford Explorer than with the Toyota Highlander.

Test Drive the Newest Ford Explorer SUVs in Sebring, FL

Meet the Ford Explorer today at our conveniently located dealership to learn more and get behind the wheel for a test drive. We look forward to setting you up in this exciting SUV and to helping you choose the best model for your needs, soon.