Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander
Features & Performance

The 2024 Ford Explorer is an SUV that blends power and innovation, which makes it a great choice for your adventurous family. Equipped with a standard 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, the Explorer ensures a thrilling drive. Its advanced all-wheel-drive system is optional, enhancing traction and stability on diverse terrains. The Explorer also boasts an impressive towing capacity of 5,600 lbs, making it perfect for taking your boat or trailer to the lake.

On the other hand, the 2024 Toyota Highlander is a great SUV, but needs to catch up in a few key areas. Its 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder engine provides 265 horsepower with 310 lb-ft of torque, which, though respectable, doesn't quite match the Explorer's performance capabilities. The Highlander's towing capacity is capped at 5,000 lbs, and also has an available all-wheel-drive system.

Ultimately, the 2024 Ford Explorer looks like the superior choice due to its superior engine performance, cargo space, and greater towing capacity. These features make it a more versatile and powerful option for those who seek adventure without compromising on comfort and convenience.

Exploring Trim Levels: Ford Explorer & Toyota Highlander

The 2024 Ford Explorer offers a range of trims to cater to various preferences and needs, surpassing the trim options available for the 2024 Toyota Highlander.

Ford Explorer Trims

• Explorer
• XLT
• ST-Line
• Timberline
• Limited
• ST
• King Ranch
• Platinum

Toyota Highlander Trims

• LE
• XLE
• XSE
• Limited
• Platinum

Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander
Interior & Safety Features

Interior Highlights

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer offers a versatile, tech-savvy interior designed for comfort and convenience. The cabin comfortably seats seven with three rows of seats, and the second row can be configured with either a bench seat or a captain's chair. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC® 3, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice recognition, two USB ports, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, the Explorer boasts cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a power liftgate, and tri-zone automatic climate control.

Higher trims offer even more luxury and technology, such as a 10.1-inch LCD capacitive portrait touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system, wireless charging, a navigation system, and rear-seat entertainment. The available PowerFold® third-row seats further enhance comfort and flexibility.

Toyota Highlander

The Highlander can seat up to eight passengers, with its second-row seats designed to slide for increased comfort and access. Standard interior features include a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, split-folding rear seats, and a comfortable cabin. The Highlander also includes advanced technology and convenience features, though specific details will likely vary across different trims.

Safety Highlights

Ford Explorer

The 2024 Explorer is equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360™ suite, which includes several advanced safety technologies. Key features are Auto High-Beam Headlamps, a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, a Lane-Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. Additionally, the Explorer offers features like Evasive Steering Assist and Post-Collision Braking on higher trims.

Toyota Highlander

The 2024 Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, which provides comprehensive safety features such as a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. These systems work together to help enhance driver awareness and help prevent potential collisions.

While both SUVs offer convenient interior features and advanced safety technologies, the Ford Explorer stands out with its extensive range of standard and available features, so drivers who are looking for luxury and versatility in their SUV will love the Explorer.

Discover a New or Used Ford Explorer
at Aaron Slaughter Test Site

Are you interested in taking the Ford Explorer for a spin? Your local dealership in Richardson, TX, is ready to assist you in every step, from scheduling a test drive to securing car financing by completing our online form. Explore our online inventory of new and used Ford Explorer models and see why it's the SUV of choice for many.

Frequently Asked Questions