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Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
Are you in the midst of deciding on the right SUV for your family trips around Salisbury, Kannapolis, Lexington, and Mooresville? You’re probably considering a few different models, but if you’re torn between the Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander, you’ll want to know more about what they offer and how they differ so you can decide confidently.
Our team at Cloninger Ford is here to help you learn more about the Explorer vs. Highlander. This guide will provide you with details and insight you can use to help you weigh your options and decide on the SUV that’s right for you!
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander Engine Specs & Performance
There are a few differences between the Explorer and the Highlander when it comes to their respective engine selection. The Ford Explorer comes standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-cylinder engine, a turbo engine that comes mated to a 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission that can boast 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
The Highlander comes outfitted with a 3.5L V6 engine that’s mated to a Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s able to generate up to 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer and the Highlander also offer hybrid engine options to their respective drivers.
Cabin Space & Cargo Capacity
The Explorer offers 152.7 cubic feet of cabin space, while the Highlander sneaks behind with 141.3 cubic feet. Each SUV offers seating for seven passengers over three rows with cargo space in back that can be adjusted by folding down the rows.
The Ford Explorer offers more front legroom with 43 inches vs. 42 inches. It even has more second-row headroom with 40.5 inches and third-row legroom with 32.2 inches. The Highlander only offers 39.4 inches of second-row headroom and 27.7 inches of third-row legroom.
Each SUV offers ample cargo space. The Explorer features 18.2 cubic feet, while the Highlander includes just 16 cubic feet. When you fold down the last two rows, the Explorer offers 87.7 cubic feet, while the Highlander only offers 84.3 cubic feet.
Driver-Assisting Technology Features
The Highlander and the Explorer both offer a few driver-assisting features that can help you drive securely and more confidently. Using exterior sensors, these systems will alert you based on proximity, rate of approach, and the lines in the road.
Each vehicle includes respective lane-keeping systems to notify you when you’re veering out of your intended lane without signaling. The Explorer includes the Reverse Sensing System that emits a series of beeps when you’re backing up that will increase in frequency the closer you are to the object. The Highlander doesn’t offer a system like this.
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Deciding on Your SUV
At Cloninger Ford, we hope this comparison of these two impressive SUVs has provided you with the details needed to help you decide on the one that’s right for you. While both SUVs offer a lot, it’s the Ford Explorer that has more power, more space, and more features!
Why not learn more about the Ford Explorer and how it will handle on the roads of Salisbury, Kannapolis, Lexington, and Mooresville by scheduling your test drive with us today?
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| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Saturday | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 1:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 1:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |