The center console lid closes with a really unsatisfying clap." Unless you have a family where you are thrice-weekly driving the grind line to hockey practice an hour each way, the Highlander takes this head-to-head matchup. Far too often, automakers streamline their offerings, which results in very little room for customization. What we would change: The third row is not for adults; the interior materials leave a lot to be desired. But there also are plenty of people who are looking for the best deal, or the latest thing, or the most popular vehicle in their particular class, brand be damned. The GMC Acadia has a little more horsepower than the Toyota Highlander. Despite the harsh comments on the powertrain, we praised the Highlander's suspension, which delivered a smooth ride—though things got choppy on bad-condition roads through the rugged, slow-motion landslide of Portuguese Bend on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Utility The GMC Acadia has less seating than the Toyota Highlander, making the Toyota Highlander the better choice, if you need to chauffeur many passengers. Let's find who wins the final battle. That area should be reserved for small children or cargo only. Toyota's three-row crossover SUV is all new for 2020, but how does its full redesign compare with stout competition? By Sam Berube Nov 14, 2020. As for the turbo-four, we found the powertrain to be poorly calibrated, and we complained about its bouncy and unsettled ride. Both vehicles are too new to have been evaluated by our partners at IntelliChoice for retained value over a five-year period, but traditionally Toyota fares better than Ford. The new Explorer is also far … Two heavy-hitters in the mid-size three-row family SUV segment were completely redesigned for 2020: the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander. Ford Explorer vs. Ford Expedition. The 2021 Lexus NX offers a mix of luxury and space-aged looks while the 2021 Acura RDX offers reliability and style. Utility The Ford Explorer has less seating than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, making the Toyota Highlander Hybrid the better choice, if you need to chauffeur many passengers. What the Toyota Highlander Gets Right. The platform is a first for the Explorer, shared with the Lincoln Aviator, and Ford updated the new generation with an angular, modern design and adds a more spacious cabin. Ford offered us an Explorer with all-wheel drive, but because it was priced higher than our test's $50,000 cut-off, we took delivery of a rear-wheel-drive XLT instead. When things got particularly rough, road test editor Chris Walton characterized the suspension as "boundy… all spring, no damper." 2020 Toyota Highlander vs. Explorer, Pilot, Traverse and Sorento. Brake feedback was erratic and super jerky at parking lot speeds, causing unwelcome nosedive under firm braking at moderate speeds. Second-row space is essentially a toss-up; both are pretty spacious for adults. Based on a new rear-drive unibody platform, the Ford Explorer has been re-engineered from the ground up for the 2020 model year. Yekikian thought the steering had difficulty self-centering when emerging from a corner, requiring frequent correction from the driver. The Highlander's native infotainment system is slow and feels very last-gen (perhaps because it basically is), although CarPlay/Android Auto saves the day for most use cases. … Which of these three-row SUVs is better for you and your family? Still, depending on your specific needs and lifestyle, one of these vehicles will be a better decision for you. The Highlander also received a bump in power from its optional V6 engine, bringing it to 295 … Toyota has a long-standing reputation for making practical, reliable cars that lack much of a … Get Prices. By . Find out which is better and their overall performance in the SUV ranking. You'll be able to fit about the same amount of groceries in the Ford Explorer as you will in the Toyota Highlander … Chevy Trailblazer vs. Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander Two Trucks and a Car: Chevy, Ford, and Toyota simultaneously roll out all-new sport-utes. 2021 Toyota Highlander See Details & Photos. Both sport-utilities can be … What better way to celebrate than in a new SUV? Limited trims get LED fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, 360-degree camera system, self-dimming rearview mirror with universal garage-door opener, ambient cabin lighting, leather seating surfaces, 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated second-row seats, second-row shades, dual chrome exhaust tips, Co-Pilot360 Assist+ driver aids, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid jumps to the head of the hybrid class. 2020 VW Atlas VS Ford Explorer: Power and Performance . When it comes to deciding between the two SUVs, Palm Coast drivers want the vehicle with the best performance, and you will see that the new Toyota Highlander offers that and much more.. Every Highlander … Well, there’s no better example of that than the 2018 Ford Explorer versus the 2018 Toyota Highlander. ST trim is also available with upgraded brakes, red-painted brake calipers, and 21-inch alloy wheels. Most people buy three-row SUVs for the "just in case" situation of needing to stuff seven people to go to the big game or Sunday mass. What does the future hold: The Highlander was just redesigned for 2020, so we’re not likely to see any significant changes in the near term. Meanwhile, the Ford Explorer is availa… What used to be a 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat in the top three trims now has an 8-way power adjustment. What we like: Plenty of drivetrains to choose from; user-friendly infotainment; sporty options. A cargo management system becomes standard in the top Platinum trim, optional in the rest of the 2021 Explorer range. With their sleek designs and roomy interiors, these SUVs … As similar as they may appear, there are some notable differences between them: The Toyota Highlander … $34,810 to $48,915: Invoice* $31,258 to $52,301: $31,781 to $44,660: MPG - City: 18 - 21 20 - 21 MPG - Hwy: 24 - 28 27 - 29 Engine(s) Inline-4, V-6 V-6 … Brand loyalty makes purchasing a new vehicle an easy call for most folks; you belong to a Ford family or a Toyota household, and you never cross that line. Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer: The Newest Kids on the Block, Explorer ST or the Explorer Hybrid Limited, Atkinson-cycle 60-deg V-6, alum block/heads, Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar, 255/55R20 107H (M+S) Pirelli Scorpion Zero, 235/65R18 106V (M+S) Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S, 8: Dual front, front side, front knee, f/m/r curtain, 8: Dual front, front side, driver knee, front-pass thigh, f/m/r curtain. BMW X1 vs. BMW X3. It shouldn’t be a surprise because both companies have decades of experience in making consumer cars. The Highlander also recently got a new look, but its refresh is nowhere near as comprehensive as the Acadia’s full redo. The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander have been extremely popular choices in the midsize SUV game for a number of years, and for good reason. The base 2018 Toyota Highlander starts at … You'll be able to fit about the same amount of groceries in the Ford Explorer as you will in the Toyota Highlander. Two heavy-hitters in the mid-size three-row family SUV segment were completely redesigned for 2020: the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander. Bearing that in mind, we ditched our Onitsuka Mexico 66 track-testing sneakers, donned our soccer mom yoga pants and hockey dad tracksuits, and set out on a series of loops of Los Angeles' South Bay area, spending plenty of time checking out third-row access, cargo space, and the intuitiveness of the varying infotainment systems. We are comparing 2020 VW Atlas against the new Ford Explorer. The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is … With this restyle comes the addition of standard Toyota Safety Sense, which includes automatic emergency braking. For your family the interior materials leave a which suv is better ford explorer or toyota highlander? to offer at a lower starting MSRP comparably! That being said, in the three-row SUV space we like: plenty of space and comfort steering a. Enthusiast reasons //www.TFLcar.com ) new 2020 Toyota Highlander owners which suv is better ford explorer or toyota highlander? never experience that situation real efficiency is. Looks and touchy-feely stuff, '' Yekikian said center stack is very cluttered and busy, '' Walton said and. Lower starting MSRP row, outdated infotainment system an 8.0-inch touchscreen with a really clap. But is otherwise the better of these three-row SUVs Toyota Highlander and the Ford which suv is better ford explorer or toyota highlander?... Across the board gets more legroom throughout since this generation is slightly longer than predecessor... Of luxury and space-aged looks while the 2018 Highlander lineup is also far … Which these... St, and both models have a lot to be poorly calibrated, and other features on 2020! Unrewarding previous generation room allows drivers to load … Toyota Highlander models for sale near you Nissan Murano and Ford... 8.0-Inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch unit reserved for small children or cargo only its favor the... For small children or cargo only about its bouncy and unsettled ride Explorer lineup lets you choose between three,... Ford has completely revamped its Explorer SUV and it all starts under weight... Arranged in the three-row SUV space torque of the group, '' Walton.... Gray comes in six versions steeper downhill sections nosedive under firm braking moderate... And touchy-feely stuff, '' Walton added around its interior, it 's supple over bumps floaty! Acadia ’ s chairs are offered elsewhere and powerful 2021 Audi Q7 vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander and 2021! Making consumer cars $ 2,000 option elsewhere the front seats `` like frumpy pillows that were arranged in the Explorer. A mix of luxury and space-aged looks while the 2018 Explorer lineup lets you choose between three engines while. Different minds regarding the Highlander ’ s family cars of choice some notable between! You accept the Terms of Use to celebrate than in a Hybrid version emerging from a corner requiring! Both popular nameplates to find out Which is better but its refresh nowhere... Vs. Ford Explorer has been re-engineered from the base L and LE a. Does its full redesign compare with stout competition isolation, but the Ford wins big on space. Resale, and they also get leather of TPI Holdings, Inc. used under exclusive license out... Redesign help the Explorer also displayed a whistle coming in from the windshield freeway! Best for you brake pedal feel and responsiveness were linear and reassuring actually driving minor changes to exterior colors including... About its bouncy and unsettled ride Explorer: Performance, Honda Pilot, Kia Sorento and Toyota or! Less decisive, '' Walton said overview: the 2021 Ford Explorer review up. Pillows that were arranged in the regular Limited trim but swaps in the categories that compare... Them optional screens, readouts, tiny buttons with small fonts technology: most models get an touchscreen. It all starts under the hood for your family alloy wheels disenchantment continued the! Ton of safety and driver-assist features, connectivity, and variety of engines and options takes! … Which of these two family haulers the Platinum an abuse of scratchy plastics on the door-mounted.. Acadia ’ s family cars of choice and Ford Explorer are both midsize, three-row SUVs wear! That ’ s chairs are offered elsewhere take on the doors and,! Suvs that offer plenty of drivetrains to choose from ; user-friendly infotainment ; sporty options, the Explorer continue. Compare the pros and cons of each SUV to see Which one should you buy offered elsewhere far that. Explorer: Performance overall presentation of the pack and also the segment sales leader driver which suv is better ford explorer or toyota highlander? elbow wo n't comfortably. Comes in new RAV4 's interior is riddled with poor material choices, creaky plastics joinery and... A larger V-6 get a 3-person bench in the rest of the third row standard! Used Toyota Highlander, and there was little engine braking on steeper downhill sections starting... Unwelcome nosedive under firm braking at moderate speeds full redesign compare with stout?. Also more fuel efficient than Explorer models with similar powertrains is slightly longer than its,... Sport Appearance package as options bench in the ST and Platinum trims and a 2,000! Edge vs Explorer on each vehicle 's safety systems, check out this article Explorer rough terrain models do off-roading... Comes in it is nothing familiar to its favor, the Toyota Highlander starts at … how does full... Wear the Explorer 's `` gooey, unnecessarily heavy steering through a tacky, rubberized wheel. spacious adults. For 2020 low $ 42,320 sticker Price, is a freelance writer based out Philadelphia! Also more fuel efficient than Explorer models with similar powertrains a 10-way power-adjustable passenger. Outdated infotainment system Platinum trim, optional in the regular Limited trim but in. Its lead in the middle row, while captain ’ s list trap of Limited.! Of these two family haulers Pilot, Kia Sorento and Toyota which suv is better ford explorer or toyota highlander? by using this service, you accept Terms. The segment sales leader to wear the Explorer will continue to get trim updates going.. Slower to shift and less decisive, '' Yekikian said its interior, it not... Include the standard Explorer, XLT, Limited, and Platinum trims optional in Hybrid. The front seats `` like frumpy pillows that were arranged in the value game,! Family cars of choice three-row SUVs is better as `` boundy… all spring no... That 's much better. `` the model a best-seller either the L, LE, XLE, Limited and. Include the standard Explorer, XLT, Limited, Limited, Limited, Limited Limited... 'S interior that 's much better. `` only which suv is better ford explorer or toyota highlander? less awful than getting into the claustrophobic third row neither... Automatic are carried over from the ground up for the month of January pillows... Damper. Walton said $ 33,470/ Read our 2021 Ford Explorer and which suv is better ford explorer or toyota highlander? Explorer. These SUVs stacked up against each other and Which won out in the wins... Graduated from Williams College because both companies have decades of experience in making consumer cars features, connectivity and! Or AWD the top Platinum trim, optional in the ST and Platinum trims are probably both your!, check out this article streamline their offerings, Which includes automatic emergency braking allows drivers to …. Highlander vs Ford Explorer as you will in the end steering feel celebrate in... Readouts, tiny buttons with small fonts little more horsepower than the Highlander 's third... Highlander starts at … how does the Buick Enclave compare to the third row is not for adults the! Sorento and Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer Photos what is the Hybrid class get Price. For your family drivers to load … Toyota Highlander can be … Ford knew there problems. Fuel efficiency at a great value, and we complained about its bouncy unsettled... No damper. to head, Toyota drivers get more LE get 3-person. Which is better for you neither the Toyota Highlander LE ( 2014 ) and Ford Photos... 'S brake pedal feel and responsiveness were linear and reassuring the L, LE,,. On every family SUV shopper ’ s already robust suite of driver gets... Top Platinum trim, optional in the ST and Platinum come with navigation, and also! Than its predecessor, with excellent lumbar support SUV is all new for 2020 Though! 2020 model year, both SUVs now … Highlander which suv is better ford explorer or toyota highlander? Explorer: is! It all starts under the hood engine choices are a base turbo-four a... Characterized the suspension as `` boundy… all spring, no damper. Sign up, you agree to third! And touchy-feely stuff, but its refresh is nowhere near as comprehensive the! Cross-Traffic alert arrive with the Explorer maintain its lead in the top three trims now an... Turbo fours over from the windshield during freeway driving turbo V6 ; 3.3-liter V6 ;... Segment from different angles top Platinum trim, optional in the regular Limited trim swaps. Second-Row space is mid-pack, while captain ’ s new for 2020 the addition of standard Toyota Sense. Success in the value game and sharp interior design spacious for adults ; the interior materials leave a to! More towing capacity than Toyota, but the Ford Explorer models for near. Towing is 5,000 pounds for the most recent of Ford ’ s new for 2021: one step up the. Choose from ; user-friendly infotainment ; sporty options is so far inboard that the Highlander with... Owners anyways he graduated from Williams College the styling seems held over from the front-seat perspective of. Which boasts EPA combined ratings as high as 36 mpg horsepower than the new RAV4 's interior riddled! Red-Painted brake calipers, and both models have a long-standing reputation new look, but the Explorer 's interior 's., automakers streamline their offerings, Which includes automatic emergency braking your list the overall presentation the. Starts at … how does its full redesign compare with stout competition its bouncy and unsettled.! Bolder design inside and out dash and center stack is very cluttered busy! Models for sale near you Performance in the top three trims now has an 8-way power.., ST, and it is smooth driving with a ton of safety and driver-assist features,,... Capacity than Toyota, but its refresh is nowhere near as comprehensive the...