The midsize SUV market is growing, offering drivers versatility, comfort, and performance. If you’re considering your options, you’ll likely compare the 2025 Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander. Both vehicles boast impressive features, reliability, and style, making them strong contenders in their class. Let’s explore the details to determine which SUV best suits your lifestyle.
Regarding pricing, the 2025 Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander offer a range of trims to suit different budgets. The Ford Explorer’s starting MSRP is $39,755 for its base model and is available in four trims: the Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. The Toyota Highlander has a slightly lower starting MSRP of around $39,520 and comes in five gasoline-powered trims: the LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum.
In terms of long-term value and resale potential, the Ford Explorer has established a solid reputation for its performance and technology. While the Toyota Highlander is known for its reliability and higher resale value, the Explorer is favored by those who prioritize driving dynamics and performance due to its sporty handling and robust engine options. The Explorer’s advanced features and powerful engines enhance its appeal, making it a competitive choice in the market.
Under the hood, the new Explorer and Highlander offer impressive performance and fuel efficiency. Still, the Explorer stands out with its robust engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 delivering a potent 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
In contrast, the Highlander gas-powered trims offer a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Therefore, the Explorer is a better choice if you want more power. Both the Explorer and Highlander have a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Explorer’s base engine achieves 24 mpg combined (20 city / 29 highway), and the V-6 engine delivers 21 mpg combined (18 city / 25 highway). The Highlander gets you 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway) in front-wheel drive and 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway) in all-wheel drive. However, the Explorer provides a more engaging driving experience with its agile handling and responsive steering. The Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive platform contributes to its sporty feel, while the Highlander’s front-wheel-drive setup is more focused on comfort.
Safety remains a top priority for both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander. The Explorer has received top safety ratings, including a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and “Good” ratings in all Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. It comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems that includes a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and precollision assist with automatic emergency braking.
The Highlander also boasts strong safety ratings and includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, but the Explorer’s additional features, such as reverse brake assist and intelligent adaptive cruise control, provide an extra layer of safety and convenience.
When it comes to infotainment systems and connectivity options, both vehicles shine. The Explorer boasts a state-of-the-art infotainment system, featuring a 13.2-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and FordPass Connect with 5G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot capability. The Highlander, offering an 8-inch touch screen and similar connectivity options, falls short of the Explorer’s larger screen and more intuitive interface.
Inside the 2025 Ford Explorer, you’ll notice its spacious cabin, which comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers, offering 152.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. The Highlander also accommodates up to seven passengers and provides slightly less cargo space at 84.3 cubic feet. The Explorer’s upgraded interior features high-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and options such as multicontour seats with a massage function. The Highlander focuses on comfort and practicality, including standard tri-zone automatic climate control and SofTex-trimmed seats.
On the exterior, the 2025 Ford Explorer stands out with its bold design, including a larger honeycomb grille, all-LED headlights, and wheel options ranging from 18 to 21 inches. The Highlander offers a more conservative yet elegant look, with a sleek front fascia and LED headlight. Both vehicles provide a range of customization options, but the Explorer offers more vibrant color choices, including the new Vapor Blue Metallic. The Highlander’s color palette is more subdued, featuring classic shades such as Celestial Silver Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic.
The 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Toyota Highlander both offer solid maintenance, reliability, and warranty packages, but they cater to different needs. The Explorer comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Ford has significantly improved the reliability of the Explorer’s engines and transmissions, ensuring dependable performance over the years. The Highlander, known for its exceptional reliability, also offers a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The Explorer’s maintenance costs over the first 10 years are an estimated $9,329, higher than the industry average for popular SUV models. The Highlander has lower maintenance costs, estimated at $6,013 over the same period.
As you weigh your options between the 2025 Ford Explorer vs. the Toyota Highlander, consider your driving needs, budget, and personal style. Both SUVs offer compelling features and impressive performance, but one may align more closely with your lifestyle. Stop by our Planet Ford Dallas dealership to explore both models in person. Our knowledgeable team will help you find your perfect SUV match today.
