Compare 2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

2021 Ford Explorer
2021 Toyota Highlander

2021 Ford Explorer

vs.

2021 Toyota Highlander

2.3L 4cyl Turbo

Engine

3.5 6cyl
300 HP

Horsepower

295 HP
21 city / 28 hwy*

Fuel Economy

21 city / 29 hwy*

Serving Crestview , FL

Having a seating capacity for seven people, the 2021 Ford Explorer offers five trims. Large enough for eight people, the 2021 Toyota Highlander offers a lineup of 10 models. Both three-row SUVs are available with a hybrid powertrain, but the Ford model is much more powerful and versatile on the road.

Performance

Featuring a single turbocharger, a 2.0 L I-4 engine with direct injection is standard on the 2021 Ford Explorer. Rated at 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, the Ti-VCT powertrain wears the latest EcoBoost badge. Fitted with twin turbochargers, the 3.0 L V6 engine delivers 365 hp and 380 lb-ft in the Platinum trim. Tuned for aggressive performance, the ST model extracts an additional 35 hp and 35 lb-ft from this modified EcoBoost engine. The Ford Explorer at Ford Crestview is also available with a naturally aspirated hybrid powertrain that produces up to 318 hp. Featuring a 3.3 L V6 engine, the hybrid system has a net output of 322 lb-ft. In dramatic contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander's hybrid powertrain peaks at 243 hp and 175 lb-ft. If you select a 3.5 L V6 engine, you still will not get more output than the 2021 Explorer's EcoBoost engines. You should contact Ford Crestview to learn more about the model's other major capabilities. For example, this three-row SUV tows up to 5,600 pounds. Even when optimized, the 2021 Highlander can't tow more than 5,000 pounds. This Toyota offers a maximum of eight shifting points in the Direct Shift automatic transmission system. You could select 10 different gear ratios from the Ford's SelectShift auto transmission. When it comes to all-terrain handling, the Explorer's Intelligent 4WD system beats the Highlander's Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD. Additionally, this tough Ford SUV can operate on several modes from the Terrain Management System.

Amenities

The 2021 Ford Explorer offers the Electronic Automatic Temperature Control with a tri-zone configuration for optimum comfort in all three rows. Thanks to the Rear Auxiliary Climate Control, the people in the middle row can personalize the HVAC settings. You can add fresh air into the massive cabin by opening the twin-panel moonroof. Besides having climate control, the first-row seats boast the Active Motion technology. Offering up to five different massaging settings, these leather-trimmed seats reduce fatigue and body aches during a drive. Unfortunately, you can't get such advanced seating options for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. However, this model offers leather and the SofTex finishes for the climate-controlled front seats. You could ask Ford Crestview about the 2021 Explorer's other acclaimed amenities, like the captain's chairs with the all-new EZ-Entry technology. Optional in the second row, these comfortable seats also have the Power-Assist functionality. Additionally, the legendary Ford SUV offers third-row seating with the PowerFold function that's activated by a button.

Technology

When you check out the Ford Explorer at Ford Crestview, you will praise the vehicle's all-new digital technologies. Shaped like a tablet, the all-new touch screen measures more than 10 inches diagonally. Android Auto, Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay are just a few swipes away. You can also interact with these digital assistants through simple voice commands. Additionally, this three-row Ford SUV offers Bluetooth and the FordPass Connect Wi-Fi service for a maximum of 10 simultaneous connections. Ford Crestview is proud to show you the 2021 Explorer's other cutting-edge technologies, like the Bang & Olufsen audio system that consists of a dozen speakers. Optional in the 2021 Highlander, the Dynamic Navigation system has a display that measures only 8.0 inches. However, you will get Amazon Alexa and Wi-Fi from this advanced multimedia console. Featuring 11 speakers, the JBL audio system doesn't match the acoustic output of the B&O sound system, which is rated at just under 1,000 watts.

You could test drive the 2021 Ford Explorer at Ford Crestview. This seven-seat SUV is available with three signature engines and the Intelligent 4WD.


*All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.