In the market for a full-size three-row crossover? Well, the 2022 Ford Explorer and 2022 Toyota Highlander are popular choices. Even though they are made by different companies, their performance and features are relatively similar. When it comes down to it, the Ford Explorer really only has one advantage over the Toyota Highlander.
A look at the 2022 Ford Explorer
2022 Ford Explorer comes in a range of finishes to meet any need. The base model (along with the XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims) comes with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. RWD or AWD is available, and the fuel economy numbers are respectable for a vehicle of this size, coming in at 20-21 mpg in the city and 27-28 mpg on the highway.
A Limited Hybrid version pairs a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor system producing 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, respectively. And if you opt for the ST, Platinum, or King Ranch, you’ll get a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 400 hp. Each powertrain comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Each also comes with a generous array of comfort and technology features. The base model includes a power liftgate, a six-speaker sound system, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and tri-zone climate control. Upgrade to the top trim and you’ll enjoy conveniences like wireless device charging, a heated steering wheel, heated first- and second-row seats, and more.
What the 2022 Toyota Highlander brings to the table
2022 Toyota Highlander is also a great option, with a standard 3.5-liter V-6 for all trim levels. Front-wheel drive models get 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while AWD models get slightly less (20/27 mpg city/highway, respectively). The standard engine delivers 296 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque and comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Inside the Highlander, you’ll also find an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, though here it’s accompanied by a 4.2-inch gauge cluster display. The base model also features tri-zone automatic climate control, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and several other conveniences.
Moving up to Platinum, Highlander’s higher-level trim adds unique exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display, a power sunroof and more. You can also equip higher-level trims with optional features like an 11-speaker premium sound system and a digital rearview mirror, among others.
The 2022 Ford Explorer offers greater comfort and utility
The two models are similar. Both have comparable technology options that come standard with various models or can be purchased as optional upgrades. They also have comparable advanced safety systems: Ford through its Co-Pilot Assist+ package and Toyota through its Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ package. And both offer extremely similar performance, handling and fuel economy.
But inside, you’ll find the Explorer offers more room than the Highlander. There’s 18.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 47.9 cubic feet with that seat folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded. The Highlander only offers 16, 18.4, and 84.3 cubic feet, respectively.
The Explorer’s interior design is also slightly more attractive than the Highlander’s, even in lower-level trims. Seat comfort is comparable in both, with the third row of each actually more suited to children than adults. But the Explorer trumps the Highlander when it comes to cargo space.
Other advantages of Toyota Highlander
This isn’t to say that the Explorer should be your default choice because it’s virtually identical to the Highlander in every other way besides its top cargo space. In fact, the Highlander is more affordable than the Explorer, according to JD Power. Although its starting MSRP of $35,405 is higher than Explorer’s ($33,745), its higher-tier trim is more expensive ($53,995 for Explorer vs. $47,560 for Highlander). Ford also offers fewer connected services and charges more for them. .
Toyota also has slightly better warranty coverage, especially for hybrid drivers. If you buy one, you’ll get eight years or 100,000 miles of battery warranty coverage from Ford in most states and 10 years or 150,000 miles from Toyota. If you live in a state that follows California emissions standards, Ford will offer the same battery warranty coverage as Toyota, but Toyota makes that coverage standard no matter where you live.
Toyota also offers scheduled courtesy maintenance for the first two years after purchase or the first 25.00 miles, whichever comes first, while Ford does not offer any scheduled courtesy maintenance.
The choice between these two vehicles will come down to buyer preference, as even with their differences, they are still pretty similar in most ways. And both are excellent options for those in the market for a three-row SUV.