2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Comparison
| 2021 Ford Explorer | 2021 Toyota Highlander |
| Starting MSRP * | |
| $32,450 | $34,910 |
| Torque | |
| 310 lb-ft | 263 lb-ft |
| Cargo Space | |
| 87.8 cu. ft. | 84.3 cu. ft. |
| 3rd-Row Leg Room | |
| 32.2 in. | 27.7 in. |
| Power Liftgate | |
| Standard | Available on other styles |
2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Toyota Highlander
Serving Wellington, OH
Finding a larger SUV that can live up to your solid expectations for passenger space, power, and more can be a challenging experience. However, now that you have narrowed down your options to the 2021 Ford Explorer and the 2021 Toyota Highlander, a closer look at these quality options is in order. These models have been popular for years, but they are notably different in essential areas. After you get more details about all that the Explorer and the Highlander deliver, you can feel confident as you make your final selection.
Exterior
The Ford Explorer’s current generation debuted in 2020 with strong, pleasing updates to its style from end to end. For 2021, the Explorer introduces the off-road Timberline trim level and the XLT trim level’s Sport Appearance package. Across all trim levels, the Explorer shows off a hexagonal grille with rectangular headlights. This is combined with long, lean surfaces and side accents, defined fenders, and molded wheel wells. The Toyota Highlander also saw a style update with its next-generation release in 2020. For 2021, the Highlander has a new XSE trim level. Compared to the Explorer, the Highlander has less definition over the hood and sides, and it also has more curves through its profile and haunches. Its grille is downturned, separated from the large, angled headlights.
Interior
The appeal of the Ford Explorer continues in the cabin. This SUV offers three well-designed and spacious rows. The dashboard design is easy on the eyes with flowing elements that taper into a bold center stack. This stack has a vertically-mounted central display screen and easy-access tabs for the premium sound system, the multi-zone climate control system, and more. Leather material, smart device integration, heated seats, assistive driver’s aids, and more are in some or all 2021 Explorer trim levels. The 2021 Highlander takes a different approach in its cabin. Like the Explorer, it has three rows of seats. However, the dashboard design is chunky and layered. The relatively small display screen in the heart of the dashboard sits horizontally, and its port tapers into an arrow on the right side. Select Highlander trims may have a push-button ignition, heated seats, USB ports, an auto climate control system, and other items.
Performance
Most Ford Explorer’s trim levels have a turbo 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that offers 300 horsepower. It is paired with a 10-speed transmission, and its rear-wheel drive drivetrain aids in towing and performance capabilities. Select trims come with a 400-horsepower, turbo 3.0-liter, V6 engine, as well as a sport-tuned suspension system and paddle shifters. The Highlander is offered with one powertrain throughout its trims. This is a V6, 3.5-liter engine. It is combined with an eight-speed auto transmission to produce 295 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all trims are offered with optional all-wheel drive.
The Explorer rises above the Highlander in critical areas, but is it the right SUV for you? Our team at Harrison Ford Inc. wants to help you answer this critical question. Schedule an Explorer test drive today through our sales office.
* MSRP for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A, Z and X Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan. All Mustang Shelby GT350® and Shelby® GT350R prices exclude gas guzzler tax.