Comparison - Ford Explorer ST 2021 - vs - Toyota Highlander Platinum 2020

General

Other Names:

Also called:

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Also called:

Kluger

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2020 Hyundai Palisade Vs. 2020 Toyota Highlander — Cars.com
Make: 
Average Price: 
$
52,605
Updated: 
25 Jan 2020
$
48,800
Updated: 
19 Dec 2019
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2021
2020
Total Seating: 
6
7
Transmission: 
10-speed Shiftable Automatic
8-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.60gals
17.90gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Carbonized Gray Metallic
#4F453E
Star white Metallic Tri-coat
#FDFFFB
Atlas Blue Metallic
#0741D6
Rich Copper Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#4A1414
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#E60E28
Agate Black Metallic
#303030
Iconic Silver Metallic
#C7CAD0
Color: 
MOON DUST
#8898AC
BLIZZARD PEARL
#F3F2F2
MAGNETIC GRAY METALLIC
#494848
CELESTIAL SILVER METALLIC
#828387
MIDNIGHT BLACK METALLIC
#00031E
RUBY FLARE PEARL
#740000
OPULENT AMBER
#6F6459
BLUEPRINT
#323F7B

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

Ford has made a few tweaks to its mid-size crossover for 2021, such as making heated seats standard on the XLT, offering a heated steering wheel as an optional feature on that model, and including an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on the Limited, ST, and Platinum models. A Sport Appearance package is now available on the XLT trim, and it includes 20-inch aluminum wheels that are coated in Carbonized Gray paint.

Pros
Smooth and controlled ride,
cargo friendly interior design,
comfortable front seats.

Cons
Third row space is tight,
plasticky interior bits,
most desirable models are pricey.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2021 Ford Explorer is recognizable, but new. It should be on every family SUV shopper’s list.

Pros
Wide range of powertrains
Good looks
Great active safety tech
Available hybrid
Quiet interio

Cons
Hybrid isn’t refined
Not a great value
Cramped third row
Clunky second row

By: 
thecarconnection.com

New Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim.Minor changes to standard and optional feature availability.

Pros
Strong engines for quick acceleration
Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing
Roomy cargo area

Cons
Too much wind noise at highway speeds
The price can get frighteningly expensive in a hurry
Lackluster interior material quality

By: 
edmunds.com

With three rows of seating and plenty of cargo space, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is a practical choice for families. Toyota's mid-size SUV is all new for 2020 and offers many useful improvements and extra features not found in the outgoing 2019 model.
For 2020, the Highlander gets an interior makeover to match its updated exterior styling. Base L and mid-range LE Highlander models can seat eight passengers using bench seats in both the second and third rows, but a seven-seat arrangement with second-row captain's chairs is available on higher trims. An 8.0-inch infotainment system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability is standard but the Highlander Limited and Platinum both get a larger 12.3-inch display; onboard Wi-Fi and an 11-speaker JBL audio system are both available as well.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s impressive fuel economy may win us over.

Pros
Spacious interior
High-mpg hybrid
Upgraded infotainment

Cons
Busy styling
Rivals’ turbos may be faster
Stiff competition

By: 
thecarconnection.com

Fully redesigned for 2020.Increased cargo room behind the third row.Android Auto and Apple Car Play finally added.Part of the fourth Highlander generation introduced for 2020.

Pros
Comfortable, quiet ride
Good power and response from standard V6 engine
Upscale interior materials
Increased number of standard and optional safety features

Cons
Third row is kids-only
No seat height adjustment for front passenger
Evolutionary cabin design
Doesn't feel like a redesign from the ground up

By: 
edmunds.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
18.00mpg
20.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
24.00mpg
27.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
24
Cylinders: 
6
V
6
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.00L
3.50L
Torque: 
415ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
263ft-lbs
at 4 700rpm
Horsepower: 
400hp
at 5 500rpm
295hp
at 6 600rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
37.40Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
yes
yes
Side view Camera: 
yes
yes
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
More in Convenience: 
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Heated Steering Wheel
Automatic Parking Assist
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry
Birds eye camera
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Heated Steering Wheel
Automatic Parking Assist

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
199.30in
194.90in
Width: 
78.90in
76.00in
Height: 
70.20in
68.10in
Ground Clearance: 
8.30in
8.00in
Front Track: 
66.90in
65.30in
Rear Track: 
66.90in
65.40in
Wheel Base: 
119.10in
112.20in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
40.70
38.40
Rear Head Room: 
40.50
37.10
Front Leg Room: 
43.00in
42.00in
Rear leg room: 
39.00in
41.00in
Front Hip Room: 
59.20in
57.20in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.80in
59.00in
Rear Hip Room: 
59.10in
57.00in
Rear Shoulder room: 
61.90in
58.40in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
87.80cu.ft
84.30cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5600lbs
5000lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
18.20cu.ft
16.00cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
21.00degrees
18.10degrees
Angle of Departure: 
21.00degrees
22.90degrees
Curb Weight: 
4701.00lbs
4450.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
Hands-Free Entry
Heated Mirrors
2 One-Touch Power Windows
Hands-free power liftgate
120V 2nd-row power outlet
Reverse Tilt Passenger Only Provides Curb View When Vehicle In Reverse
4 One-Touch Power Windows
Heated Mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Sport Front Seats
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Ventilated Driver Seat
Ventilated Passenger Seat
Leather
6 -Way Power Passenger Seat
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
Passenger Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Bucket Front Seats
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Ventilated Driver Seat
Ventilated Passenger Seat
Leather
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
4 -Way Power Passenger Seat
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Power Folding Split-Bench Third Row Seats
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Folding Rear Seatback
Multi-Level Heating
Folding center armrest
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Reclining Rear Seats
Manual Folding Bench Third Row Seats
Folding Rear Seatback
Multi-Level Heating

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front Stabilizer Bar
Front Stabilizer Bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Three Zone Climate Control
3-zone automatic climate control
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
Bang & Olufsen Premium Brand Speakers
Satellite Radio W/Real Time Traffic Satellite Radio
USB With External Media Control
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
USB Connection
1 Subwoofer(S)
12 Total Speakers
Surround Audio Surround Audio (Discrete)
1200 Watts Stereo Output
11-speaker
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
JBL Premium Brand Speakers
1 Subwoofer(S)
USB With External Media Control

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Body-color door handles with black insert
Liftgate Appliqué - black
Black mesh insert with chrome bars
EXPLORER badge on hood
Rain-Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
High-output LED fog lights
Rear liftgate windshield defogger
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 In.
20-in
Wheels more: 
Temporary Spare Tire
All Season Tires
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
All Season Tires
Spare — temporary spare tire
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
235.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R20

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated Front Disc
Ventilated Front Disc
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
Solid Rear Disc Brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Turn Signal Mirrors
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Dual Front With Head Protection Chambers Side-Mounted Airbags
Post-Collision Safety System
LED Headlamp
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Turn Signal Mirrors
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Self-Leveling Headlights
Post-Collision Safety System
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
LED Headlamp

Options

Packages: 
Smoker's Package
ST High-Performance Pack
Equipment Group 401A
Premium Technology Package
ST Street Pack
All-Weather Floor Liner Package
Four Season Floor Liner/Mat Package
Preferred Accessory Package
Exterior Options: 
Wheel Lock Kit
Roof Rails
License Plate Bracket
Dual Panel Moonroof
Splash Guards
Roof-Rail Crossbars
Alloy Wheel Locks
Special Color
Door Edge Guards
Rear Bumper Protector - Chrome
Body Side Moldings
Running Boards
Roof Rack Cross Bars
Paint Protection Film
Interior Options: 
2nd Row Bench
Dual-Headrest DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System
Cargo Area Management System
All-Weather Floor Mats W/Carpet Mats
Cargo Mat
Universal Tablet Holder
Cargo Net - Envelope
Cargo Tote
Carpet Floor Mats And Cargo Liner Package
Carpet Mat Package

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Ebony, leather
#000000
Color: 
Black, leather
#191919
Graphite, leather
#404042
Harvest Beige, leather
#C0AB91
Glazed Caramel, leather
#8A582F