Comparison - Ford Explorer Sport 2017 - vs - Toyota Highlander Limited 2016

General

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Make: 
Average Price: 
45,355
Updated: 
30 Nov 2016
37,651
Updated: 
02 Dec 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Year: 
2017
2016
Total Seating: 
7
7
Transmission: 
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
no
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.60gals
19.20gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Blue Jeans Metallic
#486478
Ingot Silver Metallic
#C4C4C8
Oxford White
#E4E4E4
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#8E1C26
Shadow Black
#242424
Color: 
Alumina Jade Metallic
#979797
Blizzard Pearl
#FBF8F9
Creme Brulee Mica
#A5A49B
Midnight Black Metallic
#3B3A41
Nautical Blue Metallic
#4A495D
Ooh La La Rouge Mica
#90646C
Predawn Gray Mica
#434043
Shoreline Blue Pearl
#313C4D
Silver Sky Metallic
#868A93

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

Available with plenty of features and three distinctly different engines, the 2017 Ford Explorer has a lot to offer if you're shopping for a three-row crossover SUV. Its outstanding quietness and quality cabin trimmings elevate this practical do-all crossover to the front of the segment.

A household name among American carbuyers, the Ford Explorer has evolved from its long-ago roots as a body-on-frame SUV into the comprehensively modern three-row crossover it is today. Depending on trim level and options (and how deep your pockets are), it can be downright luxurious. Our preference for the Sport arises from the "drives big" nature of other non-Sport trim levels — though comfortable, the soft suspension and numb steering of non-Sport models make their driving experience oddly ponderous.

Aside from that, though, there is an awful lot to credit to the Explorer. You can configure an Explorer that keeps things relatively basic, or you can go all-in on luxury. Versatility is a strong suit, too. You have your choice of three engines. You can get it with a second-row bench or captain's chairs and option the second and/or third row with power-folding functionality. Lots of cargo space is standard.

Pros
Plenty of high-tech features that are easy to use
Optional turbocharged V6 engine delivers plentiful power
Cabin is quiet and comfortable on the highway
Cargo space is generous behind the third row

Cons
Depending on trim level, feels big and ponderous from behind the wheel
Legroom in the second and third rows is subpar

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer adds a sport appearance package and Sync 3, both of which are important to today's SUV buyers.

The 2017 Ford Explorer gets a sport appearance package on lower trims, which is what Explorer buyers are looking for nowadays.

The Ford Explorer's wide offering of powertrains is an asset, we like every step along the way.

The Explorer has a good mix of comfortable seating, versatility, and space for families.

The Explorer scores well on federal tests, but IIHS tests are a different story.

A Sport Appearance Package is here now for buyers who want their 2017 Ford Explorers to look the part.

The 2017 Ford Explorer returns decent economy for a three-row hauler—mostly.

Pros
A nicely executed do-it-all
Excellent ride and handling for an SUV
Fuel-efficient—on paper
Sync 3 is better ...
Sport appearance package is much appreciated

Cons
but Sync 3 still has issues
Real-world mileage question
Platinum prices are in line with luxury vehicles

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer will feature a new XLT Sport Appearance package, as well as interior enhancements. A hands-free liftgate will be standard on Sport models, while Sync 3 will be offered on the XLT and come standard on the Limited, Sport, and Platinum models.

The 2017 Ford Explorer SUV offers three-row seating, can hold up to seven passengers, and is offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

The 2017 Ford Explorer comes standard with LED low-beam headlights on every trim.

The Ford Explorer was refreshed for 2016, sporting a new look and upgrades to the engine and feature content. The 2017 Explorer doesn’t change much, but adds a new sport package to the XLT trim, as well as additional safety features.

Pros
New XLT Sport Appearance package
Well-appointed Platinum trim

Cons
Cramped third-row seating
Slow acceleration on lower trim models

By: 
motortrend.com

With the exception of a new Sport Appearance package for the XLT trim, the 2017 Ford Explorer SUV carries over unchanged.

When it comes to horsepower, Ford’s 7-passenger Explorer SUV for 2017 delivers at every level. From the standard 290-horsepower V6 to the fuel-efficient 280-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder available in the base,...

XLT and Limited trims, Ford places choice front and center. Need more “oomph”? Try out the Sport and Platinum trim’s 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6. Capable for sure, the Explorer delivers excellent passing and pulling power and its heavily weighted steering and taut suspension give this big SUV impressive cornering ability, although its high beltline and massive front bumper make maneuvers in tight quarters a bit harrowing. Ford has done an excellent job keeping road, engine and wind noise out of the cabin, and all but the rearmost occupants felt the seating was both comfortable and supportive. The Explorer’s adaptive cruise control works well, but we wish it offered fully autonomous braking like the Honda Pilot, not just collision warning.

Pros
If you’re looking for a family SUV with advanced electronics and safety features, plus a wide range of engines and option choices, Ford’s midsize SUV for 2017 is hard to beat. The Explorer’s advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system makes it more off-road capable than a Honda Pilot or Mazda CX-9.

Cons
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to maneuver and park, and you don’t need a 3rd-row seat, a smaller SUV like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano or Jeep Grand Cherokee makes a better choice. The Jeep also bests the Explorer both off-road and in towing (7,800 pounds vs. 5,000).

By: 
kbb.com

Comfortable and pleasing to drive, the 2016 Toyota Highlander is a no-brainer pick for a three-row family crossover. It also earns our top rating

Regardless of trim level, the Highlander stands out by virtue of its spacious and comfortable cabin. Second-row seating is a choice of three-across bench seating or captain's chairs with a side table. The refined V6 and smooth six-speed automatic transmission deliver effortless acceleration and make the Highlander one of the quickest big crossovers around. There are also plenty of contemporary tech tools and smartphone-integrated services, anchored by an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen display in the higher trim levels

The Highlander packs enough goodness that we've made it one of our top picks for a three-row crossover this year. But it's not the only model worth checking out. The Highlander's main rival, the Honda Pilot, is fully redesigned this year and is more upscale and carlike than in prior years. The Ford Explorer is also updated this year and offers a similar range of prices and features plus a strong turbocharged V6 option. There's also the handsome-looking Dodge Durango or the three-row Hyundai Santa Fe, the latter of which stacks up nicely against the Highlander across the board. All of them are competent family vehicles, but the Highlander certainly earns its well-deserved reputation for all-around goodness
pros
Refined interior appointments
Quiet, compliant ride
Smooth and strong V6 engine
Seating for up to eight, functional cabin design.

cons
Lackluster four-cylinder engine
Third-row seat isn't as roomy as those in some other top rivals

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2016 Toyota Highlander isn't all that exciting to look at or to drive, but it's very versatile and handsome enough to be a great minivan alternative

The Highlander may look a little more rugged than it has in the past; yet it's still more closely related to Toyota's cars than to its rugged trucks like the 4Runner. The Highlander stands as a more civil, family-friendly alternative to the 4Runner or a more spacious alternative to the RAV4

In its latest generation, the Highlander lineup has become a little more truck-influenced from the outside, with the maw-like grille and exaggerated wheel wells and sills offering more than a faint hint of rugged cues. Inside, the cabin is all car, although there are a few fine details borrowed from Toyota's trucks, some Teutonic-themed dash action, and a pleasing jumble of lines and textures.

Pros
Wide range of powertrains
Flexible second row
Easy third-row access
Good connectivity

Cons
Design is better, but still bland
Just-adequate powertrains
Somewhat busy dash design
Hybrid only delivers if you drive gingerly

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The Toyota Highlander's reasonable price and ample list of advanced safety features make it one the best value propositions in the class. You won't find any other midsize SUV at its roughly $30,000 price point with this many active safety features. On top of that, its interior is made with upscale materials, and the ride is hushed

the Highlander's driving dynamics are comfortable but dull. It’s base four-cylinder engine is unusual for the class, as most rivals have a standard V6. You can add a V6 engine to the Highlander, but you’ll pay about $1,400 to do so. With its base engine, the Highlander’s fuel economy is above average for the class. You’ll get even better gas mileage with the optional V6 engine. If you want a better driving experience and a more potent engine in the base model, look to the Honda Pilot. There’s a modest $35 difference in price between it and the Highlander, and the Pilot handles much better through turns. You’ll also get the V6 engine standard – just not the active safety features. And if you’re a fan of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the Pilot has them in all but the base trims. You can’t get either with Toyota – at any trim level

Pros
Lots of standard active safety features
Above-average fuel economy
Comfortable and quiet on the highway

Cons
Dull performance and handling
Cramped third-row seat

By: 
cars.usnews.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
16.00mpg
19.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
22.00mpg
25.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
24
Cylinders: 
6
V
6
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.50L
3.50L
Torque: 
350ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
248ft-lbs
at 4 700rpm
Horsepower: 
365hp
at 5 500rpm
270hp
at 6 200rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
40.00Feet
38.70Feet

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
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Destination Download*
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)*
Adjustable pedals
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
198.30in
191.10in
Width: 
78.90in
75.80in
Height: 
71.00in
70.10in
Ground Clearance: 
7.80in
8.00in
Front Track: 
64.40in
Rear Track: 
64.20in
Wheel Base: 
112.80in
109.80in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
41.40
39.50
Rear Head Room: 
40.60
39.60
Front Leg Room: 
42.90in
44.20in
Rear leg room: 
39.50in
38.40in
Front Hip Room: 
57.30in
57.10in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.50in
59.30in
Rear Hip Room: 
56.80in
57.10in
Rear Shoulder room: 
61.00in
59.60in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
81.70cu.ft
83.20cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
5000lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
21.00cu.ft
13.80cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
15.60degrees
18.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
20.90degrees
23.10degrees
Curb Weight: 
4901.00lbs
4354.00lbs

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: 
2 one-touch power windows
Heated mirrors
4 one-touch power windows

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
no
Front Seats Features: 
8 -way power driver seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
8 -way power passenger seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Leather
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Bucket front seats
8 -way power driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Leather
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Power folding split-bench third row seats
Split-folding rear seatback
folding rear seatback
Manual folding bench third row seats
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Reclining rear seats

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: 
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Front and rear air conditioning
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Leather steering wheel
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Turn signal in mirrors

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
yes
no
More Entertainment: 
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Memory card slot
Surround audio surround audio (discrete)
Sony premium brand speakers
390 watts stero output
1 subwoofer(s)
12 total speakers
6 Months of provided satellite radio service
Sony premium brand stero system
12 total speakers
3 Months of provided satellite radio service
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Adjustable speed sensitive volume control
Satellite radio w/real time traffic satellite radio

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
no
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Privacy glass
Rear window wiper
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Manual sunshades for rear side windows
Intermittent rear wiper
Privacy glass
Power glass sunroof
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 in
19 x 7.5
Wheels more: 
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Null spare wheel
Temporary spare tire
Temporary spare tire
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Chrome-clad wheel covers
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
245.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R19

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: 
Front ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated front disc brakes
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: 
Post-collision safety system
Airbag Deployment Notification*
BLIS Plus Inflatable Rear Seatbelt Package
Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning w/Brake Support
Rear height adjustable headrests
Rear center 3-point belt
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Dual front with head protection chambers side-mounted airbags
Remote anti-theft alarm system
First Aid Kit
Glass Breakage Sensor
VIP RS3200 Plus Security System
Glass Breakage Sensor
Post-collision safety system
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation

Options

Packages: 
Equipment Group 401A
Equipment Group 400A
Protection Package
Preferred Accessory Package
Protection Package
Exterior Options: 
Roof Rack Crossbars
Running Boards
P265/45ZR20 Summer Only Tires
Splash Guards
Dual Panel Moonroof
License Plate Bracket
Rear Bumper Protector
Wheel Lock Kit
Mudguards
Alloy Wheel Locks
Paint Protection Film
Rear Bumper Applique
Rear Bumper Applique
Drop Hitch Receiver
Rear Bumper Protector
Special Color
Cross Bars
Cross Bars and Side Rails
Towing Receiver Hitch w/Wire Harness
Door Edge Guards
Rear Bumper Protector
Body SIde Molding
Running Boards
Clear Paint Protection - Hood Package
Clear Paint Protection - Door Package
Accent Stripe
Body Side Moldings
Running Boards
Interior Options: 
2nd Row Bucket Seats w/Power-Assist Fold
Cargo Shade
Smokers Kit w/Element
Deep Tray-Style All-Weather Floor Mats
Rear Cargo Well Protector
DVD Headrests
2nd Row Console
All-Weather Floor Mats and Cargo Liner
Carpet Mats w/Lipped Cargo Mat
Carpet Floor Mats and Cargo Liner
Wireless Headphones
Cargo Net
Carpet Floor Mats and Carpet Cargo Mat
Retractable Cargo Cover
Cargo Cover
Rear-Seat Blu-Ray DVD Entertainment System
2nd Row Captain's Chairs
Carpet Floor Mats, Carpet Cargo Mat, All Weather Floor Mats
10" Overhead DVD Player (moonroof vehicles)
Connectivity Package (4 Piece)
Carpet Mats w/Lipped Cargo Mat

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Medium Light Camel, cloth
#9A9789
Color: 
Ash, cloth
#7D7C7C
Black, cloth
#282828