Comparison - Toyota Highlander LE 2017 - vs - Ford Explorer Sport 2017

General

Other Names:

Also called:

Kluger

Also called:

--

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2017 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3 L Ecoboost 4-Cylinder Review
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2017 Ford Explorer: Full Review | Platinum, Sport, Limited & XLT
2020 Ford Explorer Review - First Drive
2016 / 2017 Ford Explorer Review and Road Test
New Ford Explorer FULL REVIEW as ST-Line PHEV 2020
The 2020 Ford Explorer ST & Volvo XC90 T8 Are Both 400 HP Family Haulers
Make: 
Average Price: 
32,680
Updated: 
02 Dec 2016
45,355
Updated: 
30 Nov 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2017
2017
Total Seating: 
7
7
Transmission: 
8-speed Shiftable Automatic
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
no
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
19.20gals
18.60gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Alumina Jade Metallic
#979797
Blizzard Pearl
#FBF8F9
Creme Brulee Mica
#A5A49B
Midnight Black Metallic
#3B3A41
Ooh La La Rouge Mica
#90646C
Predawn Gray Mica
#434043
Shoreline Blue Pearl
#313C4D
Silver Sky Metallic
#868A93
Color: 
Blue Jeans Metallic
#486478
Ingot Silver Metallic
#C4C4C8
Oxford White
#E4E4E4
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#8E1C26
Shadow Black
#242424

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

The 2017 Toyota Highlander ranks 3 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. With an unmatched list of standard advanced driver assistance features, the 2017 Toyota Highlander is one of the best values in the midsize SUV class. Its interior is high-end and comfortable, and there’s plenty of cargo space.

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: 
usnews.com

The Toyota Highlander gets a stronger, more responsive powertrain for 2017, but the main strengths are the ride quality, the cabin refinement, and the space for eight.
A somewhat more aggressive look, more power, an improved set of safety features, and a new sportier SE model highlight the changes Toyota is ushering in for its spacious crossover utility vehicle, the 2017 Highlander. The SE joins LE, LE Plus, XLE, Limited, and Limited Platinum models. The Highlander Hybrid is now also available in LE and XLE trims, in addition to the carry-over Limited and Limited Platinum.

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

Cons
Design is soemwhat bland
Base engine is under powered
Somewhat busy dash design
Hybrid only delivers if you drive gingerly

By: 
thecarconnection.com

For 2017, the Highlander receives a number of significant midcycle changes. The styling has been updated, highlighted by a larger, more pronounced grille and redesigned LED taillights. The V6 engine is new, boasting more power and better fuel economy along with an eight-speed transmission and an automatic stop-start system. New feature content includes the Toyota Safety Sense technology suite, which comes standard on every trim level. There's also a new SE trim level that features uniquely sporty styling elements and a retuned suspension for sharper handling.

Pros
Just-right exterior and interior size for many families
Standard high-tech safety features
Strong V6 engine with improved fuel economy
Quiet and compliant ride

Cons
Third-row seat isn't as roomy as those of many competitors
Touchscreen and other controls may require an extra-long reach
Undesirable base four-cylinder engine

By: 
edmunds.com

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

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
20.00mpg
16.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
27.00mpg
22.00mpg
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: 
263ft-lbs
at 4 700rpm
350ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
Horsepower: 
295hp
at 6 600rpm
365hp
at 5 500rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
38.70Feet
40.00Feet

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

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
192.50in
198.30in
Width: 
75.80in
78.90in
Height: 
68.10in
71.00in
Ground Clearance: 
8.00in
7.80in
Front Track: 
64.40in
Rear Track: 
64.20in
Wheel Base: 
109.80in
112.80in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
40.70
41.40
Rear Head Room: 
39.90
40.60
Front Leg Room: 
44.20in
42.90in
Rear leg room: 
38.40in
39.50in
Front Hip Room: 
57.20in
57.30in
Front Shoulder Room: 
59.60in
61.50in
Rear Hip Room: 
57.10in
56.80in
Rear Shoulder room: 
59.30in
61.00in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
83.20cu.ft
81.70cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
5000lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
13.80cu.ft
21.00cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
18.00degrees
15.60degrees
Angle of Departure: 
23.10degrees
20.90degrees
Curb Weight: 
4244.00lbs
4901.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
no
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
2 one-touch power windows
Heated Mirrors
Remote Keyless Power Door Locks
2 one-touch power windows
Heated mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
4 -Way Manual Passenger Seat Adjustment
6 -Way Manual Driver Seat Adjustments
Height adjustable driver seat
Bucket front seats
Cloth
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
Rear Seats Features: 
Split-Folding Rear Seatback
Manual folding bench third row seats
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Reclining rear seats
Folding center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Power folding split-bench third row seats
Split-folding rear seatback

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: 
Front And Rear Air Conditioning
Turn signal in mirrors
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Front and rear air conditioning

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
yes
More Entertainment: 
6 total speakers
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
USB connection
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

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
no
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Manual sunshades for rear side windows
Intermittent rear wiper
Privacy glass
Power glass sunroof
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Privacy glass
Rear window wiper
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
18 X 7.5 In
20 in
Wheels more: 
Temporary spare tire
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Null spare wheel
Temporary spare tire
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
245.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R19
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
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 brakes
Front ventilated disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
solid rear disc brakes
rear ventilated 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: 
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Glass Breakage Sensor
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Glass Breakage Sensor
Pre-Collision Safety System
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
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

Options

Packages: 
Protection Package #3
Preferred Accessory Package
Protection Package #1
Four Season Floor Liner/Mat Package
All-Weather Floor Liner Package
Equipment Group 401A
Equipment Group 400A
Exterior Options: 
Mudguards
Alloy Wheel Locks
Paint Protection Film
Rear Bumper Applique
Special Color
Towing Receiver Hitch w/Wire Harness
Door Edge Guards
Rear Bumper Protector
Body Side Molding
Running Boards
Accent Stripe
Body Side Moldings
Running Boards
Roof Rack Crossbars
Running Boards
P265/45ZR20 Summer Only Tires
Splash Guards
Dual Panel Moonroof
License Plate Bracket
Rear Bumper Protector
Wheel Lock Kit
Interior Options: 
Carpet Mat Package
Carpet Floor Mats and Cargo Liner
Universal Tablet Holder
Cargo Net - Envelope
Rear-Seat Blu-Ray DVD Entertainment System
Cargo Cover
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

Colors

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