Whether your family is growing or your sense of adventure is, the 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 Toyota Highlander are two SUVs ready to accommodate your needs! They each come with three rows of seating, offer versatile cabin space to carry any supplies and gear, and provide great performance on the roads of Las Vegas as well as the nearby trails.
To figure out which of these SUVs is the most suitable for you, our Friendly Ford Las Vegas team takes a closer look at the Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander. Keep reading and see which one you'd like to get!
Explorer vs Highlander: Performance Specs
Both of their standard engines provide great gas mileage, and they each offer available hybrid engines for even better efficiency. However, the Ford Explorer is able to provide more power with either of its EcoBoost® engines.
The Explorer's standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while its available 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine produces up to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The only gas engine in the Toyota Highlander offers is its 3.5L V6 engine, which creates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.
Not only does that extra power provide quicker acceleration when needed, but it also helps the Explorer tow more weight. When properly configured, this Ford SUV can tow up to 5,600 pounds. The Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.Â
A Look Inside the Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
With the 2021 Explorer, you and your family or friends will enjoy a comfortable ride. After all, its cabin has 152.7 cubic feet of passenger volume among its three rows. Plus, there is 18.2 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third row. You can even use up to 87.8 cubic feet of the interior volume for cargo when moving boxes or out shopping.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander has 141.3 cubic feet of passenger volume and 16 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third row. You can also reconfigure the seating to gain more cargo volume but only a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet.
They each also have various seating materials to choose among as well as various color options for the seating. However, the Ford Explorer has the Active Motion® seats available, which let you choose among five different massaging themes for even more comfort and less fatigue while driving.
Enjoy More Confidence and Peace of Mind
With either of these SUVs, your mind will be at ease knowing there are systems ready to keep you alert of any potential collisions. Between the Explorer's Ford Co-Pilot360™ and the Highlander's Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, you'll get a variety of driver-assistive technologies as standard features. Â
Where you'll find a difference is in the available systems offered. While the 2021 Highlander does have an available system that can warn you of objects in your way as you park, the 2021 Explorer has a system that takes things a step further.
The Explorer's available Active Park Assist 2.0 can identify an open parking space for you. Then, it'll automatically control the steering, brakes, acceleration, and gear selection to maneuver itself into the parallel or perpendicular parking spot.
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Decision Time!
There is a lot to like in both models, but with its added power, space, and safety technologies, the 2021 Ford Explorer is a top pick among drivers in Las Vegas who are looking for a 3-row SUV. Come see it for yourself today at Friendly Ford Las Vegas and contact us to schedule a test drive!
