Starting at
Starting at
| 5,000 lbs | Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs |
| 365 hp | Horsepower | 295 hp |
| 350 lb-ft | Torque | 263 lb-ft |
When we look at the 2018 Ford Explorer vs 2018 Toyota Highlander, it is clear to see that both cars are prime examples of their class. Both are spacious SUVs with not only ample seating but more than enough cargo space to bring along all the right gear for any situation from starting a DIY project to a long camping trip. These are versatile vehicles at their finest.
At the end of the day choosing just one will come down objectively viewing the important factors such as space, safety, technology, style, and performance ability in order to gauge which is the superior vehicle for your lifestyle. While the 2018 Toyota Highlander has a few neat tricks up its sleeve, the 2018 Ford Explorer is clearly stronger options with its heightened performance, bold styling, and intuitive technology.
The top tech-savvy feature offered with every 2018 Ford Explorer is the intuitive Sync3 system. It links directly with your Apple or Android smartphone so that you can stay connected to the world around you at all times. Make calls, send text, and play your favorite playlist without taking your eyes off the road for even a second. Not only is it fun, but it’s also safe.
Speaking of safety, the 2018 Explorer gaining a 5-star safety rating plus offers a hefty list of advanced safety tech that will put your worries to rest. The airbag system is advanced, the rearview camera will be more helpful than you ever imagined, the anti-theft technology will save your car, the tire pressure monitoring will save your time, and the anti-lock braking and stability/curve control will save your life, and that’s just the standard features. You can also always upgrade to include things like blind-spot awareness, park assist, and front collision warning.
Whether it’s for safety of fun the 2018 Toyota Highlander gives you all the latest tech to keep you happy and protected. The bird’s eye view camera gives you 360 awareness, while the Entune Multimedia system keeps you connected at all times with Bluetooth technology, a touchscreen display, and smartphone compatibility. The USB ports are amazing for quick charges so your phone will never die again, and the tri-zone automatic climate control can make it summer in the back and winter in the front so that everyone can feel comfortable. You may have to pay a little more, but no matter what technology feature you are looking for, the 2018 Toyota Highlander will have it available.
The 2018 Ford Explorer is the second largest SUV that Ford currently offers its drivers and can fit eight people and still offer over 20 ft³ of cargo space. Its style is fantastically bold with that Ford branding that never fails to command authority. Somehow the 2018 Explorer manages to pull off a look that is both refined and tough at the same time, and that makes it all around attractive to look at and drive. Every inch from the inside out is purposeful, dynamic, and fresh without ever being overbearing. The interior is crafted carefully with ideally selected materials that are soft to the touch, durable in design, and perfectly paired to match the Explorers bold perception.
The 2018 Ford Explorer proves that just because you want to explore the world, doesn’t mean you can’t do it in style.
The 2018 Toyota Highlander doesn’t stand out much on the outside, but the inside is refined and compact enough for easy use. Navigating your way around the cabin of the 2018 Highlander is as convenient as the features it offers. With seating up to eight people, quieting technology, and a panoramic roof the 2018 Highlander is as spacious and comfortable as they come. With 13.8 ft³ of cargo space and, 82.6 to 83.7 ft³ with the rear seating area down you will never need for more space.
The 2018 Ford Explorer an ideal tribute to its namesake as it can travel over any terrain and fight off any unexpected weather conditions. No longer will you need to fear an oncoming snowstorm or that heavy rain because the 2018 Ford Explorer can power its way out of any situation. Curve control, trailer sway control, and a six-speed select-shift automatic transmission work together to give you the smoothest handling on the market.
At the heart of the all-road, all-weather capability of the of the 2018 Ford Explorer is its Terrain Management System, because with it, no snow, gravel, grass, mud, or sand will stand in your way as you journey to experience this inspiring world we live in. With four easy shift settings you choose between Normal, Mud/Rut, Sand, to Grass/Gravel/Snow you can get your wheels and throttle to will work with you instead of against you.
The other reason the 2018 Ford Explorer gives such an impressive performance is due to its engine lineup. The 2018 Explorer offers three best-in-class options including a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine with 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, a 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 with 290 hp and 255 lb.-ft of torque, or a standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine with a highly-respectable 280 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Overall, this ride can tow 5,000 pounds and keep its fuel efficiency at a fair 27 mpg highway. The 2018 Ford Explorer proves once and for all that no vehicle outperforms a Ford.
As a mid-size SUV, the 2018 Toyota Highlander must also be strong and ready to handle anything in its path. With three impressive primary engine options, including a hybrid engine, it makes for some tough competition in the performance category. The 2.7L 4-cylinder engine is the base engine and offers 185 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for those who don’t need much in terms of power. The next level up is a 3.5L V6 engine with a much more impressive 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque that is closer to the Explorer’s performance level. Finally, there is the hybrid engine for the hybrid trims of the 2018 Highlander which offers 306 hybrid system net hp. They hybrid editions of the 2018 Highlander will still only get you 28 mpg highway though compared to the 2018 Explorers 27 mpg without a hybrid option.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
