Starting at
Starting at
| 3 | Available Engines | 2 |
| 280-365 HP | Horsepower | 185-295 HP |
| 255-350 lb-ft | Torque | 184-263 lb-ft |
The 2019 Ford Explorer and 2019 Toyota Highlander are two of the most popular crossover SUVs featuring three luxurious rows of flexible space. Their versatile skill set makes them the ideal partner for any type of traveling your life may require with just the right amount of everything from power to price. That being said, the 2019 Ford Explorer vs 2019 Toyota Highlander is such a strong match-up it can be tough to choose only one; so, let’s get into the details that separate these balanced beauties from the rest of the lot.
The 2019 Ford Explorer is a model that looks bold enough to take on a raging storm, is smart enough to keep even the most finicky passengers comfortable, and delivers a reliable performance that is as feisty as it is graceful. Its main appeal is the reputation this brand has built up over the many years Ford has been making it, and families that loved it before will continue to love it in its lasted form. Those looking for a user-friendly model with plenty of power and convenience to match will find their home on the road with the 2019 Explorer.
The 2019 Toyota Highlander at first glance comes off as both sleek and bold with its unique exterior design choices. Any driver can tell this is a vehicle that is eager to please and is made with family in mind. It’s safe, reliable, versatile, and subjectively appealing, and anyone looking for a something simple to drive the family around will find the 2019 Highlander to be more than suitable for their needs.
Side by side these two both look too good to choose between, but they do have their major differences. The 2019 Toyota Highlander lacks the space and power that the 2019 Ford Explorer delivers, but it is a slightly cheaper option that focuses a lot of effort in safety and can get pricey yet more fuel efficiency if you invest in the hybrid engine option. Overall, the 2019 Explorer is the more well-balanced model that delivers what is truly important to those that admire this class of vehicle, but the 2019 Highlander definitely has what it takes to win over certain types of driver.
When it comes to the exterior of the 2019 Ford Explorer, the boldness it displays is appealingly straightforward. Most models these days attempt to impress with over-the-top exterior features, but the 2019 Explorer takes the simplistic approach and it pays off in a big way. Just because it is straight to the point doesn’t mean it does have its upscale appeal. This model shocks drivers by how well it is able to keep things mainstream while still presenting more upmarket options. Its clean and gallant design does wonders in displaying the true heart of this model, and no driver can say they aren’t getting exactly what they see with a model this candid by design.
The 2019 Toyota Highlander from the exterior alone is a lot of things wrapped into one. The styling has elements that can be viewed as both sharp and bulky depending on where you place your focus; if are able to focus on any one thing that is. Every exterior feature is a unique mixture of thick and thin as both the lights and the grille go start large and obtrusive and then narrower down at the top. Basically, this is a design that will have people looking, but whether it is for the right or wrong reasons will highly depend on the person. Compared to the straightforwardness of the 2019 Explorer, the intrepid design choice of the 2019 Highlander has much less mass appeal, but those who like it will fall in love with this model at first glance.
Measuring to be 198″ L x 79″ W x 70″ H the 2019 Ford Explorer is a fairly roomy model with plenty of space to work with. The total max storage space for this model is 80.7 cubic feet as long as all seats in the second and third row are down, but even if all of them are up, you still have 21 cubic feet to work with. The cabin of the 2019 Explorer is comfortable and accommodate up to seven passengers with ease. Every inch of the interior is yours to utilize as you please with an abundance of user-friendly standard and advanced features to play with on top of the fully customizable seating and cargo space. Basically, whether you are about the family or the next big adventure, this model is always ready to provide for your every need.
The 2019 Toyota Highlander is extremely similar to the 2019 Explorer when it comes to space. Measuring to be 193″ L x 76″ W x 68″ H this model also can fit up to seven, and even sometimes eight, passengers, but with only 13.6 to 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space left over. If both the second and third-row seating are folded down this model has a total cargo space of 78.6 to 83.7 cubic feet depending on the model you choose to invest in. Toyota is also always about incorporating new technology and innovation to their vehicles, the 2019 Highlander is no exception, so drivers can expect a healthy list of tech features for the cabin.
Performance is something the 2019 Ford Explorer excels at when it comes to its class. While it may not be as proficient as some models when it comes down to off-roading capabilities, it does have an all-wheel-drive model option on top of its front-wheel-drive options, as well as three brilliant and tough engines. One of the best things about the performance of the 2019 Explorer is that most SUV drivers will be completely satisfied with its standard engine. The 3.5L V6 available with the base and XTL trim levels offers 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque for not a penny over the MSRP. It’s a perfectly reliable option that many drivers will happily invest in if they get this model. That being said, for the base, XTL, and Limited trim levels there is also a 2.3L 4-cylinder that offers more impressive torque and a superior fuel efficiency. This engine delivers 280 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque and 27 mpg highway fuel efficiency with the FWD edition. There is also the advanced option that comes with standard Sport and Platinum trim levels. This 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine pushes past expected limitations of this class with 365 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque and is a paired with a 10-speed engine. This is an option that will satisfy even the most power-hungry of drivers. While it may not be the top choice for off-roading, it still manages to deliver with Ford’s Terrain Management System that has settings for mud, sand, grass, and gravel so that you are ready for anything the road ahead has planned for you. This high level of performance potential is one of the main reasons why fans the experience what this model has to offer for themselves almost always stay fans for life.
The 2019 Toyota Highlander also has three engine options that keep this model modestly powered. The standard engine that comes with the Base and LE models is a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine with 185 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. It’s cheap and not very powerful for its class, but it gets the job done for simple commuting and carpooling. That being said those not on a budget should certainly look into the high-level options such as the 3.5L V6 with 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. This option upgrades everything from power to fuel efficiency. This is also the 3.5L V6 plus AC 650-volt permanent-magnet motors which delivers 306 hp and a max of 27 mpg highway fuel efficiency. Also, just like the 2019 Explorer, this is no off-roading award winner, but it does the job well enough with its AWD and FWD options. Under the hood, there is plenty to enjoy about what the 2019 Highlander brings to the table, but comparatively, it just doesn’t seem to compete with others in its class.
At Kings Ford, we treat every driver like royalty, even if you have the pockets of a peasant. Whether you are shopping for yourself, or for the ones you care for, we will make sure that you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget. Our main goal is to make sure that drivers always have the final say in how this process goes while being available every step of the way to give our professional advice when needed. We are here to make sure everything flows as smooth as possible because we want you as a valued member of our community to enjoy the excitement of getting a new model, without any of the frustration. The car buying process can feel like a chore at many dealers, but at Kings Ford, we only live to serve and spoiled our drivers with the best service and vehicles possible. So stop by in Cincinnati, OH and see for yourself what the royal treatment looks and feels like as you find your next prized possession amongst our vast supply of quality-assured vehicles.
*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.
