Which is the smarter choice for an SUV in 2023, the Ford Expedition or the Toyota Highlander? We put these two cars up against each other in our comparison guide and came out with a clear winner. By the end of your read, you'll understand why the Explorer will be the more viable option for your money, while still giving you everything you need in a great, well-rounded SUV.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Both the Explorer and the Highlander seat seven passengers.
- Better gas mileage on the hybrid powertrain for both SUVs, but the
- Highlander has the Explore beat.
- More towing potential and overall power coming from the Explorer, with three powertrain options.
- The Explorer is the bigger SUV of the two both in length and width.
THE EXPLORER IS BUILT FOR POWER
The Highlander and the Explorer offer a couple of different options in their powertrain. The Explorer offers three engine options as listed here:
- 2.3-liter Ecoboost I-4 300, horsepower.
- 3.3-liter Hybrid V6, 318 horsepower.
- 3.0-liter Ecoboost V6, 400 horsepower
The Highlander on the other hand offers two engine options:
- 2.4 I-4 with 265 horsepower.
- 2.5-liter Hybrid V4 hybrid, with 243 horsepower.
Each of the Explorer's engines stacks stronger than the last. While the Highlander does provide options, none match the power of the Explorer. Drivers are going to notice the difference all around with the Explorer's powertrains whether it be towing or on the road. Where the Highlander lacks in horsepower, it makes up for in gas mileage. This is where both of the hybrid options for each vehicle shine. The Highlander hybrid engine gets 36 mpg and the Explorer hybrid gets 27 mpg. If you're looking to save some gas money in the long run, the Highlander has the advantage with its second-tier engine. If you still want the power of a strong SUV with some benefits of a gas-saving hybrid, the Explorer has the upper hand with 318 horsepower.
WHICH SUV DOES BETTER OFF-ROADING? TOWING?
Once again, the Explorer has the Highlander beat. Here those more powerful engines show us what they are made of. The Explorer can tow 600 pounds more than the Highlander, maxing out at a total of 5,600 pounds. As far as taking it off the road, both you, your passengers and your payload can trust your Explorer with its more advanced four-wheel drive compared to the Highlander's all-wheel drive system. Either drive train will get you safely off the beaten path, but the Explorer will take you down the trail further and longer more reliably. The Explorer also has higher ground clearance, helping it avoid more obstacles the further down the trail you go. The Terrain Management on the Explorer comes equipped with a phenomenal off-roading system that can adapt to different terrains.
FEATURES: EXPLORER V. HIGHLANDER?
Either of these SUVs will be a safe choice if you're looking for all the latest safety and entertainment features 2023 has to offer. They do deviate in a couple of key ways though, and choosing between them may just come down to preference if going off features alone. The Explorer allows about an inch more head and legroom for passengers and maxes its cargo capacity at over 87 cubic feet. The Highlander has a total cargo capacity of about 84 cubic feet. They both share similar features such as cruise control, auto headlights, keyless entry, and smartphone integration. However, we love the rear parking aids and remote engine start option that only comes with an Explorer.
WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOUR MONEY? THE 2023 EXPLORER
For your next 2023 SUV, the best option for your money is going to be the Explorer. Both of these great cars are averaging the same in cost right now on the market at about $36,000. For just about the same price you're going to get the bigger seven-passenger SUV, with a stronger powertrain and more towing potential. While most features are the same across trims, you're going to find a few more useful features on a base level with the Expedition. Schedule a visit today and see our dealership to get a feel for how the 2023 Explorer drives, or if you have any questions in the meantime give us a call.