2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Ford Explorer are some of the most popular models in an already-popular category of vehicles. Iowans of all types are big fans of the three-row SUV as they can fit the entire family and a great deal of cargo. This article is going to take an in-depth look at the Highlander and the Explorer with the hope of helping Fort Dodge, IA customers figure out which vehicle is the best fit for them and theirs.

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Highlander vs Explorer: Engines and Fuel Economy

The Highlander and the Explorer both have more than one powertrain configuration. Toyota has kept things relatively simple with the Highlander: there is a traditional, gasoline-only engine, and a hybrid configuration. The traditional option is a 3.5L V6 engine that makes 295 horsepower and 263 lb.-ft. of torque. The hybrid version of the vehicle pairs a 2.5L four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined horsepower output of 243. Highlander models are front-wheel drive standard with available all-wheel drive. Toyota's three-row SUV really shines when it comes to fuel economy: the front-wheel drive V6 model gets 29 miles to the gallon on the highway! The hybrid does even better, getting 36 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway.

The Explorer has a trio of available engines; two are traditional, gasoline-only configurations and the third is a hybrid. The entry-level engine is a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder that makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Upper-tier trims of the Explorer are treated to a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that gets a whopping 400 horsepower! The hybrid version of the vehicle pairs a 3.3L V6 with a motor for 318 ponies. The Explorer has beefier engines than the Highlander, but it has slightly worse fuel economy ratings: the most fuel-efficient configuration, the rear-wheel drive hybrid, gets 28 miles per gallon combined.

Highlander vs Explorer: Technology and Safety

Both Ford and Toyota have filled their three-row SUVs with a wide variety of technology. Some of it is designed to increase driver comfort, some to make managing navigation and music easy, and still more to keep you and your loved ones safe as you drive around the Pocahontas area.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander comes with an 8.0" touchscreen in the front for controlling music and navigation; a 12.3" screen is available on upper-level trims. Toyota has also made its commitment to safety very clear: the Highlander comes standard with automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist and departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts.

The 2022 Explorer also has an 8.0" touchscreen for controlling infotainment features, and it shares many of the safety features found on the Highlander. Ford also added a single button that folds the second row out of the way so that the kids can climb into the back - Coalville drivers will love this feature when they're picking their kids up from school or the football field.

There Need Not Be Only One

Both the 2022 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Ford Explorer are great choices for Webster City families. The Highlander has better fuel economy than the Explorer, which can help families save at the pump during a time of high gas prices. The Explorer, however, has a 600 pound advantage in towing capacity - 5,600 to 5,000 - and it has innovative features like the folding second row seats. Both of these vehicles are available in almost a dozen trims each; there is a Highlander or Explorer for all types of folks!

Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota is a full-service, family-friendly dealership. Our personable and knowledgeable staff will help get you into the car you want for the best price out there. We hope to work with you at our Fort Dodge, IA dealership soon!

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