2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander wins clearly, 95.9 to 65.1, on safety, fuel & range.
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Explorer RWD, is EPA-rated at 24 …
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 5 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Highlander Hybrid …
2025 Toyota Highlander
Clear winThe Toyota Highlander wins clearly, 95.9 to 65.1, on safety, fuel & range.
| Category · weight | 2025 Toyota Highlanderoverall 95.9 | 2025 Ford Exploreroverall 65.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | no data | no data |
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 69 |
| Safetyw 4 | 92.9 | 62.2 |
| Space & cargow 2 | no data | no data |
| Performancew 2 | no data | no data |
| Tech & comfortw 3 | no data | no data |
| Warrantyw 2 | no data | no data |
| Overall | 95.9 | 65.1 |
Toyota Highlander: model-level data · Ford Explorer: model-level data. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Specifications side by side
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPToyota Highlander
Top recalls
- highSeat Belts25V872000 · 39 vehicles
- highElectrical System25V595000 · 591,377 vehicles
- minorBack Over Prevention25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
Ford Explorer
Top recalls
- criticalFuel System, Gasoline24V634000 · 24 vehicles
- highSeats26V451000 · 387,911 vehicles
- highEngine And Engine Cooling26V343000 · 1,536 vehicles
- highSeat Belts26V159000 · 561 vehicles
- highEngine And Engine Cooling26V122000 · 47,804 vehicles
- highVisibility25V730000 · 56,841 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Toyota Highlander | Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | — |
| Price range across trims | — | — |
| Powertrains | HEV, GAS | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Highlander Hybrid AWD | Explorer RWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 35 | 24 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,800 | $2,600 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Toyota Highlander or the 2025 Ford Explorer?
The Toyota Highlander wins clearly, 95.9 to 65.1, on safety, fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Toyota Highlander scores 95.9 and the 2025 Ford Explorer 65.1. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Toyota Highlander or the 2025 Ford Explorer?
2025 Toyota Highlander: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 3 recalls. 2025 Ford Explorer: 5 NHTSA stars, grade F, 22 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.