Head-to-head
2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander edges it, 88.3 to 85.7, on fuel & range, safety. The Ford Explorer is ahead on tech & comfort. Raise the tech & comfort weight from 3 to 4.1 and it flips.
F
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 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 …
vs
C2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Grand Highla…
More Ford Explorer head-to-heads More Toyota Grand Highlander head-to-heads Every Explorer vs Grand Highlander model year
Verdict · default weights
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Slight edgeThe Toyota Grand Highlander edges it, 88.3 to 85.7, on fuel & range, safety. The Ford Explorer is ahead on tech & comfort. Raise the tech & comfort weight from 3 to 4.1 and it flips.
Fuel & range 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander leads by 33.7
Tech & comfort 2026 Ford Explorer leads by 29.8
Safety 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander leads by 4.7
| Category · weight | 2026 Toyota Grand Highlanderoverall 88.3 | 2026 Ford Exploreroverall 85.7 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 66.3 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 87.1 | 82.4 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargonot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Performancenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 70.2 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantyw 2 | 100 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Basic and powertrain coverage in years and miles. | |||||||||||||||||
| Overall | 88.3 | 85.7 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 4 of 7 categories compared
Toyota Grand Highlander: base trim LE FWD · Ford Explorer: base trim Active Base RWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Raise the tech & comfort weight from 3 to 4.1 and the answer flips.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander wins
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 79 against 53).
- It costs $950 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,850 against $2,800).
- It is rated 36 combined against 24 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
Where the 2026 Ford Explorer answers
- It lists 33 standard driver-assist features against 23.
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (28.5 points against 20 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- A 3-year basic warranty.
- 36,000-mile basic coverage.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
54 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $41,660 | — |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 2,393 cc | — |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Turbo | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 with Auto Start-Stop |
| Fuel injection system | D-4S | — |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 265 hp | — |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | — |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 21 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 24 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 28 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.329 | 3.58 |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | 10 |
| Transmission type | Direct Shift 8AT | automatic hybrid |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8 in | — |
| Overall height | 70.1 in | — |
| Overall length | 201 in | — |
| Overall width | 78.3 in | — |
| Wheelbase | 116 in | — |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 97.5 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 57.9 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 20.6 cu-ft | — |
| Total interior volume | 153 cu-ft | — |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 8 | — |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 41.5 in | — |
| Second-row headroom | 40.2 in | — |
| Third-row headroom | 37.2 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.7 in | — |
| Second-row legroom | 39.5 in | — |
| Third-row legroom | 33.5 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,290 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,290 lbs | — |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 6,040 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar | Independent |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar | Independent |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric Power Steering (EPS); electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion | Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 19 ft | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 340 mm | — |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Parking brake type | epb | Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold |
| Rear brake diameter | 339 mm | — |
| Rear brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | — | P255/65R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 17.8 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | — |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | — | Ford Connectivity Package |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 84 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 12 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 60.2 in | — |
| Second-row shoulder room | 58.8 in | — |
| Third-row shoulder room | 57.5 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
119 features · differences first, then sharedSafety26 differ · 41 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Forward Collision Warning | — | std |
| Airbags – First Row: Driver and Passenger Dual-Stage Front | — | std |
| Backup camera with dynamic gridlines | std | — |
| Evasive Steering Assist | — | std |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors and tethers on outboard second-row seats and tether anchor on third-row seats | std | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | std |
| Trailer Sway Control | — | std |
| 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver's-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts | std | — |
| Adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors and driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters | std | — |
| Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control | std | — |
| Curve Control | — | std |
| Driver and front passenger seatbelt warning | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold | — | std |
| Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ (base ADAS suite) | — | std |
| Intersection Assist | — | std |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children) on Second and Third Row Outboard Seating Positions | — | std |
| Perimeter Alarm | — | std |
| Personal Safety System™ (driver and front passenger – dual-stage front airbags, belt pretensioners, energy-management retractors, belt usage sensors, driver seat position sensor, crash severity sensor, restraint control module, Front-Passenger Sensing System) | — | std |
| Post-Collision Braking | — | std |
| Rear View Camera with Backup Assist Grid Lines | — | std |
| Rear-passenger seatbelt reminder | std | — |
| Safety Canopy® Side-Curtain with Rollover Sensor | — | std |
| Side-Wind Stabilization | — | std |
| SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ | — | std |
| Speed Sign Recognition | — | std |
| Star Safety System™—includes Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB), Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) | std | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering | std | std |
| Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Pedestrian Detection | std | std |
| Rear Cross Traffic Braking | std | std |
| Airbags – All Rows: Safety Canopy® Side-Curtain with Rollover Sensor | std | std |
| Airbags – First Row: Front-seat Side | std | std |
| Lane-Keeping System – Lane-Keeping Alert / Driver Alert | std | std |
| Lane-Keeping System – Lane-Keeping Assist | std | std |
| AdvanceTrac™ with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) | std | std |
| Airbags – First Row: Driver Knee | std | std |
| Auto High-Beam Headlamps | std | std |
| BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Exit Warning and Trailer Coverage | std | std |
| Four-Wheel Disc Brakes with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electric Brake Boost and ESC | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist | std | std |
| Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System (ITPMS) | std | std |
| SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) | std | std |
Infotainment16 differ · 16 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Ford App – Remotely lock and unlock vehicle | — | std |
| Unlimited Wi-Fi Hotspot (via Ford Connectivity Package) | — | std |
| Ford App – Locate parked vehicle | — | std |
| Seven USB-C ports (one media port and six charging ports) and two 12V outlets | std | — |
| 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | std | — |
| 5G Modem | — | std |
| 6-speaker audio system | std | — |
| 911 Assist® | — | std |
| Audio – AM/FM Stereo, MP3 Capable, Six (6) Speakers, Speed-Compensated Volume, SiriusXM® with 360L | — | std |
| Ford Connectivity Package (1-year Included) | — | std |
| Ford Connectivity Package (One-time purchase – 7 years) (91D) | — | opt |
| Ford Digital Experience – 13.2" Color LCD Touchscreen in IP Center-Stack with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Wireless Compatibility | — | std |
| Ford Power-Up Software Update Capability | — | std |
| SiriusXM with 360L (3-year plan) (94B) | — | opt |
| Steering Wheel with Mounted Features – Audio Controls | — | std |
| USB Ports, First Row and Second Row (Ford Digital Experience standard); Third Row USB included on 200A+ | — | std |
Convenience5 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Height-adjustable power liftgate with jam protection | std | — |
| Power door locks with shift-linked automatic lock/unlock feature | std | — |
| Power windows with auto up/down in all positions and jam protection | std | — |
| Manual Liftgate | — | std |
| Powerpoints (12V) – three (3) | — | std |
| 4-Door Intelligent Access (Lock/Unlock) with Push-Button Start | std | std |
Climate1 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Particulate Air Filter | — | std |
| Tri-Zone Electronic Temperature Control | std | std |
Seating5 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10-way Power Driver's Seat | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed front- second- and third-row seats; 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support; 4-way manual-adjustable front passenger seat | std | — |
| 8-passenger seating with 60/40 split, sliding and reclining fold-down second-row bench seats; 60/40 split, fold-down third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | std | — |
| Seats – Second Row 35/30/35 Bench with E-Z Entry and Armrests (17U) | — | opt |
| Second Row Captain's Chairs with E-Z Entry and Armrests | — | std |
| Unique Cloth Seating | std | std |
Interior11 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 13 cup and bottle holders | std | — |
| Combination meter with analog gauges and 7-in. color Multi-Information Display (MID) with fuel economy, Driver Assist, vehicle/trip information, and warning messages | std | — |
| Compass | — | std |
| Instrument Panel Cluster – 12.3" Color LCD Productivity Screen | — | std |
| Rotary Gear Shift Dial | — | std |
| Silver-painted dashboard trim and matte gray metallic door trim | std | — |
| Soft-touch roll-top center console with removable utility tray | std | — |
| Steering Column – Manual Tilt/Telescoping | — | std |
| Dual sun visors with sliding function and illuminated vanity mirrors | std | — |
| Floor Mats – Black Carpet, Front and Second Rows | — | std |
| Trip Computer | — | std |
| Day/Night Rearview Mirror – Manually Adjustable | std | std |
| Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors (Driver and Front Passenger) | std | std |
| Overhead Console with Sunglasses Storage | std | std |
Exterior22 differ · 25 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| LED headlights | std | — |
| 18-in. 5-spoke silver wheels | std | — |
| 18" Spare Wheel and Jack Kit (76U) | — | opt |
| Acoustic noise-reducing front windshield and front side windows | std | — |
| Acoustic noise-reducing front windshield and front side windows | std | — |
| Active Grille Shutters | — | std |
| Black front lower bumper | std | — |
| Black rear lower bumper | std | — |
| Black-painted front grille | std | — |
| Color-keyed outside door handles | std | — |
| Configurable Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) | — | std |
| Daytime Running Lights (DRL) with on/off feature | std | — |
| Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler | — | std |
| LED Low and High Beam Headlamps with Courtesy Delay / Wiper-Activated | — | std |
| LED Taillamps | — | std |
| LED taillights | std | — |
| Rear liftgate windshield washer and backup camera washer | std | — |
| Rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop light | std | — |
| Tire Inflator and Sealant Kit | — | std |
| Windshield wiper de-icer | std | — |
| Rear Spoiler – Body-Color | — | std |
| Spare Tire/Wheel Temporary | std | — |
| Mirrors, Sideview – Heated Glass | std | std |
| Privacy Glass – Second Row, Third Row and Liftgate | std | std |
| Rear-Window Defroster and Washer | std | std |
Powertrain7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | std | — |
| Battery Saver | — | std |
| Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) | — | std |
| Engine – 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Start-Stop | — | std |
| Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor® | — | std |
| Selectable Drive Modes | — | std |
| Transmission – 10-Speed Automatic | — | std |
Chassis1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Front and Rear Suspension | — | std |
Cargo1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Class III Trailer Tow Package | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPToyota Grand Highlander
Safety Signal 79 C
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 4
Owner complaints 49 · 2 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (15), Structure (10), Engine (8)
Top recalls
- high Steering 26V598000 · 617 vehicles
- high Power Train 26V437000 · 5,408 vehicles
- moderate Back Over Prevention 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- minor Equipment 26V179000 · 8,230 vehicles
Ford Explorer
Safety Signal 53 F
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 15 · 3 filed unfixed
Owner complaints 44 · 3 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (11), Unspecified (11), Visibility/Wiper (7)
Top recalls
- high Air Bags 26V581000 · 7 vehicles
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V548000 · 10,001 vehicles · filed unfixed
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V532000 · 6 vehicles
- high Seats 26V451000 · 387,911 vehicles · filed unfixed
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V343000 · 1,536 vehicles
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V205000 · 278 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Toyota Grand HighlanderLE FWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $41,660 (base trim) | — (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $41,660 – $59,575 14 trims | — 12 trims |
| Powertrains | HEV, GAS | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Grand Highlander Hybrid | Explorer RWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 36 | 24 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,850 | $2,800 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (make terms) |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi (make terms) |
| Roadside assistance | 2 yr | 5 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander or the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The Toyota Grand Highlander edges it, 88.3 to 85.7, on fuel & range, safety. The Ford Explorer is ahead on tech & comfort. Raise the tech & comfort weight from 3 to 4.1 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander scores 88.3 and the 2026 Ford Explorer 85.7. 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 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander or the 2026 Ford Explorer?
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: 5 NHTSA stars, grade C, 4 recalls. 2026 Ford Explorer: 5 NHTSA stars, grade F, 15 recalls (3 filed with no repair available). Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2026 Ford Explorer?
Where the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander wins: it has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 79 against 53), costs $950 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,850 against $2,800), and is rated 36 combined against 24 (EPA mpg or MPGe). Where the 2026 Ford Explorer answers: it lists 33 standard driver-assist features against 23 and lists more comfort and tech equipment (28.5 points against 20 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars, a 3-year basic warranty, and 36,000-mile basic coverage.