2024 Toyota Highlander Vs. Ford Explorer: Interior, Specs & Dimensions
Any SUV shopper searching for a new three-row family vehicle will want to check out our 2024 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander comparison. Why? Because these two popular crossover SUV models offer many benefits of a full-size SUV while providing the agility and efficiency of a midsize model.
There are several reasons to explore these two models when upgrading your family to a new three-row SUV. Both offer impressive versatility for hauling passengers and cargo and come with the latest driver-assist, safety, and infotainment technologies.
You can't go wrong with either choice, but after reviewing our in-depth 2024 Highlander vs. Explorer comparison, you may find yourself favoring one over the other. Let's look at how the Explorer vs. Highlander competition shakes out, so you can schedule a test drive or two at Tom Wood Automotive Group.
Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer Interior & Tech Features
The 2024 Ford Explorer and 2024 Toyota Highlander three-row SUVs both feature tech-packed interiors that can keep everyone connected while on the go. With standard SYNC 3 technology via the 8-inch touch screen and available features like a 10.1-inch portrait touch screen, wireless charging, and a 14-speaker B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®, the 2024 Ford Explorer excels at keeping you connected, informed, and entertained.
Likewise, the 2024 Toyota Highlander offers a cutting-edge infotainment system, courtesy of an available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touch screen or its standard 8-inch touch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility come standard in every 2024 Highlander, a convenient tech that is an upgrade from the Explorer, which only features wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The available JBL audio system in the Highlander has 11 speakers.
The base-trim 2024 Toyota Highlander LE comes standard with an eight-passenger interior. Higher trim levels of this Toyota crossover SUV are available with second-row captain's chairs for a total seating capacity of seven.
Opting for the 2024 Ford Explorer base model grants you seven-passenger seating in three rows. Unlike the Highlander, these 2024 Ford models have a six-passenger seating capacity when equipped with second-row captain's chairs.
| 2024 Ford Explorer Base | 2024 Toyota Highlander LE | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.3L Turbocharged EcoBoost I-4 | 2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 300 | 265 |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City/Hwy) | 21/281 (2023 EPA Estimate) | 22/292 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 87.8 cu ft | 84.3 cu ft |
| Length | 198.8 in | 194.9 in |
| Width Without Mirrors | 78.9 in | 76 in |
| Height | 69.9 in | 68.1 in |
2024 Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer Specs, Engine & Fuel Efficiency
The 2024 Ford Explorer and 2024 Toyota Highlander share similar powertrains. Both models come standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 310 pound-feet of torque, and are equipped with two-wheel drive. However, the Highlander is front-wheel drive, while the Explorer is rear-wheel drive. The Explorer and Highlander also offer the option of all-wheel drive in their standard configurations.
On the horsepower front, the 300-horsepower Ford Explorer exceeds the Toyota Highlander and its 265-horsepower engine. When it comes to fuel economy, however, the tables turn.
While the 2024 model has not yet been rated, last year's Ford Explorer returned up to an EPA-estimated 21/28 MPG (City/Highway).1 Meanwhile, the 2024 Toyota Highlander achieves up to an EPA-estimated 22/29 MPG (City/Highway)2 rating. The Highlander Hybrid goes further with up to an EPA-estimated 36/35 MPG (City/Highway).2
2024 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander Dimensions
Perhaps your preferred SUV in the Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander comparison depends on interior space and dimensions. The new Ford Explorer tops the Toyota Highlander in several critical areas, including passenger space. The 2024 Explorer boasts 152.7 cubic feet of passenger volume compared to 141.8 cubic feet in the Toyota SUV.
However, standard and maximum cargo capacity are closer between these two SUVs, with the Explorer model's maximum cargo volume of 87.8 cubic feet narrowly topping the Highlander and its 84.3 cubic feet. The Ford Explorer boasts 18.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, while the Toyota Highlander offers 16 cubic feet.
If you're looking to accommodate up to eight occupants in comfort, though, you'll want to consider shopping the new Toyota inventory for a Highlander, as the Ford Explorer has a maximum seating capacity of seven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more passenger room, the 2024 Toyota Highlander or the 2024 Ford Explorer?
The 2024 Ford Explorer has more passenger room than the 2024 Toyota Highlander. With 152.7 cubic feet of passenger space, the new Ford Explorer SUV offers more room for occupants to relax and get comfortable than the Toyota Highlander and its 141.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. Tour these three-row SUVs for sale to explore their passenger space in more detail.
Which has more cargo space, the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander?
The Ford Explorer has more standard and maximum cargo space than the Toyota Highlander. With all seats upright, the Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet for cargo, compared to 16 cubic feet in the Highlander. Fold down the SUVs' second and third rows, and the Explorer model's 87.8 cubic feet of cargo volume still tops the Highlander SUV's maximum 84.3 cubic feet for cargo.
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Toyota Highlander or the Ford Explorer?
The 2024 Toyota Highlander is more fuel-efficient than the Ford Explorer in most configurations. When comparing the base models, we find that the 2024 Toyota Highlander LE FWD model earns up to an EPA-estimated 22/29 MPG (City/Highway),2 while last year's Ford Explorer Base RWD model returned up to an EPA-estimated 21/28 MPG (City/Highway)1 rating.
What Our Customers Say About Our Vehicles
Make an Inquiry
* Indicates a required field
Continue Your Research:
| Toyota RAV4 Reliability | Toyota Tacoma vs. Tundra | Toyota Highlander XLE Trim |
| Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma |
1EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See fueleconomy.gov.
AdChoices