What To Know
- The Explorer Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the Highlander Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- The Highlander Hybrid is more fuel-efficient, has a more functional interior, and comes with a number of standard safety features that are not available on the Explorer Hybrid.
The Ford Explorer Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are two of the most popular hybrid SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer excellent fuel economy, spacious interiors, and a wide range of features. However, there are some key differences between the two models that shoppers should be aware of before making a decision.
Performance
The Ford Explorer Hybrid is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine and an electric motor that produces a combined 318 horsepower. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that produce a combined 243 horsepower.
The Explorer Hybrid has a slight edge in terms of power, but the Highlander Hybrid is more fuel-efficient. The Explorer Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the Highlander Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Interior
The Ford Explorer Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid both offer spacious interiors with seating for up to seven passengers. The Explorer Hybrid has a slightly larger interior than the Highlander Hybrid, with more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.
The Explorer Hybrid also has a more upscale interior than the Highlander Hybrid, with higher-quality materials and a more modern design. The Highlander Hybrid’s interior is more functional, with a focus on practicality and durability.
Features
The Ford Explorer Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid both come standard with a variety of features, including:
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Power windows and locks
- Keyless entry
- Bluetooth connectivity
- A rearview camera
The Explorer Hybrid also comes standard with a number of features that are not available on the Highlander Hybrid, including:
- A panoramic sunroof
- A heated steering wheel
- A power liftgate
The Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, comes standard with a number of features that are not available on the Explorer Hybrid, including:
- A blind-spot monitoring system
- A rear cross-traffic alert system
- A lane departure warning system
Safety
The Ford Explorer Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid have both received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Explorer Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Highlander Hybrid received a four-star overall safety rating. The Explorer Hybrid also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, while the Highlander Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ rating.
Pricing
The Ford Explorer Hybrid has a starting price of $53,385, while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a starting price of $49,800. The Explorer Hybrid is more expensive than the Highlander Hybrid, but it also comes with more standard features.
Which One Is Right for You?
The Ford Explorer Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are both excellent hybrid SUVs. The Explorer Hybrid has a more powerful engine, a more upscale interior, and more standard features. The Highlander Hybrid is more fuel-efficient, has a more functional interior, and comes with a number of standard safety features that are not available on the Explorer Hybrid.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a powerful and luxurious hybrid SUV, the Ford Explorer Hybrid is a great option. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient and practical hybrid SUV, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a great option.
Ford Explorer Hybrid vs. Toyota Highlander Hybrid: The Verdict
The Ford Explorer Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are two of the best hybrid SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer excellent fuel economy, spacious interiors, and a wide range of features. However, there are some key differences between the two models that shoppers should be aware of before making a decision.
The Explorer Hybrid has a more powerful engine, a more upscale interior, and more standard features. The Highlander Hybrid is more fuel-efficient, has a more functional interior, and comes with a number of standard safety features that are not available on the Explorer Hybrid.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a powerful and luxurious hybrid SUV, the Ford Explorer Hybrid is a great option. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient and practical hybrid SUV, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a great option.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine, the Ford Explorer Hybrid or the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
A: The Ford Explorer Hybrid has a more powerful engine than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Explorer Hybrid’s engine produces 318 horsepower, while the Highlander Hybrid’s engine produces 243 horsepower.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient, the Ford Explorer Hybrid or the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
A: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is more fuel-efficient than the Ford Explorer Hybrid. The Highlander Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the Explorer Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Ford Explorer Hybrid or the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
A: The Ford Explorer Hybrid has a slightly larger interior than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Explorer Hybrid has more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.