What To Know
- The front-wheel drive model gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel drive model gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
- The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $36,420 for the base L trim and goes up to $51,555 for the top-of-the-line Platinum trim.
- If you’re looking for a vehicle with impressive off-road capabilities and a rugged aesthetic, the Ford Everest is a great choice.
In the realm of midsize SUVs, the Toyota Highlander and Ford Everest stand as two formidable contenders. Each vehicle offers a unique blend of features, performance, and reliability, making the choice between them a challenging one. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of each SUV to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Style
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander boasts a sleek and modern exterior design, with a bold grille, sharp headlights, and a muscular stance. Its interior is spacious and well-appointed, featuring comfortable seating, a user-friendly infotainment system, and ample storage space.
Ford Everest: The Everest exudes a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, with a boxy profile, imposing grille, and prominent roof rails. Its interior is equally impressive, offering generous legroom, a premium audio system, and a host of advanced technologies.
Performance and Handling
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The Highlander’s handling is balanced and composed, providing a comfortable and confident driving experience.
Ford Everest: The Everest is equipped with a 3.2-liter diesel engine that produces 199 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. It mates with a 6-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with four-wheel drive. The Everest’s off-road capabilities are impressive, with a robust suspension and a terrain management system that optimizes performance in various driving conditions.
Safety and Technology
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander has earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
Ford Everest: The Everest has also received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Its safety features include blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection.
Interior Space and Comfort
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander offers ample space for up to eight passengers, with comfortable seating and plenty of headroom and legroom. Its cargo capacity is generous, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row of seats and 84.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Ford Everest: The Everest provides seating for seven passengers, with spacious seating and ample legroom. Its cargo capacity is slightly less than the Highlander’s, with 10.2 cubic feet behind the third row of seats and 70.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander’s fuel economy varies depending on the drivetrain configuration. The front-wheel drive model gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel drive model gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Ford Everest: The Everest’s fuel economy is slightly lower than the Highlander’s, with an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Price and Value
Toyota Highlander: The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $36,420 for the base L trim and goes up to $51,555 for the top-of-the-line Platinum trim.
Ford Everest: The Ford Everest has a starting price of $52,495 for the base XLT trim and goes up to $60,995 for the top-of-the-line Limited trim.
The Verdict
The Toyota Highlander and Ford Everest are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a compelling blend of features, performance, and reliability. The Highlander excels in areas such as fuel economy, interior space, and advanced safety features. The Everest, on the other hand, offers superior off-road capabilities and a more rugged design.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, interior space, and advanced safety, the Toyota Highlander is an excellent option. If you’re looking for a vehicle with impressive off-road capabilities and a rugged aesthetic, the Ford Everest is a great choice.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which SUV has a better infotainment system?
A: Both the Highlander and Everest offer user-friendly infotainment systems with intuitive interfaces and a wide range of features. However, the Highlander’s system is slightly more advanced, with a larger touchscreen and more customization options.
Q: Is the Everest more reliable than the Highlander?
A: Both the Highlander and Everest have strong reliability ratings. The Highlander has a slightly better track record according to J.D. Power and Associates, but both vehicles are known for their durability and longevity.
Q: Which SUV is better for towing?
A: The Ford Everest has a higher towing capacity than the Toyota Highlander. The Everest can tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped, while the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds.