Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander
Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews
Ford Explorer
$732
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Toyota Highlander
$489
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Overall Reliability Rating
Above Average
The Ford Explorer Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 19th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $732 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Explorer.
Above Average
The Toyota Highlander Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 7th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $489 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. The frequency and severity of repairs are both fairly average when compared with all other vehicles.
Cost
Average annual repairs total
Frequency
Average annual repair shop visits
Severity
Percentage of annual repairs that are urgent
Overall Car Ratings & Details
| 5 | (10) | |
| 4 | (71) | |
| 3 | (46) | |
| 2 | (15) | |
| 1 | (5) |
The Ford Explorer ranks highest in comfort and ranks lowest in fuel economy.
67% of reviewers would recommend this car.
“Parents bought the car when I graduated 6th grade and gave it to me end of college. Had 94,000 at that time (brand new when they got it), and now has 224,000. Still going strong all around almost...”
“Parents bought the car when I graduated 6th grade and gave it to me end of college. Had 94,000...”
| 5 | (13) | |
| 4 | (17) | |
| 3 | (3) | |
| 2 | (1) | |
| 1 | (0) |
“THIS HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE AUTOMOBILE. LOVE THE FOUR CYLANDER ENGINE. LOADS OF CARRYING CAPACITY. COULD NOT HAVE MOVED FROM ONE HOME TO ANOTHER WITHOUT THIS VEHICLE. VERY, VERY DEPENDABLE.
JUST...”
“THIS HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE AUTOMOBILE. LOVE THE FOUR CYLANDER ENGINE. LOADS OF CARRYING...”
Vehicle Comparison Rundown
The Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer are both midsize, three-row SUVs. Both come with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Both of these vehicles are top sellers in their category.
As similar as they may appear, there are some notable differences between them:
- The Toyota Highlander is available in a hybrid version.
- The Explorer offers more powerful standard (290 vs. 155 horsepower) and optional (365 vs. 295 horsepower) engines than the Highlander.
- The Highlander has more total cargo space behind the front row (83.2 cubic feet vs. 80 cubic feet).
- The Highlander includes adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane keep assist and a pre-collision system as standard equipment.
- The Highlander has a higher reliability rating and, on average, costs less to maintain each year.
Comparing these two SUVs comes down to what you value most. If you like to have lots of power at your command, then the Ford Explorer will likely satisfy you more. If you prefer lots of space, value a high level of standard safety technology, or would like your SUV to be a hybrid, then the Toyota Highlander is probably the answer.