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Battle of the Hybrid SUVs, Which is better the Toyota Highlander or the Ford Explorer?

evlover

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The Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer are two popular hybrid SUVs, but they differ in several key areas. Here's a detailed comparison based on price, safety, maintenance, dimensions, towing capacity, and other factors:
1. Price


Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Starting at around $40,000 for base trims.
Ford Explorer Hybrid: Starting at around $53,000 for the hybrid version.

2. Dimensions and Ground Clearance

Toyota Highlander:

Length: 194.9 inches
Width: 76.0 inches
Height: 68.1 inches
Ground Clearance: 8.0 inches

Ford Explorer:
Length: 198.8 inches
Width: 78.9 inches
Height: 69.9 inches
Ground Clearance: 7.9 inches

hybrid suv, toyota highlander vs ford explorer.jpg

3. Seating Capacity

Toyota Highlander:
Seats up to 8 passengers.
Ford Explorer: Seats up to 7 passengers.

4. Trunk Size


Toyota Highlander: Offers 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with all seats folded.
Ford Explorer: Offers 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

5. Towing Capacity

Toyota Highlander Hybrid:
Can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
Ford Explorer Hybrid: Can tow up to 5,000 lbs.

6. Fuel Efficiency

Toyota Highlander Hybrid:
Achieves around 36 mpg combined.
Ford Explorer Hybrid: Averages around 27 mpg combined.

7. Battery and Power

Toyota Highlander Hybrid:
Battery:
1.9 kWh nickel-metal hydride
Engine Power: 243 horsepower combined (2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine + electric motor)

Ford Explorer Hybrid:
Battery: 1.5 kWh lithium-ion
Engine Power: 318 horsepower combined (3.3-liter V6 engine + electric motor)

8. Annual Maintenance Cost

Toyota Highlander:
Estimated annual maintenance costs are around $600-$700, depending on usage and maintenance frequency.
Ford Explorer: Estimated to be slightly higher, around $700-$900 per year, given its more complex powertrain.

9. Safety Features

Both vehicles come equipped with a suite of safety technologies:


Toyota Highlander: Features Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
Ford Explorer: Features Ford Co-Pilot360, including similar safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

10. Defects and Reliability

Toyota Highlander: Known for excellent reliability but might experience minor issues with its infotainment system or hybrid components.
Ford Explorer: Historically has faced some transmission issues and occasional complaints about build quality, but recent models have improved.

11. Security Prices

Insurance for both vehicles is similar, though the Ford Explorer may have slightly higher premiums due to its higher base price and engine size. Expect to pay around $1,400 to $1,800 annually, depending on your location and driving history.

Conclusion:

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is better suited for those seeking fuel efficiency, a lower price point, and more seating capacity.
The Ford Explorer Hybrid offers more power, greater towing capacity, and a larger trunk, making it ideal for those needing extra strength and space. However, it's pricier with slightly higher maintenance and fuel costs.

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