Toyota Highlander vs Ford Explorer

Highlander vs Ford Explorer: Smart Safety Systems

When you have a fun trip planned, you want to know you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle that will help you reach your destination safely. That’s why we love that both the and the Ford Explorer come packed full of standard smart safety features, such as the following:

• Backup Camera
• Automatic High Beams
• Pre-Collision System

The cameras you’ll have at your disposal allow you to view the area directly behind your vehicle with clarity. As a result, you’re able to effectively maneuver while backing in or out of a parking spot at the office, the store, or your favorite restaurant.

The Highlander and the Explorer both also boast Automatic High Beams that prevent oncoming drivers from being distracted by your vehicle’s high beams. They automatically lower the beams until other motorists have gone by.

Both of these vehicles come standard with systems designed to help avoid an accident. The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection that you’ll find in the Highlander uses an integrated camera and radar system to help mitigate or avoid impact with another vehicle or a pedestrian. The Explorer is equipped with Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking.

Unfortunately, this feature does not watch out for pedestrians like the system you’ll find in the Toyota.

The Toyota Highlander also has Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Once you’ve pre-set the distance you prefer to maintain between you and a vehicle in front of you, it uses radar technology as well as a camera on the windshield to adjust your speed accordingly.

While this is a standard aspect of the Highlander’s base trim, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control over in the Ford Explorer requires an upgrade before it’s available.

Highlander vs Explorer: Technology & Comfort

When you enter the cabin of either the Toyota Highlander or the Ford Explorer, you’ll find a spacious 3-row interior with more than 80 cubic feet of total cargo volume. The Toyota has a maximum seating capacity of eight passengers, while the Ford can seat a maximum of seven passengers.

This means someone may have to stay behind if you’re driving the Explorer.

To give you an idea of what it’s like inside these on-road companions, we’ve compiled a few of their interior dimensions. See the table below:

While the Explorer has a lot of room throughout its three rows, these numbers make it clear that the Highlander has the room necessary for everyone on board to make themselves comfortable. Additionally, both SUVs keep you cozy with available heated seats that make it easy to battle those frigid winter temperatures.

As you drive, you can stream music directly from your phone or take hands-free calls via Bluetooth® wireless connectivity, which comes standard in both vehicles. The Highlander and the Explorer also both have standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. These features integrate your smartphone with your infotainment touchscreen display so you can safely access your favorite apps on the go.

Speaking of that touchscreen display, the Highlander has an available 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Explorer has an available 10.1-inch touchscreen. The 10.1-inch screen is sizeable for its class, but the 12.3-inch screen in the Highlander provides a bigger overall picture when you’re following navigation or quickly adjusting your road-trip playlist.

With such a large screen at your disposal, you’ll still be able to devote the necessary amount of attention to the drive itself.