2023 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Toyota Highlander
2023 Ford Explorer Overview
If you’re shopping midsize SUVs, then you’re likely comparing the 2023 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Toyota Highlander as these have been two of the most popular options in recent years. The 2023 Ford Explorer is available through Stivers Ford Montgomery in eight trim levels overall. In addition to the base Explorer, those are the XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, Platinum and King Ranch. The 2023 Toyota Highlander is available through area Toyota dealerships in six trim levels, and those are the L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum.
Exterior - Ford Dealer Serving Montgomery
The 2023 Ford Explorer and 2023 Toyota Highlander are both midsize SUVs with four doors and a rear liftgate. The Explorer has an 8.2-inch ground clearance, a 119.1-inch wheelbase and a 198.8-inch length, which is approximately 16.6 feet. The Highlander, on the other hand, has an 8.0-inch ground clearance, a 112.2-inch wheelbase and a 194.9-inch length. LED headlamps and 18-inch alloy wheels are standard in both cases. Toyota also offers 20-inch wheels, and Ford offers 20- and 21-inch wheels. Ford also includes a power liftgate, but Toyota doesn’t include that feature until the up-level trim.
Interior - 2023 Ford Explorer in Montgomery
These are both three-row SUVs. A bench set in the second row is standard. Ford includes second-row captain’s chairs beyond the base trim. Toyota includes them starting with the third trim. The seating capacity in the case of the 2023 Ford Explorer is either six or seven. Seating capacity for the 2023 Toyota Highlander is either seven or eight. Headroom is roomier in the Explorer in all rows and by almost 3 inches in the third row. Front legroom is greater in the Explorer by an inch. Second-row legroom is greater as well but only by a bit. Third-row legroom is greater in the Ford by more than 4 inches, and dedicated cargo space is also bigger in the Ford by more than 2 cubic feet.
Ford Explorer Mechanical specs
The 2023 Toyota Highlander is a front-wheel-drive SUV with all-wheel drive available as an option. The 2023 Ford Explorer is a rear-wheel-drive SUV with AWD available as an option. Toyota opts for an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Explorer has a more sophisticated 10-speed automatic. Toyota has made the change to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine similar to the Explorer, but the Explorer engine is much more powerful 300 vs 265 hp. The Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds and offers 400-hp turbo V6 for drivers who a performance SUV experience.
Technology - 2023 Ford Explorer Dealer
The Explorer at Stivers Ford Montgomery comes standard with an 8-inch touch screen. Toyota opts for a 7-inch touch screen. Both include connected services and a rearview camera. The base driver assist suite is more robust in the Ford including features like a blind-spot monitor and trailer sway damping. If you want advanced trailering technologies, they are available for the Explorer with no real equivalent available for the Highlander. Adaptive headlamps and a multiangle camera system are available in both cases. Toyota does offer a head-up display, which is not a feature that Ford currently offers with this model.
Request more 2023 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Toyota Highlander information
The team at Stivers Ford Montgomery encourages you to test-drive the Explorer and experience it for yourself, and you never need an appointment to do that. You can also call, email or chat with us online. Our team can answer questions about the 2023 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Toyota Highlander, discuss current specials, explore finance and lease options, provide custom quotes and much more.
*This article is for informational purposes only. Please contact the dealership for complete and current details.
NEW 2023 FORD EXPLORER
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0% APR FOR 66 MONTHS FLEX BUY or $10,000 OFF MSRP
*Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. 0% APR financing for 66 months at $13.37 per month per $1,000 financed regardless of down payment (20098). Residency restrictions apply. Take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford dealer’s stock by [5/31/24]. See dealer for qualifications and complete details. Retail bonus cash $1,000 (11216) $10,000 dealer discount, Take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford dealer’s stock by [5/31/24]. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.
NEW 2023 FORD EXPLORER
- Memorial Day Savings All Month Long!
0% APR FOR 66 MONTHS FLEX BUY
*Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. 0% APR financing for 66 months at $13.37 per month per $1,000 financed regardless of down payment (20098). Residency restrictions apply. Take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford dealer’s stock by [5/31/24]. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.