DecodedCarsFord Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Toyota Highlander — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Toyota Highlander is more fuel-efficient: 35 vs 24 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $900 a year less in fuel for the Toyota Highlander (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Ford Explorer is the bigger car, about 4 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Toyota Highlander has had fewer recall campaigns (47 vs 105).
The two cars
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive. It measures about 199 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,458 lb (4dr SUV).
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 195 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,123 lb (4dr SUV L FWD).
Buying used? The 2024 Explorer and the 2024 Highlander have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Explorer and the 2021 Highlander.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Ford Explorer if…
- You want more room (4 in longer)
Choose the Toyota Highlander if…
- You want lower fuel bills (35 vs 24 MPG)
- You want something easier to park (4 in shorter)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
- You put reliability history first (47 vs 105 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Ford Explorer
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- 15 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
2026 Toyota Highlander
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 75% better than the average 2026 standard SUV (20 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Ford Explorer specs →Full 2026 Toyota Highlander specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →