Head to head
2026 Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
The sourced numbers side by side, no verdict attached. Each column shows the 2026 lineup's representative trim, the one with the median EPA combined MPG.
At a glance
Ford Explorer
Shown: 2026 Explorer RWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, the median MPG trim of 4 2026 trims.
- NHTSA records, 2026 model year
- none on file
Toyota Highlander
Shown: 2026 Highlander Hybrid AWD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, the median MPG trim of 3 2026 trims.
- NHTSA records, 2026 model year
- none on file
Spec by spec
| Spec | 2026 Ford Explorer RWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
|---|---|---|
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Explorer RWD | Highlander Hybrid AWD |
| Trim / config | Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| MPG Hwy | 25 mpg | 35 mpg |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 35 mpg |
| MPG Comb | 21 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Transmission | Automatic (S10) | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Cyl | 6 | 4 |
| Body | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Naturally aspirated |
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Fuel $/yr | $2,850 | $1,700 |
| Eco Score | 4/10 | 6/10 |
| CO₂ | 423 g/mi | 254 g/mi |
How this page picks its numbers
Both columns share the newest model year the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander both offer, 2026. Each column shows the 2026 lineup's representative trim, the one with the median EPA combined MPG. Fuel economy figures come from EPA records; recall, complaint, and crash rating figures come from NHTSA. Other trims differ, so open the comparison tool above to swap in the exact trims you are cross-shopping.