Head to head
2025 Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
The sourced numbers side by side, no verdict attached. Each column shows the 2025 lineup's representative trim, the one with the median EPA combined MPG.
At a glance
Ford Explorer
Shown: 2025 Explorer RWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, the median MPG trim of 6 2025 trims.
- NHTSA overall crash rating
- 5 of 5 stars
- Recalls, 2025 model year
- 18
- Owner complaints, 2025 model year
- 79
Toyota Highlander
Shown: 2025 Highlander Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, the median MPG trim of 5 2025 trims.
- NHTSA overall crash rating
- 5 of 5 stars
- Recalls, 2025 model year
- 3
- Owner complaints, 2025 model year
- 7
Spec by spec
| Spec | 2025 Ford Explorer RWD Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 2025 Toyota Highlander Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start |
|---|---|---|
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Explorer RWD | Highlander |
| Trim / config | Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| MPG Hwy | 25 mpg | 29 mpg |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Comb | 21 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Transmission | Automatic (S10) | Automatic (S8) |
| Cyl | 6 | 4 |
| Body | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Fuel $/yr | $2,950 | $2,500 |
| Eco Score | 4/10 | 5/10 |
| Smog score | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| CO₂ | 425 g/mi | 359 g/mi |
| Length | 199 in | 195 in |
| Width | 79 in | 76 in |
| Height | 70 in | 68 in |
| Wheelbase | 119 in | 112 in |
| Curb Weight | 4,458 lb | 4,442 lb |
| Recalls | 18 | 0 |
| Complaints | 79 | 0 |
How this page picks its numbers
Both columns share the newest model year the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander both offer, 2025. Each column shows the 2025 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.