If you’re looking for a midsize SUV to accommodate a family, there are a lot of choices available. The midsize SUV category is one of the most competitive on the auto market. Two top choices are the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander. These offerings from Ford and Toyota have three rows of seating and are known for their reliability.

Let’s take a look at some similarities and differences to see which one is right for you.

Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: Price and Value

Price and value are important considerations when shopping for a family SUV. So, how do the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer stack up in this area? A new Ford Explorer starts at around $32,225. The Explorer comes in five trims, and the price naturally goes up for each higher trim. RWD is standard on the first three trims, and the two highest trims have standard AWD.

The Toyota Highlander starts at around $34,810 and offers six trim levels. FWD is standard on all trims of the Highlander, so you’ll have to add AWD to your trim choice for another $1,600 to $1,950, depending on the trim.

Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: Reliability and Quality

As mentioned earlier, both the Highlander and Explorer are top choices in the midsize SUV category with a good reputation in the reliability and quality departments. Both vehicles come with almost the exact same warranty coverage:

– Standard warranty of three years or 36,000 miles
– Powertrain warranty of five years or 60,000 miles

However, the Ford Explorer comes with five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance, while the Highlander only has two years or 25,000 miles of roadside assistance. The Explorer has a clear advantage when it comes to peace of mind after buying.

Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: Performance and Efficiency

The flagship engine for the Ford Explorer is a turbocharged, 2.3-liter four-cylinder that makes 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. When properly equipped, the standard engine can tow 5,300 pounds. If you opt for the performance ST trim, you can get a 3.0-liter V6 that makes 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine can be equipped to tow up to 5,600 pounds. The four-cylinder gets 24 MPG combined, and the performance V6 gets 20 MPG combined.

The main engine on the Toyota Highlander is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. When properly equipped, this engine provides 5,000 pounds of towing power. The FWD Highlander gets 36 MPG combined, and the AWD version gets 35 MPG.

Fuel efficiency in the Highlander is better than the Explorer, but the Explorer has the advantage in towing power and acceleration.

It’s easy to see why these two midsize SUVs are so popular as they both have a number of advantages. However, if you need to tow more and like the idea of five years of roadside assistance, the Explorer should be your pick.