Buyers of 3-row midsize SUVs seek several characteristics: room for passengers and cargo, safety, and drivability. That’s actually just the start of the list for most shoppers. The 2025 Toyota Highlander and 2025 Ford Explorer have been hitting those marks for years now. They enjoy a loyal following while looking to attract new buyers each year.
Let’s take a closer look at these two family SUVs.
2025 Toyota Highlander
Outstanding reliability, excellent road manners, and ample versatility make it easy to see why the Toyota Highlander has been a popular entry in this segment for over two decades. It doesn’t hurt that it can carry up to eight passengers.
The Highlander received a more efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in 2023, producing 265 horsepower. That’s more than enough power to handle the daily tasks it deals with. The Highlander is also available as an efficient hybrid. For 2025, the XSE trim comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a Sport Mode startup screen. If you need something with more room, there is also the Grand Highlander.
With an open, comfortable interior and many technological upgrades, the Toyota Highlander is still a vehicle to benchmark in the segment. Pricing starts at $40,970, including destination fees.
Toyota Highlander Highlights
All-wheel drive: The Highlander is available with two versions of all-wheel drive (AWD). In its higher trim levels, buyers can choose a Dynamic Torque Vectoring system that can manage torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels, as well as the front and back. It also provides additional inputs to improve driver response.
Connected: Do you need to connect several devices? All Toyota Highlander models have five USB ports throughout the cabin, plus two 12-volt power outlets for other items.
Fuel efficient: Six-cylinder engines are a mainstay in this class, but the tide is changing. Toyota put a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder under the hood of the Highlander in 2023, and it posts 25 mpg combined, according to EPA estimates.
Read our Toyota Highlander Expert Review or see 2025 Toyota Highlander models for sale near you.
2025 Ford Explorer
Say the word “SUV,” and the picture that often comes to mind is the Ford Explorer. The brand’s midsize SUV accelerated the shift of buyers from sedans to SUVs in the early 1990s. Fast-forward a few decades, and the Explorer is still battling for sales in the midsize arena. To that end, it received some major updates for 2025, including a spruced-up exterior, making it look more like an off-road-ready machine. On the inside, where it seats up to seven, it now features more premium materials and softer surfaces. The Explorer also got a tech upgrade from the Ford Digital Experience, which allows owners to use apps and services from Google and Amazon while in the vehicle. Also, its well-reviewed BlueCruise hands-free driving technology is now available on some upper trim levels. Of course, it still offers plenty of power and towing capability. When equipped correctly, it’s a fine off-roader. However, unlike the Toyota Highlander, it no longer offers a hybrid variant.
The Explorer offers much of the latest technology and a good-looking exterior. The price starts at $41,350, including destination fee.
Ford Explorer Highlights
Strong engines: Long known for its powerful engines, the current version keeps up the tradition with a standard 300-hp EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine. However, certain trim levels offer a 400-hp twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 if you desire more power.
Easy to read: The Explorer features a 12.3-inch digital driver information display. It’s customizable to meet the driver’s needs and features Mindful mode, which skinnies down the information display to prevent driver distraction.
Hands-free: Ford is now offering its BlueCruise hands-free driving system on its ST-Line, Platinum and ST trim level models. The semi-autonomous system brakes, steers, accelerates, and changes lanes as long as you are in one of the 100,000-plus miles of Blue zones in the U.S. and Canada.
Read our Ford Explorer Expert Review or see 2025 Ford Explorer models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer offer an attractive mix of exterior style, technology, and interior space.
Conclusion
At one time, the Ford Explorer was all anyone ever wanted when it came to an SUV; however, times have changed, buyers’ wants and needs have evolved, and the Toyota Highlander is now among the leaders in the segment. It can carry one more person than the Explorer, the materials are a bit nicer, and Toyota models enjoy a particular reputation for quality and high resale value that not every SUV does. While the Ford Explorer has a slightly higher starting price, it boasts a stronger base engine, as well as more third-row legroom and cargo room. The right SUV for your family depends on your needs.
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Toyota Highlander vehicles and New 2025 Ford Explorer vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Toyota Highlander | 2025 Ford Explorer | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 22 city/29 highway/25 combined | 21 city/28 highway/24 combined |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid/AWD | Twin-turbo 6-cylinder/AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 inches | 119.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 194.9 inches | 198.7 inches |
| Width | 76.0 inches | 78.9 inches |
| Height | 68.1 inches | 69.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.4 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.9 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.1 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.0 inches | 43.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.7 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 28.0 inches | 32.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.0 inches | 61.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.7 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 55 inches | 54.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume behind rear row | 16.0/48.4/84.3 cubic feet | 16.3/46.0/85.8 cubic feet |
