If you're looking for a classic crossover SUV with plenty of room for passengers and cargo, then the 2022 Ford Explorer might be the perfect vehicle for you. Although many people compare the Explorer to the 2022 Toyota Highlander, these two crossover SUVs have unique mechanical, technological, and stylistic features. Keep reading to find out about the key differences between the 2022 Ford Explorer and the 2022 Toyota Highlander.
While these two SUVs both feature several trim options with varying power, the mid-range 2022 Ford Explorer is slightly more powerful than the mid-range 2022 Toyota Highlander. Here's how they compare:
2022 Ford Explorer Power and Performance
The baseline and mid-range trims of the 2022 Ford Explorer come with a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 300 horsepower. There are several alternatives to the standard engine, including a hybrid model and a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6. While the Explorer's gas mileage varies by the type of engine you choose, the standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine gets an average of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. With a fuel tank capacity of 20.2 gallons, the Explorer can go a decent amount of time without a fill-up.
2022 Toyota Highlander Power and Performance
While the 2022 Toyota Highlander's standard 3.5-liter V6 engine is larger than the Ford Explorer's standard engine, it's not turbocharged, so you only get 295 horsepower. Like the 2022 Ford Explorer, the 2022 Toyota Highlander has several available engines, including a hybrid engine. Gas mileage across different engine types varies, but the standard engine gets 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway, slightly more than the 2022 Ford Explorer, but since the gas tank only holds 17.9 gallons, you might have to stop for gas more.
Exterior
While these SUVs have similar sizes and exterior shapes, they have unique style details and color schemes. Here are the different exterior options available for the 2022 Ford Explorer and the 2022 Toyota Highlander:
2022 Ford Explorer Exterior
With 12 total trims, the Ford Explorer has a lot of optional exterior features. The baseline trim includes 20-inch painted alloy wheels and the Explorer's signature grille. The 2022 Ford Explorer is available in eight colors:
- Iconic Silver
- Carbonized Gray
- Agate Black
- Stone Blue
- Forged Green
- Rapid Red (additional cost)
- Star White (additional cost)
- Burgundy Velvet (additional cost)
2022 Toyota Highlander Exterior
The 2022 Toyota Highlander also has a variety of trims and packages that allow you to customize the look of your SUV. While different trims have unique wheel options, the baseline trim only features 17-inch alloy wheels. The 2022 Toyota Highlander is available in nine colors:
- Celestial Silver Metallic
- Magnetic Gray Metallic
- Midnight Black Metallic
- Cement
- Blueprint
- Moon Dust
- Wind Chill Pearl
- Opulent Amber
- Ruby Flare Pearl
Interior
Both the 2022 Ford Explorer and the 2022 Toyota Highlander have similar cab sizes and interior features, but the Explorer's versatility gives drivers more power to design their dream SUV. Here's how their interior features stack up:
2022 Ford Explorer Interior
The 2022 Ford Explorer seats a maximum of seven people, but if you want a more luxurious ride for fewer passengers, you can opt for captain's seats in the second row at an additional cost. A three-zone climate control system keeps passengers comfortable. Even the baseline trim features an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto capabilities. Higher trim levels, like the Platinum trim, have more advanced technology and luxury features, like leather seats.
2022 Toyota Highlander Interior
While the 2022 Toyota Highlander seats eight, versus the Explorer's six, the back row is narrow, making it better for children than adults. It also features less storage space and legroom than the Explorer. However, like the Explorer, the Highlander has several levels of luxury and technology in the interior. You'll also get an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto capabilities. Higher trims have larger screens and wireless charging options.
Safety Features
Both the 2022 Ford Explorer and the 2022 Toyota Highlander have standard safety features and give drivers the opportunity to purchase packages with more advanced features. Here's information about their safety features:
2022 Ford Explorer Safety Features
The 2022 Explorer features a full set of airbags, including specialized head protection. The standard Ford driving safety package includes blind spot and lane warning accident prevention tools, which alert you when sensors detect a car in your blind spot or you stray from your lane. Emergency braking assistance can stop your SUV if it predicts a collision with another car or other obstacle. More advanced trims and optional safety packages include a wide range of features, like parking assistance.
2022 Toyota Highlander Safety Features
The 2022 Toyota Highlander's safety features make it very similar to the Explorer in terms of driver and passenger safety. The standard Toyota safety package includes lane assistance and adaptive cruise control to help keep you safe on the highway. Pedestrian detection and automatic braking can help you avoid a collision in a busy urban setting. Advanced safety packages with parking assistance and other tools are available.
Price
While both these SUVs have some similar features, the 2022 Ford Explorer is the clear winner for value. The base price for the 2022 Ford Explorer is $49,975, before fees and titles. By contrast, the baseline price for the 2022 Toyota Highlander is $55,835. For both SUVs, adding packages and choosing a higher trim can add to your total cost.
Test Drive the 2022 Ford Explorer at Our Sioux Falls Dealership!
Test Drive the 2022 Ford Explorer at Our Sioux Falls Dealership!
Overall, the 2022 Ford Explorer offers more power, more interior space, and more versatility for a lower price than the 2022 Toyota Highlander. The only thing left to do is to take one for a test drive! Stop by our lot to see our inventory of new Ford Explorers or take a look at this resource to learn more about this SUV. Here at Sioux Falls Ford, we offer a range of financing options, including a trade-in program, to get you behind the wheel of a new Ford.