Why The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Is Better Than The Ford Explorer

Buyers seeking a three-row SUV will discover a shortage of alternatives. This is especially true if they want a hybrid. There is the luxurious BMW X5, demanding north of $66,695, for those with some extra cash to burn. Others will have to settle for either the 2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid, or the 2023 Ford Explorer hybrid. That’s assuming they steer clear of the less-popular Kia Sorento.

Both hybrids bring their brand-exclusive treats to share with your 7+ passengers onboard. For large families that ache for adrenaline, the Ford Explorer brings extra horses. The US automaker gave its 30-year-old model 318 hp, which leaves the Highlander’s 243 in its dust. But extra power comes at an extra cost, both literally and figuratively. Despite its milder engine, the Toyota Highlander outshines its American counterpart in every other aspect.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Has A Much Better Fuel Economy

Power is inversely proportional to mileage. The driver of a 7-seater is less likely to prefer speed over a comfortable cruise and good fuel economy. For those who prefer insane performance figures out of an SUV, there’s the Tesla Model X with its 1,020 hp output.

The Highlander Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for an output of 243 hp. The resulting acceleration is a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.5 seconds. The vehicle has a continuously variable automatic transmission, and offers both FWD and AWD options. Its competitor, the Ford Explorer, packs a 3.3-liter V-6 under its hood, mated to an electric motor and A 10-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain delivers 318 hp, allowing the Explorer to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.1 seconds.

Hybrids typically have an edge in two things over ICEs; they offer more power and better mileage. If you are not in for the adrenaline, you’re in for the gas prices. This is where the Highlander Hybrid scores a decisive victory against its American counterpart. In its all-wheel drive configuration, it achieves an impressive 35 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 35 mpg combined. The FWD drivetrain offers an extra mile for your gas, achieving 36 mpg.

Stereotypically, Americans love a big ol’ engine that gives an extra oomph (instead of a mile) for your fuel. This remains true for the Explorer hybrid, when pitted against the Highlander. The SUV in all-wheel drive configuration returns 23 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined (rear-wheel drive achieves 27 mpg combined).

Related: 10 Things To Know Before Buying The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Has More Safety Features

Toyota equips the 2023 Highlander with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. These include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Highlander also offers blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings, front and rear parking assist on higher trims, and the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system for enhanced stability. The NHTSA awarded the 2023 Highlander a 5-star overall safety rating. An SUV hardly gets any safer than the Highlander, as it was among the few to receive the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

Ford isn’t too far behind, equipping the 2023 Explorer with a wide range of electronic safety systems as a part of the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite. This includes features like a forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, collision-avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and more. Where it falls behind the Highlander is adaptive cruise control and lane centering assistance, which is only offered in higher-level trims. Although crash-test results for the 2023 model are yet to be released, its predecessor achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

Related: Everything That Makes The 2023 Ford Explorer A Very Special EV

The Highlander Offers More Comfort And A Better Seating Capacity

The Explorer’s interior is outdated, but offers flexible seating options for up to seven passengers. The 7-seat configuration consists of a 3-person second-row bench seat and a 2-person rear seat. Those who prefer comfort over an extra seat can opt for a second-row captain’s chair with a pass-through (making the SUV a 6-seater). The passengers receive cloth or leather seats, while the driver receives a 10-way power-operated seat and tri-zone automatic climate control.

In contrast, Toyota invested more to seat more passengers in nicer seats. The 2023 Toyota Highlander offers versatility with both 7- and 8-passenger configurations. The L and LE trims come with 3-person bench seating in the second and third rows. The seats are covered in an attractive woven cloth. All other trims feature second-row captain’s chairs, reducing the seating capacity to seven. In the XLE, XLE Hybrid, and Limited trims, buyers can choose between a second-row bench or captain’s chairs. The mid-range trims have synthetic leather upholstery, while Platinum offers embossed, perforated leather.

The 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid Is More Expensive

Toyota’s vehicles don’t come with a bank-breaking price sticker, and the 2023 Highlander hybrid is no exception. For those looking for luxury that goes beyond anything Toyota and Ford offer, there’s the Highlander’s cousin, the Lexus RX350. The 2023 Toyota Highlander hybrid MRSP starts at $40,620.

Its American counterpart demands more in exchange for the blue badge. The 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid costs $55,245 at entry level.