2025 Toyota Highlander vs. 2025 Ford Explorer
SUV shopping in 2025 offers plenty of strong choices, but two models tend to stand out for most families: the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer. Both vehicles return with fresh updates that refine their styling, tech offerings, and driving experience. Whether you're looking for everyday practicality, advanced features, or a dependable ride for your family, these two bring distinct strengths to the table.
To help guide your decision, we’ve broken the comparison into key categories that matter most—design, technology, performance, and value.
Explorer introduces a more upright and bolder front-end design this year. A revised grille and restyled headlights give it a more truck-like stance, while the interior shifts toward a clean, tech-focused layout. Higher trims like ST-Line or ST offer a sportier feel, though base models lean more utilitarian compared to Highlander’s consistently refined cabin experience.
Ford’s Explorer makes a strong impression with its 13.2-inch touchscreen across all trims, running on an Android-based operating system. Built-in apps like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Play Store provide a connected feel. However, many features are tied to paid subscriptions after trial periods, and all climate and audio controls now live inside the screen, which may take some getting used to.
Ford’s base Explorer features a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower. It offers stronger acceleration, especially in the ST and Platinum trims that feature a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6. However, there’s no hybrid variant in the 2025 Explorer lineup, and fuel economy averages around 21–24 mpg combined depending on configuration.
Explorer comes in with more muscle under the hood and a bold infotainment setup. It favors drivers looking for a sportier edge and modern digital tools, though it may not match Highlander in overall efficiency or ease of use for everyday families.
We also offer a full-service center, financing support, trade-in appraisals, and an easy online scheduling tool to save you time. Let us help you take the next step—contact Interstate Toyota today to book your personalized test drive.
To help guide your decision, we’ve broken the comparison into key categories that matter most—design, technology, performance, and value.
Design & Style
Highlander delivers a confident and modern presence with its sculpted body lines and aerodynamic shape. LED lighting, well-proportioned contours, and a bold front grille combine for a balanced appearance that’s appealing in both city streets and suburban settings. Inside, soft-touch surfaces and thoughtful material choices make the cabin feel inviting without being flashy.Explorer introduces a more upright and bolder front-end design this year. A revised grille and restyled headlights give it a more truck-like stance, while the interior shifts toward a clean, tech-focused layout. Higher trims like ST-Line or ST offer a sportier feel, though base models lean more utilitarian compared to Highlander’s consistently refined cabin experience.
Technology & Safety
Toyota equips the Highlander with user-friendly features that include an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, or an optional 12.3-inch upgrade in higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, alongside Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which bundles driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.Ford’s Explorer makes a strong impression with its 13.2-inch touchscreen across all trims, running on an Android-based operating system. Built-in apps like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Play Store provide a connected feel. However, many features are tied to paid subscriptions after trial periods, and all climate and audio controls now live inside the screen, which may take some getting used to.
Performance
Toyota offers a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the Highlander, producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic, it delivers strong acceleration and a composed highway ride. A hybrid version is also available, giving drivers an estimated 35 mpg combined—ideal for daily commuting or long-distance road trips.Ford’s base Explorer features a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower. It offers stronger acceleration, especially in the ST and Platinum trims that feature a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6. However, there’s no hybrid variant in the 2025 Explorer lineup, and fuel economy averages around 21–24 mpg combined depending on configuration.
The Bottom Line
Both vehicles offer something unique, but your priorities will guide the right pick. Highlander focuses on long-term value, comfort, and fuel savings. It’s a practical choice for drivers who want a quiet ride, advanced safety features, and the flexibility of a hybrid option.Explorer comes in with more muscle under the hood and a bold infotainment setup. It favors drivers looking for a sportier edge and modern digital tools, though it may not match Highlander in overall efficiency or ease of use for everyday families.
Schedule a Test Drive Today
You’re invited to experience the 2025 Highlander with us at Interstate Toyota. Whether you’re considering the hybrid or gas model, our team is ready to walk you through the features, trims, and options that fit your needs best.We also offer a full-service center, financing support, trade-in appraisals, and an easy online scheduling tool to save you time. Let us help you take the next step—contact Interstate Toyota today to book your personalized test drive.