2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Ford Explorer | Compare the Differences
New 2023 Toyota Highlander Inventory
Used Toyota Highlander Inventory
New Special Offers
Located in Cumming, GA
Also serving Johns Creek and Lawrenceville
Available with the Multi-Terrain Select, the 2023 Highlander is one of the most capable SUVs ever made by Toyota. Running on the Terrain Management System, the 2023 Ford Explorer is also renowned for its great capabilities. A 12.3-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital cluster give the Toyota SUV a huge victory over the Ford model in terms of technology.
2023 Toyota Highlander
$36,420 – $51,225*
22/29 MPG
Miles per gallon (city/highway)**
7/8
Passengers
265
Horsepower, 2.4-Liter 4-Cylinder Engine
2023 Ford Explorer
$36,760 – $54,075
27/28 MPG
Miles per gallon (city/highway)
7
Passengers
300
Horsepower, 2.3-Liter I-4 Engine
Performance Features
Toyota offers the Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system for the 2023 Highlander. Under some circumstances, this drivetrain diverts up to half of all available torque to the rear axle. In fact, this advanced driveline can regulate the torque delivery to each rear wheel for even better traction. As an off-road fanatic, you will surely praise the vehicle’s Multi-Terrain Select. You can confidently explore your favorite parks and other rugged destinations thanks to the Mud & Sand Mode. Likewise, the Rock & Dirt Mode will provide additional encouragement for off-road adventures in North America. Unfortunately, the 2023 Explorer’s Terrain Management System lacks specific driving modes for rocky terrain. However, this Ford SUV can run on the Deep Snow/Sand Mode. If you’d like to optimize the 2023 Toyota Highlander for street-style performance, get the sport-tuned suspension system. A trailing wishbone and rigid springs reinforce the unique suspension assembly on the XSE edition. You’ll enjoy a firm and balanced ride in this athletic Toyota SUV.
Interior Comfort
You can equip the 2023 Toyota Highlander with many upscale amenities for an enjoyable drive. This full-size Toyota SUV boasts climate-controlled front seats with authentic leather upholstery. Heated second-row seats are also available for this deluxe family car. When the sun gets too intense in the afternoon, the passengers in the middle row can simply pull down the adjustable sunshades. Similarly, the panoramic moonroof quickly cools off the middle row naturally. Thanks to individual controls, the tri-zone HVAC system precisely regulates the temperatures in all three rows. Similarly, the 2023 Ford Explorer has a three-zone climate control system with electronic modules. Both SUVs can be furnished with captain’s chairs only in the second row. Creating a soft flow, an ambient lighting system is another great amenity that slightly impacts each vehicle’s mood and overall atmosphere.
Technology Features
Designed for the tech-savvy driver, the 2023 Toyota Highlander’s infotainment system comes with a touch screen that spans 12.3 inches diagonally. Wireless connections are now available for the multimedia system’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces. By contrast, the 2023 Explorer’s infotainment monitor measures only 10.1 inches wide. Both SUVs have a high-speed Wi-Fi network that serves every occupant on board. Backed up by the legendary JBL acoustic engineering, 11 speakers are optional for the 2023 Highlander. Rated at up to 1,200 peak watts, this custom sound system plays over 400 music channels on the complimentary SiriusXM Platinum trial. Designed by Bang & Olufsen, the 2023 Explorer’s audio system comes with 12 or 14 total speakers. However, the dual 120-V outlets give the Toyota model a major advantage in the technical department.
Visit Our Dealership!
Beaver Toyota of Cumming will take you for a test drive in the 2023 Toyota Highlander SUV, which beats the 2023 Ford Explorer in multiple categories. Visit our dealership today!
*MSRP excludes the Delivery, Processing, and Handling Fee of $1,095 for Cars (GR86, Avalon, Avalon HV, Camry, Camry HV, Corolla, Corolla HV, Corolla HB, GR Corolla, Mirai, Prius, Prius Prime, GR Supra, Toyota Crown), $1,335 for SUV/Van/Small Truck (4Runner, bZ4X, C-HR, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross HEV, Highlander, Highlander HV, RAV4, RAV4 HV, RAV4 Prime, Sienna, Tacoma, Venza), $1,595 for Large SUV (Sequoia), and $1,795 for Large Truck (Tundra and Tundra Hybrid). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota’s charge for these services is called the “Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee” and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota’s overall pricing structure and may be subject to change at any time. Toyota may make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee.) Excludes taxes, license, title and available or regionally required equipment. The published prices do not apply to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Actual dealer price will vary.
**2023 projected EPA-estimated mpg rating estimates as determined by manufacturer. EPA estimates not available at time of posting. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.