Comparison - Toyota Highlander XSE 2021 - vs - Ford Explorer Platinum 2020

General

Other Names:

Also called:

Kluger

Also called:

--

2021 Toyota Highlander XSE – Redline: First Look – 2020 Chicago Auto Show
2021 Toyota Highlander XSE – Agressive SUV – Interior and Exterior Design
I Drove the 2020 Toyota Highlander - Here’s How It Stacks Up Against the Rivals!
2020 Toyota Highlander Review | Family Road-trip
2017 Toyota Highlander First Drive Review and Road Test
The 2020 Toyota Highlander Wants To Be The Best Family SUV in America
Is the 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum the ULTIMATE 3-row SUV?
Is the 2020 Ford Explorer ST the BEST Performance SUV for the MONEY?
2020 Ford Explorer Review // A missed opportunity
2020 Ford Explorer: First Drive – Cars.com
Review: 2020 Ford Explorer ST
Is the 2022 Ford Explorer ST a BETTER performance SUV than an Audi SQ7?
2020 Ford Explorer 2.3L Review | Base Engine Perfection
2020 Ford Explorer Road Test
Make: 
Average Price: 
$
43,355
Updated: 
06 Feb 2020
$
58,250
Updated: 
19 Sep 2019
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2021
2020
Total Seating: 
7
6
Transmission: 
8-speed Shiftable Automatic
10-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
17.90gals
21.80gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Ruby Flare Pearl
#740000
Celestial Silver Metallic
#979CA0
Blizzard Pearl
#ECE7EA
Magnetic Gray Metallic
#4E4E4E
Blueprint
#323C71
MIDNIGHT BLACK METALLIC
#24231E
Color: 
Magnetic Gray Metallic
#727476
Star White Metallic Tri-coat
#FDFFFB
Blue Diamond Metallic
#264154
Rich Copper Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#4A1414
Lucid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#E60E28
Silver Spruce Metallic
#B1BBB1
Agate Black Metallic
#303030
Iconic Silver Metallic
#C7CAD0

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

The 2021 Toyota Highlander learned new tricks to keep us entertained on the road, when we’re not asleep in the back anyway.

Pros
Better style
New sporty XSE look
Still practical…
...and fuel efficient
Great standard safety

Cons
Infotainment is still a headache
Exterior is a little busy
Pricey top models
Small-ish third row

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The sporty-looking XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup for 2021. It punches up the looks with more aggressive exterior styling, unique 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and a sportier calibration for the suspension. Elsewhere, LED projection headlamps are now a standard feature and all models receive additional driver-assistance features, including semi-automated emergency steering technology that's designed to help a driver avoid collisions.

Pros
Attractive design,
optional hybrid powertrain,
generous standard features.

Cons
Few driving thrills,
skimpy third-row room,
fussy interior styling.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2021 Toyota Highlander comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 2 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.New sporty XSE trim debuts.

Pros
Comfortable, quiet ride
Easy to see out of
Good power and fuel economy from V6 engine

Cons
Third row is kids-only
Below-average cargo space behind the third-row seat

By: 
edmunds.com

The Ford Explorer is fully redesigned for 2020.Part of the sixth Explorer generation introduced for 2020.The 2020 Ford Explorer comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 10-speed shiftable automatic.

Pros
Increased passenger space and cargo room
Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing
Additional tech and driver assistance features

Cons
Maximum seating capacity is seven, and most are equipped to seat six
The price can get frighteningly expensive in a hurry
Interior materials could be better in the higher trims
Not enough USB ports

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2020 Ford Explorer rediscovers its capable, outdoorsy side without becoming trucklike in any other respect.

Pros
Great ride and handling
Attractive profile, styling
Soft, nicely detailed cabin
Quiet interior

Cons
Cramped third row
Sluggish/drab infotainment
Hybrid emphasizes capability, not mpg

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2020 Ford Explorer ranked #18 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Ford Explorer has a score of 7.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 11 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
Impressive standard safety and tech features
Broad, airy cabin
Lots of cargo space
Lineup of powerful, refined engines

Cons
Bland interior in lower trims
So-so upgraded infotainment system

By: 
usnews.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
20.00mpg
18.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
27.00mpg
24.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
24
Cylinders: 
6
V
6
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.50L
3.00L
Torque: 
263ft-lbs
at 4 700rpm
380ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
Horsepower: 
295hp
at 6 600rpm
365hp
at 5 500rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
37.40Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
no
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
yes
Side view Camera: 
no
yes
On steering wheel: 
Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
More in Convenience: 
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Heated Steering Wheel
Automatic Parking Assist

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
197.40in
198.80in
Width: 
76.00in
78.90in
Height: 
68.10in
70.20in
Ground Clearance: 
8.00in
8.20in
Front Track: 
66.90in
Rear Track: 
66.90in
Wheel Base: 
112.20in
119.10in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
39.60
38.90
Rear Head Room: 
39.40
38.20
Front Leg Room: 
42.00in
43.00in
Rear leg room: 
41.00in
39.00in
Front Hip Room: 
57.20in
59.20in
Front Shoulder Room: 
59.00in
61.80in
Rear Hip Room: 
57.00in
59.10in
Rear Shoulder room: 
58.40in
61.90in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
84.30cu.ft
87.80cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
5600lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
16.00cu.ft
18.20cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
16.90degrees
21.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
21.10degrees
22.00degrees
Curb Weight: 
4400.00lbs
4727.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
no
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
Heated Mirrors
Hands-Free Entry
Hands-Free Entry
2 One-Touch Power Windows
Heated Mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Bucket Front Seats
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Leatherette
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
4 -Way Power Passenger Seat
Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Premium Leather
Sport Front Seats
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Ventilated Driver Seat
Ventilated Passenger Seat
8 -Way Power Passenger Seat
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
Passenger Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Reclining Rear Seats
Manual Folding Bench Third Row Seats
Folding Rear Seatback
Folding center armrest
Folding Rear Seatback
Multi-Level Heating
Power Folding Split-Bench Third Row Seats
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front Stabilizer Bar
Front Stabilizer Bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Three Zone Climate Control
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
USB With External Media Control
USB Connection
6 Total Speakers
Bang & Olufsen Premium Brand Speakers
Satellite Radio W/Real Time Traffic Satellite Radio
USB With External Media Control
6 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
USB Connection
1 Subwoofer(S)
12 Total Speakers
Surround Audio Surround Audio (Discrete) yes

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 In.
20 In.
Wheels more: 
Temporary Spare Tire
All Season Tires
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
Temporary Spare Tire
All Season Tires
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
235.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R20

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated Front Disc
Front disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
Solid Rear Disc Brakes
solid rear disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Turn Signal Mirrors
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Post-Collision Safety System
LED Headlamp
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Turn Signal Mirrors
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Post-Collision Safety System
Dual Front With Head Protection Chambers Side-Mounted Airbags
LED Headlamp
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System

Options

Packages: 
All-Weather Floor Liner Package
Preferred Accessory Package W/All-Weather Floor Liners
Preferred Accessory Package W/Carpet Mats
Protection Package
Equipment Group 600A
Premium Technology Package
Exterior Options: 
Tow Hitch Receiver
Alloy Wheel Locks
Special Color
Door Edge Guards
Rear Bumper Applique
Trailer Ball
Roof Rack Cross Bars
Tow Hitch Receiver W/Wiring Harness
Paint Protection Film (Front Bumper)
Ball Mount
Rear Bumper Protector
Body Side Moldings
Running Boards
Paint Protection Film
21" Premium Aluminum Wheels
Wheel Lock Kit
Roof Rack Crossbars
License Plate Bracket
Splash Guards
Interior Options: 
All Weather Floor Liners
Carpet Floor Mats
Carpet Floor Mats And Cargo Liner Package
Red Leather Interior
Cargo Cover
Carpet Mat Package
JBL Audio W/Integrated Navigation
Cargo Liner
Universal Tablet Holder
Cargo Tote
Cargo Net - Envelope
Illuminated Door Sills
Carpet Cargo Mat
All-Weather Floor Mats
2nd Row Bench
Dual-Headrest DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System
Rear Cargo Well Protector
Smokers Kit W/Element

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Cockpit Red, leather
#802A2A
Black Mixed Media, leatherette
#24231E
Color: 
Ebony, premium leather
#000000
Light Sandstone, premium leather
#CACBB4