Buying a new SUV is a big investment and one that requires a lot of research. Our Bryan, TX dealership is here to compare the new Toyota Highlander to the new Ford Explorer to help make your new car buying decision an easy one. Compare vehicle pricing, trim options, tech features, and efficiency to make your new SUV shopping easy!
Toyota Highlander vs Ford Explorer: Overview
When it comes to a new midsize-SUV, the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer are popular options for Bryan, College Station, Navasota , Hearne, and Brenham drivers. Although both vehicles have third rows, the Ford Explorer has a maximum seating capacity of seven, while the Toyota Highlander can comfortably fit eight people. If you're wondering which SUV can seat more, the Highlander wins hands down. When you purchase a new Highlander SUV, drivers can receive complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first two years (or 25,000 miles) with ToyotaCare; Ford does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Cost Comparison on the Highlander vs Explorer
How much does the Ford Explorer cost? How much does the Toyota Highlander cost? Both SUVs have similar pricing. The 2022 Highlander has a starting MSRP of $35,855* while the 2022 Ford Explorer starts at $34,010*. While the Explorer has a lower starting price point, the new Highlander comes equipped with multiple advanced technology features that the Ford Explorer misses out on.
Technology Comparison in top SUV Options
Ford offers few connected services on the Explorer in comparison to the Toyota Highlander. The Explorer comes equipped with the FordPass app so drivers can remotely control their vehicle, a Wi-Fi hotspot that is available for three months prior to charge, and basic teen driver technology. The new Highlander comes with a one-year trial subscription that includes automatic collision notification, live emergency assistance, and rapid access to roadside assistance. Other technology features of the Toyota Highlander include:
- 3-month Wi-Fi subscription
- 8.0-in. Touchscreen
- Six speakers
- Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and Amazon Alexa compatible
- USB media port
- Hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth®
- SiriusXM® with 3-month Platinum Plan trial subscription
Fuel Efficiency and MPG Information
We know MPG is a huge factor in buying a new vehicle right now for Bryan, College Station, Navasota , Hearne, and Brenham drivers. The Highlander has 21/29 EPA-estimated city/highway MPG. This compares to the Ford Explorer's 20/28 EPA-estimated city/highway MPG. Both Toyota and Ford have hybrid models available for even better fuel efficiency.
The Ford Explorer Hybrid is available in two trims, while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available in five different trim levels. When looking for the best mileage, the Toyota Highlander is going to be the best option for Bryan and College Station drivers.
Trim Options On The Toyota Highlander
The new Toyota Highlander is available in 11 different trim levels for Texas drivers to choose from. These trims include:
- Toyota Highlander L
- Toyota Highlander LE
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE
- Toyota Highlander XLE
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE
- Toyota Highlander XSE
- Toyota Highlander Bronze Edition
- Toyota Highlander Limited
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited
- Toyota Highlander Platinum
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum
Awards and Recognition for the Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is a proven SUV option in the market. Customers know the quality that they're getting with any Toyota. Don't believe us? The 2022 Toyota Highlander was awarded 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The 2022 Highlander also received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) 5-Star Overall Safety Rating.
Test Drive a New Toyota Highlander in Bryan, TX
Discover the best Toyota for you at Bryan College Station Toyota! Visit our Toyota dealership near you at 728 N Earl Rudder Fwy, Bryan, TX 77802 to test drive the new Toyota Highlander or Highlander Hybrid. Our Bryan, College Station, Navasota , Hearne, and Brenham shoppers can also give our staff a call at (979) 776-0404 for answers to your new Toyota car, truck, and SUV questions.
Bryan College Station Toyota is dedicated to the Promise of Something Different for our customers. We aim to give every customer the service they deserve, every day. Learn more about the Purdy Values our Toyota dealership is dedicated to providing our drivers.
Disclaimers:
Toyota:
MSRP excludes the Delivery, Processing, and Handling Fee of $1,195 for Cars (Avalon, Avalon HV, Camry, Camry HV, Corolla, Corolla HV, Corolla HB, GR86, GR Corolla, GR Supra, Prius, Prius Prime), $1,395 for Small/Medium Trucks, SUVs and Van (4Runner, bZ4X, C-HR, Corolla Cross, Highlander, Highlander HV, RAV4, RAV4 HV, RAV4 Prime, Sienna, Tacoma, Venza), $1,795 for Large SUV (Sequoia), and $1,795 for Large Truck (Tundra). (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. 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.
Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statement apply. To use Android Auto on your audio display, you'll need an Android Auto compatible vehicle and Android phone. For phone compatibility visit: https://www.android.com/auto/. Requires compatible smartphone connected with an approved data cable into the USB media port, and data plan rates apply. Apps and services vary by phone carrier and are subject to change at any time without notice. Android, Android Auto and Waze are trademarks of Google.
Apps and services are subject to change at any time without notice. Data charges may apply. Apple CarPlay® functionality requires a compatible iPhone® connected with an approved data cable into the USB media port. Apple CarPlay® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
Amazon, Alexa and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Certain functions require adequate signal strength and/or smartphone technology/connectivity. Not all Amazon Alexa functionality is available for in-vehicle use. See applicable app for details. Download of the Toyota app and Toyota+Alexa app are both required to begin in-vehicle use of Alexa. Data charges may apply for certain functions. Apps and services subject to change at any time without notice. To learn more, go to https://www.toyota.com/audio-multimedia. To learn more about Toyota's data collection, use, sharing and retention practices, please visit https://www.toyota.com/privacyvts/.
May not be compatible with all mobile phones, MP3/WMA players and like models.
* The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Toyota is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must first be paired. Phone performance depends on software, coverage and carrier.
Trial length and service availability may vary by model, model year or trim. Service will automatically stop at the end of your trial subscription period unless you decide to continue service. If you do not wish to enjoy your trial, you can cancel by calling the number below. All SiriusXM services require a subscription, each sold separately by SiriusXM after the trial period. Service subject to the SiriusXM Customer Agreement and Privacy Policy; visit www.siriusxm.com to see complete terms and how to cancel which includes calling 1-866-635-2349. Some services and features are subject to device capabilities and location availability. All fees, content and features are subject to change. SiriusXM, Pandora and all related logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its respective subsidiaries.
* Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rating for 2022 Toyota Highlander, vehicle class Midsize SUV. For more details on 2022 TOP SAFETY PICK+ Awards, see www.iihs.org.
* Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov).
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