Families in the Fort Smith area require a vehicle that will provide the necessary passenger and cargo space, power and fuel-economy specs and innovative features that will cater to all members of the family. When it comes to three-row family haulers, there are few models with a reputation the equal of the Toyota Highlander and a refreshed 2017 Toyota Highlander amplifies the award-winning design. Take a look at how the revamped Highlander stacks up in a 2017 Toyota Highlander vs 2017 Ford Explorer comparison.
Available in seven- and eight passenger configurations, the 2017 Toyota Highlander is a fan favorite for parents in charge of the neighborhood carpool. With six trim levels to choose from, the Toyota Highlander can be tailored to meet your specifications. A refreshed style is complemented by an updated six-cylinder engine, a new transmission and a wealth of new features. Highlight features of the 2017 Toyota Highlander spec sheet include a standard Toyota Entune interface, standard Toyota Safety Sense collision-prevention systems and an available 360-degree Bird’s Eye View Camera system.
2017 Toyota Highlander | VS | 2017 Ford Explorer |
295-Horsepower 3.5-Liter V-6 | Engine | 290-Horsepower 3.5-Liter V-6 |
20 MPG City/27 MPG Hwy | Fuel Economy | 17 MPG City/24 MPG Hwy |
83.7 Cubic Feet | Available Cargo Space | 81.7 Cubic Feet |
Yes | Available Hybrid | No |
Power and performance are highlights of any automotive comparison and factor heavily into this 2017 Toyota Highlander vs 2017 Ford Explorer debate. A standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder is capable and fun, although it is overshadowed by the addition of an invigorating 3.5-liter V-6 that features Toyota D4-S direct and port fuel injection.
V-6-powered Highlander models manufacture 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque that is channeled through an all-new Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission. These elements work together to achieve 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway that is improved by a Stop and Start Engine System.
Ford Explorer models counter with a standard 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers adequate power and hum-drum fuel-economy ratings. An upgrade to a turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 will amplify power to the tune of 365 horsepower with a significant increase in price and lackluster fuel-economy ratings. Even when equipped with an efficient turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, the Ford Explorer can still not match the efficiency ratings of the Toyota Highlander.
Take power and fuel-economy to a new level when you upgrade to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. In a class all its own, the hybrid Highlander features a modified direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6 paired with a high-torque electric motor that transmits 306 horsepower. Married to a fuel-efficient transmission, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid will provide eco-conscious drivers with an incredible 30 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive.
Stop in today at J. Pauley Toyota to see what the 2017 Toyota Highlander is capable of first hand!