The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are prominent models in the massive midsize SUV segment. The two well-known models have been vying for the hearts and minds of family vehicle customers for years. And the competition between them is just as intense as ever.
Across the country, many families find a 3-row midsize SUV like the Explorer and Highlander an ideal vehicle. The elevated seating position gives the driver an excellent view of the road ahead. And the availability of 4-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) offers families additional peace of mind, especially in poor weather. With the ability to transport a family and their gear, the Explorer and Highlander also deliver significant versatility.
The 2023 model year brings with it significant changes to the Toyota Highlander. Toyota specified a new base engine for the current-edition Highlander. The turbocharged 4-cylinder replaces a larger-displacement normally aspirated V6. The old V6 seemed bulletproof, but the new 4-cylinder delivers better drivability and improved fuel economy. Toyota also re-did the instrument panel and infotainment screen to keep up with the competition.
Ford hasn’t been as active in revamping the Explorer for 2023. It stands pat with its 2022 offering as it prepares for the next significant change expected within the next few years. But even though it hasn’t changed, the Ford Explorer still exhibits a marked difference from the Toyota Highlander. While most midsize SUVs, including the Highlander, are crossovers based on front-wheel-drive (FWD) car platforms, the Explorer is not. It is based on rear-wheel-drive (RWD) architecture.
Some previous Explorers were FWD-based, but Ford switched the Explorer back to a RWD truck platform as the current generation dawned. The automaker’s engineers suggest that the RWD platform offers advantages in towing and handling. The performance-oriented Explorer ST stresses the latter.
The Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer are versatile 3-row vehicles designed to serve the needs of today’s active families. While they begin with different architecture, both the Explorer and Highlander offer customers the choice of conventional gasoline and hybrid powertrains.
2023 Ford Explorer
Ford offers the 2023 Explorer in eight trim levels: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. All are available with RWD or 4WD except for the off-road-oriented Explorer Timberline. Ford limits the Timberline to 4WD only.
The base 2023 Ford Explorer with RWD is the least expensive vehicle in the lineup, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $38,355, including the $1,595 destination charge. A RWD version of the popular XLT trim carries a starting price of $40,165. The Limited trim offers niceties like 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio, 20-inch wheels, leather seats, and a power-folding third row. With the sophisticated 4WD system, it has a base MSRP of $48,665. Adding the hybrid powertrain sends the price to $54,600.
The sporty ST-Line trim with RWD has a suggested list of $47,600. The off-road-oriented Timberline bases at $50,575. With the high-horsepower 3.0-liter turbo and numerous go-fast tweaks, the Explorer ST has a base MSRP of $51,600. The Platinum with the hybrid powertrain and 4WD has a base MSRP of $57,415. And the top-of-the-line King Ranch stickers at $55,670.
Toyota offers the 2023 Highlander in a mind-boggling number of variations. It markets the conventional Highlander in six grades: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. All six offer FWD and AWD configurations. Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers consumers five grades: LE, XLE, Limited, Platinum, and Bronze Edition. Both FWD and AWD hybrids are available.
The 2023 FWD L trim, with an MSRP of $37,755, including the $1,335 destination charge, is the least costly of the Highlanders. The popular LE starts at $40,155, and the well-equipped XLE trim starts at $43,155. The luxurious Platinum trim equipped with AWD has a base price of $52,360.
The least expensive Highlander Hybrid is the LE, with a base MSRP of $41,555. The luxuriously fitted AWD Hybrid Platinum carries a base price of $53,760. The Bronze Edition hybrid has a suggested base price of $47,115 in FWD form and $48,715 with AWD.
Advantage: Toyota Highlander
2023 Toyota Highlander Turbo XSE
The Ford Explorer does not rank among the top three models in the Upper Midsize SUV segment in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership. The Explorer also does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2022 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days.
The 2023 Ford Explorer has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
The Toyota Highlander is the highest-ranked model in the Upper Midsize SUV segment in the 2023 VDS. The Highlander does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the 2022 IQS.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
Advantage: Toyota Highlander
2023 Ford Explorer ST
Ford offers 2023 Explorer customers three engine choices. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder that delivers 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Some trims provide the option of a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that offers 400 hp and 415 pound-feet of peak torque. That engine is standard in the performance-tuned Explorer ST. The hybrid powertrain combines a naturally aspirated 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor. Ford rates its output at 318 hp and 322 pound-feet of torque.
All 2023 Ford Explorers use a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is the default setup in all trims but the Timberline, which utilizes Ford’s Intelligent 4WD system. Available across the lineup optionally, it includes seven selectable drive modes and standard hill-descent control.
Official Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy for the 2023 Explorer ranges from a high of 27 mpg combined to 20 mpg combined, depending upon the engine and drivetrain. As you’d guess, the highest fuel economy (27 mpg combined) comes from the RWD hybrid models. The best fuel economy among non-hybrids is the 24-mpg combined figure for the RWD Explorer with the turbocharged 2.3-liter engine. With 4WD, the combined figure drops by one mpg. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 is the least fuel-efficient of the group. The EPA rates it at 20 mpg combined in both RWD and 4WD forms.
For 2023, Toyota changes it up under the hood of the Highlander. A turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine replaces the normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. The new 4-cylinder delivers 265 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque. According to Toyota, the latter represents a 17-percent increase with several benefits. The automaker matches the engine to an 8-speed automatic transmission driving the front or all four wheels.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models team a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators. The gasoline engine and one of the motor-generators provide motive power, while the second motor-generator works in concert with the first to charge the hybrid battery. The hybrids employ an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (eCVT) with a sequential shift mode. Both FWD and AWD configurations are available. The hybrid’s unique AWD system uses a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels. All 2023 Highlanders feature hill-start assist and trailer sway control.
The hybrid models lead the 2023 Highlander lineup in fuel economy. The EPA gave the FWD hybrid versions a 36-mpg combined rating. With AWD, the hybrid figure drops slightly to 35 mpg combined. The new turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder achieves better numbers than the former 3.5-liter V6. With FWD, the Highlander equipped with the new 2.5-liter turbo gets a 25-mpg combined rating. With AWD, the gas-powered Highlander turns in a 24-mpg combined figure.
Advantage: Toyota Highlander
2023 Toyota Highlander Turbo Limited
Ford offers several electronic safety systems as standard equipment across the 2023 Explorer lineup. Many reside in the Ford Co-Pilot 360 roster, the automaker’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, collision-avoidance assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, a driver monitoring system, rear cross-traffic warning with collision-avoidance assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Some 2023 Ford Explorer trims offer the option of adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. Ford teams it with lane-centering assistance to keep the Explorer in the middle of the travel lane. Based on personal experience, it works well without being overly intrusive.
In addition to those standard and optional features, hill-descent control is standard on 2023 Explorers with 4WD. And all Explorers get hill-start assist, post-collision braking, side-wind stabilization, trailer sway control, and a reverse sensing system.
At the time of writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had yet to announce crash-test results for the 2023 Ford Explorer. However, it gave the structurally similar 2021 Ford Explorer the highest-possible 5-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2023 Ford Explorer a Top Safety Pick+ for the 2022 calendar year.
Toyota equips all 2023 Highlanders with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. The array of ADAS includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, lane-keeping assistance, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control.
Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings are standard on LE and higher trims of the 2023 Toyota Highlander. The Limited and Platinum offer front and rear parking assist with automatic braking. The Highlander’s adaptive cruise control is easy to deploy and does an excellent job of enabling the crossover to maintain its set speed and following distance. The automatic high-beam headlights work flawlessly.
Toyota’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is a safety and control system that provides integrated control of the anti-lock braking system, brake assist, electronic traction control, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and the electric power steering. All this helps the vehicle remain stable on slippery road surfaces where direction changes could cause swerving or loss of control. It is only available on the Highlander Hybrid models.
Like the Explorer, the NHTSA gave the 2023 Toyota Highlander a maximum 5-star overall safety rating. The Highlander also equals the Explorer’s performance in IIHS testing, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ award for the 2022 calendar year.
Advantage: Toyota Highlander
2023 Ford Explorer Timberline
Ford equips the 2023 model-year Explorers with its Sync 3 infotainment system. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, but buyers of upper-level trims can opt for a 10.1-inch screen positioned portrait-style in the center of the dash. The Sync 3 system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
Ford also provides a 3-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio. The Ford+Alexa app brings many of Amazon Alexa’s features into the Explorer. It has voice-recognition features, including navigation, traffic, and even shopping. The system enables users to control at-home smart devices from within the Explorer.
Standard across the 2023 Ford Explorer lineup, FordPass Connect offers 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities for up to 10 devices. In addition, owners can remotely start and unlock the Explorer and even schedule remote starting at specific times. Every 2023 Explorer but the base model features HD Radio and a standard 12-speaker B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen. The top trims also offer the option of 14-speaker audio, including a subwoofer.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander’s multimedia information and entertainment experience is a creation of the automaker’s own Texas-based Connected Technologies team. It offers an 8-inch standard touchscreen in base form, while a 12.3-inch touchscreen is widely available. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system supports SiriusXM, HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto.
The available Wi-Fi Connect subscription offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices. It also enables an integrated streaming feature, allowing Highlander owners to link their Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle. The dual Bluetooth allows occupants to connect two smartphones simultaneously.
Safety Connect, available with a 10-year trial subscription, gives access to an emergency assistance button and roadside assistance. Service Connect, also with a 10-year trial subscription, lets drivers keep up with their Highlander’s mechanical condition.
The one-year trial of Remote Connect enables owners to activate headlights, lock and unlock the doors, and start the vehicle remotely. The standard audio system across all but the top trims employs six speakers. A 1,200-watt 11-speaker JBL premium audio system is optional on the XSE and standard on Limited and Platinum trims.
Advantage: Toyota Highlander
2023 Toyota Highlander Turbo Limited
The 2023 Ford Explorer can seat up to seven, and it emphasizes 6-passenger seating. The Explorers that seat seven have a 3-person second-row bench seat and a 2-person rear seat. The 6-passenger versions seat two in each row, with second-row captain’s chairs offering a pass-through to the rear seats. While this is more comfortable than other seating configurations in midsize SUVs, it limits the overall capacity.
The base, XLT, and ST-Line trims use cloth-covered seats. The other trims feature leather seats, and the King Ranch and Platinum trims offer special leather treatments. Comfortable 10-way power-operated driver’s seats are standard on many 2023 Explorer trims. Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard across the board.
The Explorer is beginning to show its age, but the interior remains a nice place to spend time. The optional 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen looks like a somewhat awkward add-on, but it does make the infotainment system easier to use. The King Ranch trim has a personality of its own, with its seats and trim pieces carrying the ranch theme. The Platinum trim is the more staid of the two ultra-luxury trims. Ford fits the 2023 Explorer with two USB ports in the front-seat area. Upper trims also have two charging USB ports in the second row. Wireless device charging is widely available up and down the lineup.
The Explorer’s emphasis on 6-passenger seating means headroom, hip room, and legroom are more than ample. The Explorer offers substantially more third-row legroom than the 2023 Highlander, but Ford configures its third-row seat for two rather than three. The Explorer provides 18.2 cubic feet of cargo area behind the third row of seats, and with the third row folded, it offers 47.9 cubic feet of space. With both rows folded out of the way, it provides its owners 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander offers both 7- and 8-passenger versions. Toyota equips the L and LE with 3-person second- and third-row bench seating with the driver and a single passenger up front. Toyota covers the seats in an attractive woven cloth. The Hybrid Bronze Edition, XSE, Limited Hybrid, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims seat seven due to standard second-row captain’s chairs. Buyers can choose a second-row bench or captain’s chairs in the XLE, XLE Hybrid, and Limited. The middle grades cover their seats in synthetic leather, while the Platinum trim features embossed, perforated leather seating. The comfort of first- and second-row seats is excellent. The third-row headroom and legroom are confined.
The Highlander features a well-designed dashboard, and the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen gives the interior a modern feel. The Highlander’s cabin offers occupants five USB ports: two Type-C plus one Type-A easily accessible at the bottom of the dash and two Type-C ports at the back of the center console for use by second-row passengers.
The Highlander delivers plenty of passenger and cargo space. It has 16.0 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row. Folding the third-row seatbacks expands the space to 48.4 cubic feet. With both rows folded, the Highlander has 84.3 cubic feet of space. Toyota designers went to extra lengths to make the cargo area usable with side surfaces shaped for maximum space utilization.
Advantage: Toyota Highlander
If you’d like to learn more about these Upper Midsize SUVs, be sure to read our expert reviews of the Ford Explorer and the 2023 Toyota Highlander. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please keep in mind that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on February 17, 2023, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine and Kelley Blue Book and is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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