2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Ford Explorer
Overview
2025 Grand Highlander
2025Explorer
Base MSRP
$40,860
$39,855
Cargo Space
20.6
16.3
Cargo capacity rear seat down (cuft)
97.5
85.8
Engine
2.4L inline 4-cylinder
2.3L EcoBoost®I-4 inline 4-cylinder
Estimated Combined Fuel Economy (mpg)
24
24
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 split
Individual
Headroom (front/rear)
41.5 / 40.2
40.7 / 40.5
Horsepower
265
300
Leg Room (front/rear)
41.7 / 39.5
43.0 / 39.0
Seats
8
6, Optional 7
Shoulder Room (front/rear)
60.2 / 58.8
62.1 / 61.9
In our Grand Highlander vs. Explorer comparison, we examine how these midsize SUVs measure up.
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has a starting MSRP of $40,860. The 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD has a starting MSRP of $39,855. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined fuel economy rating, while the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD also has an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined fuel economy rating. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has a seating capacity of eight, while the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD has a seating capacity of six.
With rear seats up, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has a cargo capacity of 20.6 cu. ft., while the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD has a cargo capacity of 16.3 cu. ft. With rear seats folded down, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has a cargo capacity of 97.5 cu. ft., while the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD has a cargo capacity of 85.8 cu. ft. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has 41.5 in. front headroom and 40.2 in. rear headroom, while the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD has 40.7 in. front headroom and 40.5 in. rear headroom.
Pricing
2025 Grand Highlander
2025Explorer
Base MSRP
$40,860
$39,855
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has a starting MSRP of $40,860. The 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD has a starting MSRP of $39,855.
Engine
2025 Grand Highlander
2025Explorer
Compressor
Turbo, Standard
Turbo, Standard
Engine
2.4L inline 4-cylinder
2.3L EcoBoost®I-4 inline 4-cylinder
Horsepower
265
300
Torque (ft lbs)
310
310
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine. The 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD has a 2.3L EcoBoost® inline 4-cylinder engine. Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD generate 310 lb.-ft. of torque.
Fuel Economy
2025 Grand Highlander
2025Explorer
City Fuel Economy (MPG)
21
20
Highway Fuel Economy (MPG)
28
29
Estimated Combined Fuel Economy (mpg)
24
24
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has EPA-estimated mpg ratings of 21/28/24 (city/hwy/comb), while the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD has EPA-estimated mpg ratings of 20/29/24.
Transmission
2025 Grand Highlander
2025Explorer
Drive
FWD
RWD
Transmission Speeds
8
10
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE has Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). The 2025 Ford Explorer Active has Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has 8 transmission speeds, while the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD has 10 transmission speeds.
Safety and Driver Assist
2025 Grand Highlander
2025Explorer
Blind spot warning sensor
Standard
Standard
Collision warning system activates at low speed
Front
Front
Collision warning system includes automatic braking
Yes
Yes
Cornering brake control
Not Available
Standard
Cross-traffic alert (front / rear)
Not Available / Standard
Not Available / Standard
Day Time Running Lights
Standard
Standard
Electronic traction control
Standard
Standard
Front airbags (driver / passenger)
Standard / Standard
Standard / Standard
Hill holder
Standard
Standard
Knee airbags (driver / passenger)
Standard / Not Available
Standard / Standard
LATCH system
Standard
Standard
Lane departure warning
Standard
Standard
Lane departure warning activates steering
Yes
Yes
Low tire pressure warning
Standard
Standard
Power steering
Standard
Standard
Rear parking distance sensors
Standard Camera
Standard Rear Parking Sensors Sensor & Camera
Side airbags (front / rear / third row)
Standard / Not Available / Not Available
Standard / Not Available / Not Available
Side curtain airbags (front only / front and rear / all three rows)
Not Available / Not Available / Standard
Not Available / Not Available / Standard
Stability control
Standard
Standard
Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD have standard driver front airbags and standard passenger front airbags. Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD have standard front side airbags. Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD have standard all three rows of side curtain airbags.
Comfort and Convenience
2025 Grand Highlander
2025Explorer
Adaptive cruise control
Yes
Yes
Auto-dimming rear view mirror
Optional
Not Available
Automatic high beams
Standard
Standard
Climate control type
Auto
Auto
Climate control zones
3
3
Coming home device
Optional
Optional
Electronic parking brake
Standard
Standard
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 split
Individual
Front seat height adjustment (driver / passenger)
Electric / Electric
Electric / Electric, Optional Electric
Heated door mirrors (driver / passenger)
Standard / Standard
Standard / Standard
Intermittent windshield wiper type
Variable
Variable
Multi-function steering wheel
Standard
Standard
Smart key
Standard, Smart Key System
Standard, Intelligent Access with Push-button Start (PEPS)
Steering wheel adjustment (height / telescopic / easy entry)
Standard / Standard / Not Available
Standard / Standard / Not Available
Automatic trunk/hatch closing
Standard
Standard
One-touch power windows (driver / passenger / rear)
Standard / Standard / Standard
Standard / Standard / Not Available
Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD have standard automatic trunk/hatch closing. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD both have standard heated door mirrors. The Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has standard one-touch power windows for the driver, passenger, and rear windows. The 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD has standard driver and passenger one-touch power windows, but it does not have rear one-touch power windows.
Infotainment
2025 Grand Highlander
2025Explorer
Android Auto compatible
Standard
Standard
Apple CarPlay compatible
Standard
Standard
Navigation display
12.30 in. 3D and voice
13.20 in. 3D and voice
Navigation system
Standard
Standard
Satellite radio
Standard
Standard
Speakers
6
6
Voice activation
Standard
Standard
Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD have six speakers. Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD have standard navigation systems.
Interior
2025 Grand Highlander
2025Explorer
12V power outlet (front / rear / cargo)
Standard / Not Available / Standard
Standard / Standard / Standard
Armrest (front / rear)
Standard / Standard
Standard / Standard
Cupholders (front / rear)
Standard / Standard
Standard / Standard
Overhead console storage
Standard
Standard
Reading lights (front / rear)
Standard / Standard
Standard / Not Available
Seats
8
6, Optional 7
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has a seating capacity of eight, while the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD has a seating capacity of six. Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD have standard front and rear armrests. Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD have standard front and rear cupholders.
Warranty
2025 Grand Highlander
2025Explorer
Powertrain warranty (months / miles)
60 / 60000
60 / 60000
Whole vehicle warranty (months / miles)
36 / 36000
36 / 36000
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD comes with ToyotaCare, a no-additional cost plan that covers factory scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, while the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD does not come with a no-additional cost plan. Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD have a 36-month/36,000-mile whole vehicle warranty. Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD have a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Exterior
2025 Grand Highlander
2025Explorer
Cargo door type
Liftgate
Liftgate
Disc brakes
4
4
Hands free rear doors (rear driver / rear passenger)
No / No
No / No
Headlights
LED
LED
Side mirror indicator lights (driver / passenger)
Standard / Standard
Not Available / Not Available
Spare/Temporary Tire
Standard
Standard
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has standard side mirror indicator lights, while the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD does not have side mirror indicator lights. Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD have a standard spare/temporary tire. Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD have a liftgate cargo door type.
Suspension
2025 Grand Highlander
2025Explorer
Stabilizer bar (front / rear)
Standard / Standard
Standard / Standard
Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD and the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD have standard front and rear stabilizer bars.
Dimensions
2025 Grand Highlander
2025Explorer
Cargo Space
20.6
16.3
Curb weight (lbs)
4290
4303
Headroom (front/rear)
41.5 / 40.2
40.7 / 40.5
Leg Room (front/rear)
41.7 / 39.5
43.0 / 39.0
Overall height (in)
72.1
69.6
Overall length (in)
201.4
198.7
Overall width (in)
78.3
78.9
Shoulder Room (front/rear)
60.2 / 58.8
62.1 / 61.9
Wheelbase (in)
116.1
119.1
Cargo capacity rear seat down (cuft)
97.5
85.8
With rear seats up, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has a cargo capacity of 20.6 cu. ft., while the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD has a cargo capacity of 16.3 cu. ft. With rear seats down, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has a cargo capacity of 97.5 cu. ft., while the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD has a cargo capacity of 85.8 cu. ft. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD has 41.5 in. front headroom and 40.2 in. rear headroom, while the 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD has 40.7 in. front headroom and 40.5 in. rear headroom.
Copyright © JATO Dynamics Limited, 1990-2025. All Rights Reserved. For comparison purposes only. However, JATO and Toyota do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the data, and the information may not be comprehensive or use the same terminology as used elsewhere on this site. For additional details on Toyota vehicles, see the "Full Specs" for the vehicles on this site or contact your Toyota dealer.
