Are you looking for a family SUV with plenty of adaptability, safety features, and performance? If so, check out the 2024 Ford Explorer and the 2024 Toyota Highlander. These are two formidable choices from the midsize SUV segment. Hence, they will be great for use in urban environments. They also have plenty of technological and safety features and are backed by renowned automakers.
Let’s have a Ford vs. Toyota comparison, to see who makes the best family SUV. We'll check out each model's interior offerings and their safety equipment. We'll also evaluate their performance capabilities. Then, we'll present enough facts to help you make a well-researched purchase. You can also learn more about the 2024 Explorer range by contacting our team at Walt Massey Ford.
Ford equips the 2024 Explorer with 153 cubic feet of interior volume. The 2024 Toyota Highlander is less spacious, with just 142 cubic feet. Plus, the 2024 Highlander crams eight seats into this area. Meanwhile, Ford goes for a more comfortable seven-seat configuration in the 2024 Explorer.
Both family SUVs can be equipped with second-row captain chairs. This is a comfortable seating arrangement that replaces the traditional three-person bench with two individual seats. Each seat has its own armrests and adjustment capabilities. Doing this in the 2024 Highlander drops the total capacity to seven and the Explorer's to six. However, the increased space within the 2024 Explorer's cabin results in a more luxurious experience. Buyers can also specify a twin-panel moonroof.
The 2024 Explorer also leads in cargo capacity. It has 18 cubic feet in the trunk with the third row in use. The 2024 Highlander has just 16 cubic feet in the same configuration. The third row can be folded, as can the second row. The 2024 Explorer even offers a one-touch power-folding third row for extra convenience. Buyers can also pick premium features such as dual-zone or tri-zone climate control, USB charging ports for every row, and a wireless phone charger. Leather upholstery is available, as are heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats.
Both vehicles have standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®. They also get Bluetooth® for wireless audio streaming and hands-free calls. Digital instrument clusters are also available for higher trims of the 2024 Explorer and the 2024 Highlander. Plus, the 2024 Explorer offers a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with a subwoofer. This can also be paired with a multi-color LED ambient lighting system.
The 2024 Ford Explorer offers two engine variants, depending on trim choice. Lower trims get a turbocharged, 300 HP, 4-cylinder unit. The engine makes 310 pound-feet of torque. Higher trims get a twin-turbocharged, 400 HP, V6 engine. This engine churns out 415 pound-feet of torque. Regardless of engine selection, a 10-speed automatic gearbox is standard fitment. Some trims add steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manually shifting gears.
Moreover, the 2024 Explorer gets a terrain management system. It offers up to seven modes, depending on RWD or FWD configurations. The modes are Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Deep Snow/Sand and Trail. All 2024 Explorers also get side-wind stabilization. The system assists the driver in maintaining the vehicle’s path during strong crosswind conditions. There’s also a Timberline trim with all-terrain tires, upgraded suspension, and extra ground clearance.
The 2024 Toyota Highlander has a turbocharged, 265 HP, four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine makes 310 pound-feet of torque. Steering wheel-mounted gear shift paddles are also available.
The 2024 Explorer can tow up to 5,300 pounds when specified with the Class IV Trailer Tow Package. Furthermore, trailer sway control is standard, as is roll stability control. Meanwhile, the 2024 Highlander can only pull up to 5,000 pounds.
The 2024 Ford Explorer features Ford’s CoPilot 360™ safety suite as standard. Hence, all trims have automatic emergency braking, a blind spot information system, and cross-traffic alerts. They also include automatic high beams, a lane-keeping system, and intelligent adaptive cruise control. Moreover, a rear-view camera is standard. Upgrades include automatic parking and a surround-view camera system.
The 2024 Highlander also has many of these features. That is because it uses the Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ suite, which isn’t the latest iteration.
The 2024 Ford Explorer is the winner of our Ford vs. Toyota family SUV contest. With a more spacious and well-designed interior, you and your family will enjoy it on every drive. Then, its great choice of powertrains and interior features make it a treat to drive on- and off-road. Finally, it has more standard safety features than the 2024 Toyota Highlander.
So why not take the 2024 Explorer for a spin? Come to Walt Massey Ford in Columbia, MS, and our team will put you in the driving seat.
