2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Choosing a three-row SUV often comes down to capability, confidence, and the tech that supports everyday life. That is why our comparison centers on the 2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Toyota Highlander and what each brings to real families. Explorer introduces a compelling mix of rear-wheel-drive architecture, a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen running the Ford Digital Experience with built-in Google apps, and available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. Highlander counters with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, available panoramic roof, and a hybrid option. For shoppers exploring their next SUV with Lasco Ford, the difference becomes clear the moment you focus on power, towing, and cabin tech that is ready on day one. Families who test-drive in Fenton, MI, appreciate Explorer’s poised feel and punchy performance, especially with the ST model’s 400-hp twin-turbo V6. Add the new Tremor’s lifted suspension and limited-slip rear differential for confidence when pavement ends. If you are comparing the 2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Toyota Highlander to support school shuttles, weekend towing, and Michigan winters, Explorer’s stronger foundation and advanced driver-assist options give it the edge you can feel from the first mile with Lasco Ford in Fenton, MI.
| Feature | 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Twin-turbo V6 performance model (400 hp) | Yes | No |
| Rear-wheel-drive availability | Yes | No |
| Off-road trim with lifted suspension + LSD | Yes | No |
| Max towing up to 5,000 lb | Yes | Yes |
| Standard 13.2-inch touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Built-in Google apps and video streaming | Yes | No |
| Available hands-free highway driving system | Yes | No |
| Eight USB ports, including third-row | Yes | No |
| Bang & Olufsen premium audio available | Yes | No |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
Exterior - Ford Dealer serving Fenton, MI
Explorer projects a confident, athletic stance built on its rear-drive proportions. The ST-Line’s bold fascia and 20-inch painted alloy wheels amplify its road presence, while ST adds quad exhaust outlets and unique badging for performance cred. The Tremor model is new, adding a lifted suspension, limited-slip rear differential, all-terrain tires, special 18-inch wheels, and functional exterior details that underscore trail capability. Available roof rails, a hands-free liftgate, and a wide cargo opening make it easy to load weekend gear or home-improvement finds. Highlander brings its own sophisticated style with available twin-tip exhaust, dynamic body lines, and the XSE’s sport-tuned look, plus an available panoramic glass roof that brightens all three rows. If you are mapping family weekends between Grand Blanc and Brighton, both designs are modern and upscale; however, Explorer’s broader personality—running from sleek ST-Line to rugged Tremor—offers a more distinct match to your lifestyle. Details like wide rear doors, low lift-over height, and purposeful cladding on Tremor turn form into everyday function. Whichever trim you select, Explorer’s balanced proportions and clean surfacing deliver a look that stays fresh long after the first walkaround.
Interior - 2026 Ford Explorer in Fenton, MI
Inside, Explorer leans into everyday comfort and intuitive control. The 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen is standard across the lineup and runs the Ford Digital Experience, so your compatible profile can surface Google Maps, Assistant, and select video streaming while parked—no phone connection required. Eight USB ports, including third-row access, keep devices charged on longer drives, and the available 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system surrounds the cabin with crisp, detailed sound. Seating layouts offer six or seven positions with easy-access second-row mechanisms, and upgraded soft-touch materials complement smart storage solutions throughout. Highlander answers with an available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, JBL premium audio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available Qi wireless charging, along with seating for up to eight. Both SUVs deliver family-friendly features, yet the Explorer’s standard large display, built-in Google apps, and third-row USB availability stand out the moment you settle in. For daily commutes and road trips alike, Explorer’s thoughtful switchgear, well-placed storage, and available heated second row help streamline life. For shoppers in Fenton, MI, comparing cabin tech and device support, Explorer’s standard equipment content removes the guesswork from the start.
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander Mechanical Specs
The heart of Explorer’s advantage is its rear-wheel-drive architecture, a trait that separates it from most crossovers. RWD gives Explorer an inherently balanced feel, confident towing manners, and composed responses when loaded with passengers and cargo. Available intelligent all-wheel drive adds traction when Michigan weather turns, and the Tremor model layers on a lifted suspension, limited-slip rear differential, and all-terrain tires for enhanced grip on gravel or snow-covered roads. Highlander’s front-drive-based platform is refined and secure, and with available Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD plus Multi-Terrain Select on AWD grades, it can distribute power to help maintain stability. Both SUVs are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making campers and small boats easy weekend companions. Explorer’s Class III towing equipment, trailer sway control, and predictable chassis tuning help take the stress out of highway merges and crosswinds. If you plan to mix school-day duties with regular towing and occasional two-tracks, Explorer’s RWD foundation and available off-pavement hardware deliver the poised composure many families prefer. That confidence pays off across seasons, road surfaces, and trip types, whether commuting or heading out before sunrise.
Powertrain - Ford Dealership in Fenton, MI
Explorer’s engine lineup provides clear performance headroom. The standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder produces robust power and pairs with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic, delivering confident passing and calm highway cruising. Step up to the ST, and you unlock a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, turning a family SUV into a legitimately quick, responsive driver with satisfying pull even at speed. Rear-wheel drive is standard for a playful, planted feel, with available all-wheel drive for all-weather assurance. Highlander offers a refined 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and the option of a hybrid powertrain for those prioritizing electrified driving, both matched to a transmission tuned for smoothness. While Highlander’s hybrid option is appealing for efficiency-minded buyers, Explorer’s breadth of performance—especially the ST’s powerful V6 and RWD dynamics—gives drivers who value response, towing confidence, and highway composure a distinct reason to choose it. Either way, both models capably tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, but Explorer’s powertrains and gearing make that capability feel more relaxed with a full load aboard.
Safety - Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
Ford equips every Explorer with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features through Ford Co-Pilot360. Highlights include Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, and more. Available BlueCruise brings hands-free driving capability on prequalified divided highways, adding a layer of convenience for long trips and daily highways around Michigan. Additional available assists, such as Active Park Assist 2.0, Evasive Steering Assist, and Reverse Brake Assist, further reduce stress in tight spaces or unexpected scenarios. Highlander’s Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, with available features like Panoramic View Monitor aiding parking and maneuvering. Both SUVs focus on active safety, and both are engineered for family duty. What sets Explorer apart is the availability of hands-free highway driving and self-parking tech that works with confidence-inspiring consistency. When you visit Lasco Ford, our team will demonstrate these systems so you can see how they fit your routine in Fenton, MI, from daily commutes to cross-state trips.
Request more 2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Toyota Highlander in Fenton, MI information
When you look past spec sheets and prioritize day-to-day confidence, Explorer’s advantages show up where it matters: balanced RWD underpinnings, strong turbocharged power, available hands-free highway driving, and standard big-screen tech with built-in Google apps. Highlander remains a well-rounded family choice with its hybrid availability and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, yet Explorer delivers more satisfying performance and a broader personality—from the refined ST-Line to the trail-ready Tremor—to match the way active families actually drive. If your checklist includes towing stability, highway composure, and seamless tech you will appreciate for years, Explorer rises to the top. Our team at Lasco Ford is ready to help you compare trims and features and set up a tailored test drive. Stop by our showroom in Fenton, MI, and see firsthand how Explorer’s powertrains, chassis tuning, and driver-assist technologies give you confidence for school days, snow days, and everything in between—with the versatility to keep pace as your needs evolve.
Make an Inquiry
* Indicates a required field
