Ford Expedition vs Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Ford Expedition, a 16 mpg advantage and costs about $1,400 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Toyota Highlander leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2027

Ford Expedition

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 49 configurations

20mpg combined (best)
All Ford Expedition specs

2015–2026

Toyota Highlander

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations

36mpg combined (best)
All Toyota Highlander specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricFord ExpeditionToyota Highlander
Best combined MPG20 mpg36 mpg
Best city MPG17 mpg36 mpg
Best highway MPG24 mpg35 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$3,100$1,700
Lowest CO2 output441 g/mi245 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDI & PFI, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-StartSIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start
TransmissionsAutomatic (S10), Automatic (S6)Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6)
DrivetrainsPart-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesRegularRegular
EPA classStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Years covered2015–20272015–2026
Configurations on record4972

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

Expedition vs Highlander: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Ford Expedition or the Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 20 mpg for the Ford Expedition, a 16 mpg advantage and costs about $1,400 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Toyota Highlander runs about $1,700 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,100 for the Ford Expedition — a difference of roughly $1,400 per year.

What engines do the Expedition and Highlander offer?

Ford Expedition: SIDI & PFI, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start. Toyota Highlander: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Ford Expedition and the Toyota Highlander as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.

More Expedition comparisons

Comparison id: ford-expedition-vs-toyota-highlander