Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Ford Explorer, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $500 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Toyota Highlander leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Ford Explorer
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 102 configurations
2015–2026
Toyota Highlander
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 28 mpg | 36 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg | 36 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg | 35 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,200 | $1,700 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 322 g/mi | 245 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start | SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic (S6) | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Gasoline or E85 | Regular |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 102 | 72 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Explorer vs Highlander: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Ford Explorer, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $500 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 $2,200 for the Ford Explorer — a difference of roughly $500 per year.
What engines do the Explorer and Highlander offer?
Ford Explorer: SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, 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 Explorer and the Toyota Highlander as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Explorer comparisons
Comparison id: ford-explorer-vs-toyota-highlander