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A three-row SUV is the perfect upsizer for people and families whose needs have grown. Models such as the 2024 Toyota Highlander and the 2024 Ford Explorer can seat up to seven or eight people and swallow plenty of luggage. They're also surprisingly easy to drive and park since they are midsize SUVs.
Picking one from these two closely matched competitors can be difficult. That's why we'll compare the Highlander vs. Explorer to help you. We'll examine these two three-row SUVs’ interior, performance, and safety specifications.
The 2024 Toyota Highlander and the 2024 Ford Explorer are midsize three-row SUVs. However, the 2024 Highlander offers seating for up to eight occupants. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer can only provide up to seven seats. This is surprising, as the 2024 Explorer has a longer overall length than the 2024 Highlander.
Standard amenities for both vehicles include dual-zone or tri-zone automatic climate control and rear passenger air vents. They also come with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ and touchscreen infotainment systems. The 2024 Highlander offers a 12.3-inch screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Conversely, the 2024 Explorer only has a 10.1-inch screen.
Some attractive options for these three-row SUVs include a rear entertainment system and a wireless charging pad. Moreover, if you’re a music fan, you’ll enjoy the 11-speaker JBL premium sound system in the 2024 Highlander.
The 2024 Highlander's trunk can carry 16 cubic feet of cargo. Fold down the third row, and you get 48 cubic feet. If you need even more space, such as for a flat-screen TV or furniture, the second row can also be folded. Then, you have 84 cubic feet of space. You can also do this with the 2024 Explorer, but the seats are more challenging to fold.
Two engines are available for 2024 Toyota Highlander buyers to pick from. Firstly, there’s a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit with 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Some trims also include paddle shifters for the driver to select gears manually. Then, there’s a powerful yet frugal hybrid powertrain with 243 horsepower. This system uses a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a CVT gearbox.
Either powertrain comes with front-wheel drive. But buyers can choose a dynamic all-wheel drive system. This system can send up to 50% of torque to the rear axle and then direct it to the wheel with the best traction. Choosing the all-wheel drive system also brings a four-mode drive selector, the Multi-Terrain Select system. Normal, Snow, Rock & Dirt, and Mud & Sand are the four modes.
The XSE trim of the 2024 Highlander is aimed at enthusiast drivers. This trim has tuned shock absorbers and springs and a rear stabilizer bar. Hence, it can provide a more engaging handling experience with a sharper turn-in. Notably, the sportier suspension set-up doesn't compromise ride comfort when cruising.
The 2024 Ford Explorer range has two trim-dependent powertrains. The lower spectrum has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, higher trims receive a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive are standard. Buyers can also select the all-wheel drive for any trim.
The 2024 Highlander features the Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ suite for all trims. This includes blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and full-speed range dynamic radar-guided cruise control. You'll also receive lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert across the range. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer doesn't have all these features as standard; some are optional or unavailable.
The 2024 Toyota Highlander presents a comprehensive and well-equipped package that the 2024 Ford Explorer can’t match. It’s got a nice cabin with ample amenities, efficient engines, and better standard safety features. It's our definitive pick, and we'd like to invite you to Thomasville Toyota for a test drive. You can experience the 2024 Highlander for yourself and avail yourself of our fantastic 2024 Highlander offers in Thomasville, GA.
