2025 Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
Explore What the 2025 Explorer Has to Offer
2025 Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander

CAPACITY
Seating
Doors
ENGINE
Liters/Type
Horsepower (hp @ rpm)
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)
TRANSMISSION
Type
DRIVETRAIN
Type
FUEL CONSUMPTION
2025 Ford Explorer ST

CAPACITY
6 Adults
4 Doors
ENGINE
Turbocharged 3.0L V6
400 hp @ 5500 rpm
415 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-Speed Automatic
DRIVETRAIN
All-Wheel Drive
FUEL CONSUMPTION
2025 Toyota Highlander Platinum

CAPACITY
6-7 Adults
4 Doors
ENGINE
Turbocharged 2.4-L 4-Cylinder
265 hp @ 6000 rpm
310 lb.-ft. @ 1700-3600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-Speed Automatic
DRIVETRAIN
All-Wheel Drive
FUEL CONSUMPTION
A Head-to-Head Comparison: 2025 Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
The battle between the 2025 Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander showcases two SUVs with strong reputations. However, the 2025 Ford Explorer from Bob Bell Ford pulls ahead with its bold design, impressive performance options and superior technology. At our Ford dealership in Baltimore, MD, we’re here to show you why the 2025 Ford Explorer is the better choice for your next SUV. Visit us today to perform your own comparison of the 2025 Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander.
Distinctive Styling That Turns Heads
Take a glance to see how the 2025 Ford Explorer brings a fresh sense of style to the road with its redesigned grille, sleek front fascia and available black-painted roof. The 2025 Ford Explorer exterior options at our Ford dealership in Glen Burnie, MD, include 18-inch or 21-inch wheels, LED headlights and the convenience of a twin-panel moonroof. This SUV’s attention to detail exudes sophistication while maintaining the rugged appeal Ford is known for.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander exterior features standard LED projector headlights and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, offering a polished but predictable design. While stylish, it doesn’t match the 2025 Explorer’s contemporary touches like quad chrome exhaust tips or the eye-catching lighting features. The Explorer’s sporty yet elegant aesthetic makes it the clear standout for drivers seeking a modern look.
When comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer interior vs 2025 Toyota Highlander interior, you’ll find that the Explorer delivers on comfort and versatility. With options for cloth, premium synthetic or leather seating, the Ford SUV caters to a range of preferences. Available upgrades like heated and ventilated seats, PowerFold® third-row seating and a leather-wrapped steering wheel elevate the driving experience. Although the 2025 Toyota Highlander interior offers three-row seating and solid comfort features, its standard cloth seats and simpler layout feel less premium compared to the 2025 Explorer’s high-end finishes.
Performance That Excels Across the Board
The 2025 Ford Explorer at our Ford dealership in Baltimore, MD, boasts a lineup of robust engine options, making it ideal for a variety of driving needs. The base engine, a 300-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four, offers an excellent balance of power and efficiency. For thrill-seekers, the ST trim delivers a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, providing 415 lb-ft of torque and a 5,000-pound towing capacity with the Class III trailer tow package.
While competent, the 2025 Toyota Highlander offers less variety. This SUV’s standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Though the 2025 Highlander includes an optional hybrid model, it doesn’t match the 2025 Explorer’s range of high-performance options or towing capabilities. For drivers seeking excitement and power, the 2025 Ford Explorer at Bob Bell Ford is the clear winner in this comparison.
Premier Safety Suites on Display
When it comes to safety, the 2025 Ford Explorer leads with its Ford Co-Pilot360™ suite of driver-assist technologies. You’ll love the peace of mind that stems from having a backup camera, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot monitoring system. Available upgrades like a 360-degree camera and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection enhance safety even further.
The Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ suite comes standard with all 2025 Toyota Highlander trim levels and includes features like pre-collision braking, lane departure alerts and dynamic radar cruise control. While these features are effective, the 2025 Toyota Highlander lacks some of the Explorer’s advanced options, such as the bird’s-eye-view camera and evasive steering assist. For peace of mind on every drive, the 2025 Ford Explorer at our Ford dealership in Glen Burnie, MD, has the advantage.

A Connected Drive
The 2025 Ford Explorer integrates Ford’s latest innovations, providing a tech-forward experience for drivers and passengers alike. The standard 13.2-inch touchscreen display includes access to popular apps like Google Play and Amazon Alexa, while Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone syncing come standard. Passengers will appreciate the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and the upgraded 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen® premium audio system for an immersive sound experience within the 2025 Ford Explorer interior at our Ford dealership in Baltimore, MD.
In comparison, the 2025 Toyota Highlander includes an 8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreen with similar smartphone integration. However, its standard 6-speaker audio system and limited tech upgrades don’t compete with the Explorer’s innovative offerings. Drivers looking for a high-tech SUV will find the 2025 Ford Explorer interior better equipped to meet modern connectivity needs.
The Stand-Out SUV: The 2025 Ford Explorer
When evaluating the 2025 Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander, the 2025 Ford Explorer’s advanced technology, wide array of performance options and luxurious interior make it the better SUV. This Ford SUV seamlessly combines style, capability and innovation, making it the ideal choice for families, commuters and adventurers alike. Visit our Ford dealership in Baltimore, MD, today to test drive the 2025 Ford Explorer and experience its unmatched features. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you explore trim options and take advantage of exclusive financing and leasing deals. Discover why the Explorer is the ultimate SUV for your lifestyle at Bob Bell Ford.