| 2016 Toyota Highlander LE | 2016 Ford Explorer | |
| 19.2 gallons | Fuel Capacity | 18.6 gallons |
| 20 city / 25 hwy mpg | Fuel Economy* | 17 city / 24 hwy mpg |
| 44.2 inches | Front Leg Room | 42.9 inches |
| 8 | Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Available on Other Styles | Stolen Vehicle Tracking | N/A |
2016 Toyota Highlander vs 2016 Ford Explorer
Serving Florence, Fort Mitchell, and Burlington, KY
Large SUVs are a popular choice for those with large families and anyone who wants the cargo space, amenities, and performance associated with this type of vehicle. Two of the most popular large SUVs for 2016 are the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. While the Highlander has had few changes since its full redesign for the 2014 model, while the Ford Explorer is brand new for 2016. And while the Explorer is the larger of the two vehicles, the Highlander comes out on top when it comes to amenities. Read on to learn more about these autos and find out which is the right choice for you, your kids, and your stuff.
Interior
The 2016 Highlander stands out in this category because of its upscale, sophisticated design, high quality materials, and hushed cabin, none of which would be out of place in a much more expensive luxury SUV. Fans of the Highlander love the roomy seats, including a sliding rear seat for additional cargo space when needed. You'll also love how easy it is to load a cartful of groceries with the available power-adjustable lift gate. The tech gurus in your family will love the brand's well-designed, intuitive touchscreen infotainment system. By contrast, experts note that the 2016 Explorer has a cramped second and third row, obscured visibility, and a frustrating infotainment system that is challenging to operate.
Safety
The Highlander more than lives up to Toyota's impeccable safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute on Highway Safety and a five star overall crash test rating from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. While the 2016 Explorer also earns a five star rating from the NHTSA, it received marginal scores in some of the crash tests from the IIHS.
The Highlander is equipped with Toyota's proprietary the Star Safety System, a suite of six active safety features that includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), 15 Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST). It's also built with high-strength steel and features an advanced airbag system with passenger sensors for enhanced safety.
The Explorer is also built for safety, featuring AdvanceTrac functionality with Roll Stability Control, Traction Control, Safety Canopy System, and SOS Post-Crash Alert System. It also includes available inflatable seatbelts, a first in class option that's never before been integrated into a vehicle in this class.
Reliability
Toyota has a reputation for reliability, with cars that are designed to last a lifetime. The Highlander earns an well above average reliability rating from JD Power and Associates, which reviews data from three-year-old cars to determine how many problems the owner has experienced. By contrast, the reliability scores on the Explorer are below average based on these measures. However, the Explorer comes standard with a three year warranty, comparable to the three year warranty offered with the Highlander.
If you're shopping for a midsize or large SUV, choose the model that is named the Best Midsize SUV and Best Three-Row SUV by US News and World Report, a Best Buy Award Finalist, 5-Year Cost to Own Award, and one of the 16 Best Family Cars by Kelley Blue Book, and Best Overall Value for five years in a row by Intellichoice. You can test drive the 2016 Toyota Highlander today at Kerry Toyota.
* EPA estimated MPG may vary by transmission, trim and individual driving behavior.
