Three-row SUVs are an essential part of life for large families and those who need more from their vehicles than simple daily commutes. In that arena, two popular choices are the 2026 Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander. Both are respected models that offer impressive features all-around, but when you take a closer look, there’s one that stands taller. The 2026 Explorer is a great choice for families, adventurers, and tech-minded drivers.
Stronger Performance & Power
One big factor in the Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander comparison is power. The 2026 Ford Explorer comes standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers:
- 300 horsepower
- 310 lb-ft of torque
- Strong acceleration
- Confident passing (even when fully loaded)
If that’s still not enough for you, you can upgrade to a 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine that maximizes output, which gives the Explorer a “sporty” feel on the road.
While Toyota’s Highlander has impressive capabilities, it can’t quite achieve such horsepower heights; its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine gives drivers only about 265 horsepower and it isn’t quite as responsive under heavy loads or at high speeds.
Spacious Interior & Flexible Cargo
The 2026 Ford Explorer interior is designed for family life and outdoor adventures alike. With a comfortable three-row cabin, it offers:
- Spacious seating in each row
- Plenty of cargo space behind the back row
- Folding rear seats to further increase carrying capacity
- An easy loading design for large items
While the Highlander also offers three rows, space is tighter and the flexibility isn’t quite there. The 2026 Ford Explorer interior simply offers more when it comes to hauling and maximizing comfort.
Advanced Technology & Comfort Features
SUV shoppers have always cared about space and towing, but there’s a new consideration for car manufacturers to make: tech features. This is where the gap widens. While other companies have stalled in this area, Ford has taken the reins with adding tech features to already impressive models.
The 2026 Ford Explorer features:
- A large touchscreen interface for ease of use and reading
- An available digital instrument cluster
- Optional premium audio systems
- Hands-free driving options with BlueCruise
These features combine to make for a vehicle that tech-minded drivers can’t pass up. While the Toyota Highlander offers plenty of its own tech features, it focuses more on comfort than cutting-edge tech offerings.
In the Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander comparison, the Explorer is the better choice when it comes to available systems and driver-first innovations.
Capability for Towing & Adventure
Three-row SUVs may be family-ready, but not all of them are prepared for true adventure. The 2026 Ford Explorer breaks the mold by catering to both. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, you’ll be able to bring along all the equipment you need. Add in intelligent 4-wheel drive system options and driving modes for various weather and terrain, and you’re sitting behind the wheel of an SUV that can do it all.
Again, the Highlander can stand on its own merit… just not quite as tall. The towing options are there, but a weaker engine means it will be working harder to achieve feats the 2026 Explorer accomplishes with ease.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Safety is a top priority for Ford and Toyota alike, and your peace of mind will be intact behind the wheel of either brand’s models. But everyone has their preferences, even when it comes to safety. For your consideration, the 2026 Ford Explorer offers these top-of-the-line safety features:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert functionality
Toyota’s Safety Sense does offer similar features, but Ford has a habit of making more advanced systems available across more trim levels. This means their customers gain access to a robust safety toolkit that isn’t available elsewhere.
Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: The Choice is Clear
When comparing these two lauded options, the 2026 Ford Explorer goes the extra mile by offering:
- More powerful engine options
- Better towing capability
- More flexible options for interior configurations
- More advanced driver-assist safety tech
- An overall more engaging experience for the driver
In short, the 2026 Explorer is a better, safer experience for those who want their day-to-day and weekend adventures to be more rewarding. This three-row SUV can handle family schedules, long road trips, towing demands, and all kinds of exploring—and it’s available at The Frederick Motor Company.
Still on the fence? That’s okay! Stop by and give it a test drive to experience it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
Ford Bronco Sport Vs. Toyota RAV4
The compact SUV market isn’t small by any means. There are plenty of contenders, two of the big hitters being the Toyota RAV4 and the Ford Bronco Sport. They both offer versatility, modern styles, and plenty of reliability. Despite these features being present with both models, there’s a clear winner, and that honor goes to Ford’s impressive signature SUV. In this blog, we’re taking a look at this classic faceoff: Ford Bronco Sport vs. Toyota RAV4. Why should you choose the former? Let’s find out!
Performance and Capability: Built for the Wild
We’ll start with one of the big selling points of pretty much any vehicle. What can it do? In terms of how well they serve their purpose as cars, are the Bronco Sport and RAV4 up to the task? The short answer for both is yes, but it goes a bit deeper than that. Here’s how the Bronco Sport outperforms the RAV4 in every aspect:
- Engine and Power: When you purchase a Bronco Sport, you get to choose between a 1.5L EcoBoost® and a 2.0L EcoBoost® engine. Seeing as the vehicle itself is named after a powerful horse, it’s no surprise that you can get up to 250 horsepower; this allows for confident and responsive driving. In contrast, the 2.5L engine in the RAV4 gives priority to fuel economy but can’t quite provide the Bronco Sport’s level of performance.
- Offroad Capabilities: Each and every Bronco Sport comes standard with 4×4 capabilities as well as G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) functionality. The RAV4 does feature light offroad capabilities, but it wasn’t built from the ground up with terrain maneuvering top-of-mind.
- Towing Capacity: The Bronco Sport can pull bikes, kayaks, and small trailers—anything under 2,200 pounds, really. This is yet another advantage it holds over the RAV4’s lower towing capacity.
In short, when it comes to the performance of the Ford Bronco Sport vs. Toyota RAV4, there’s a clear winner. The Bronco Sport is built to explore with ease.
Design and Style: Rugged Meets Refined
Let’s shift gears a bit and discuss style. In this regard, preference is just that. The design of a car appeals to some and not to others, but consider the thinking behind the design. The Ford Bronco Sport has a history of adventure that dates back to its very first model in 1966. The current iteration of the iconic vehicle embraces this heritage with its boxy design that’s become a signature look. It has high ground clearance and other intentional stylistic touches that double as functional highlights.
By contrast, the RAV4 takes a more conventional route. Is it stylish? Yes. But there’s a subdued nature to its design that prevents it from giving the Bronco Sport a run for its money. It lacks the customization options offered by the Bronco Sport, particularly in its roof rails and color options that can speak to your inner adventurer.
Interior Comfort and Technology: Adventure Meets Everyday Ease
The cabin in the Ford Bronco Sport vs. Toyota RAV4 is noticeably better, and is designed with adventure in mind.
- Durability: Storage compartments are smartly designed and surfaces are installed with ease-of-cleaning in mind in the Bronco Sport. The same can’t be said for the RAV4.
- Technology: The Bronco Sport features SYNC® 3, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Ford Co-Pilot360™ safety technologies, which keep you informed and protected.
- Comfort: We know adventure isn’t often paired with comfort, but that doesn’t mean the two can’t overlap from time to time. Spacious seating in the Bronco Sport makes long drives an enjoyable experience.
The RAV4 has plenty of features that may be draws for the everyday commuter. Is it comfortable? Yes, but it’s simply not designed to be adventure-ready.
Value and Ownership Experience: Confidence Comes Standard
Ford and Toyota are well-known for reliability, but the minds that designed the Bronco Sport went out of their way to perfectly combine performance, capability, and advanced features without causing the price to skyrocket.
A comprehensive warranty is provided by Ford when you purchase a Bronco Sport. You get the support of a nationwide service network when you’re at the wheel.
Similarly impressive is the long-term value that comes with Bronco Sport models. The focus on durability, versatility, and style makes for a vehicle with serious staying power.
Ford Bronco Sport Vs. Toyota RAV4: The Final Verdict
When you see a Bronco Sport for sale, you should consider everything that’s packed into the price point: Durability, style, comfort, space, safety features, and so much more. It has capable engines and 4×4 performance that help you answer the call to adventure. The RAV4 stands as a quality vehicle, but when compared to the Bronco Sport, there’s no competition.Several Bronco Sport accessories come standard with the vehicle, adding to an already impressive ride that can master road and terrain alike. Want to see for yourself? Contact the Frederick Motor Company or visit us for a test drive. You’ll find the perfect Bronco Sport for sale, so you can get to what matters most to you: adventure.
