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!
