Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
Family adventures near Boone and Morganton, North Carolina, demand a higher class of SUV. The 2020 Ford Explorer and the 2020 Toyota Highlander deliver in so many ways. In this comparison, we want to help you see what makes these two stand out in the vast spectrum of midsize SUVs.
Before you hit the streets of Newland and Lenoir with your family in tow, choose the sport utility vehicle best equipped to serve you! Reach out to us at Cloninger Ford Morganton.
Explorer vs Highlander: All-Star Performance
You want an SUV that puts some pep in your step, especially when you merge onto busy highways. The 2020 Explorer and the Highlander have some powerful base engines: a turbo 4-cylinder engine in the Ford and a V6 engine in the Toyota. You can drive with a bit more force in these SUVs.
While the base engine is the only option in the Toyota Highlander, the Ford Explorer offers a much more potent powertrain. The 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine that powers the Explorer ST has an amazing 400 horsepower on tap! It outshines the competition in every way possible.
You’ll appreciate that all-wheel drive (AWD) is available in the Highlander and Intelligent 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) is available in the Explorer for extra grip in slick conditions.
SUV Technology Features for Your Daily Drive
As you might expect from two midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander come packed with technology features. Stay connected in rush-hour traffic and from even the remotest locations!
The Ford SYNC® 3 multimedia system and its Toyota equivalent make smartphone features standard. So, you can pair your compatible phone via Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ and access your apps from the sleek touchscreen in front of you. The Explorer even makes a modern vertical touchscreen available.
Also available on the Ford Explorer is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. You can configure the look of the gauges you use most often and stay informed on the go! Unfortunately, the Toyota Highlander lacks a similar feature.
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: SUV Style
Appearance may not be everything in a vehicle, but it counts for quite a lot. The 2020 Explorer and the 2020 Highlander put so much attention into their exterior designs, evidenced by their chiseled bodies and contoured lines.
The modern grilles add a bold signature flair to these two vehicles. A satin-aluminum finish on the Ford Explorer Platinum grille adds an extra layer of dynamism sure to get you noticed on the streets.
Inside, the Explorer Platinum goes the extra mile with beautiful genuine Ash Swirl wood trim accents on the dashboard. While the Highlander uses some high-class materials, it lacks the genuine wood inlays you’ll only find in the Ford SUV.
Should I Buy the Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander?
We hope Boone and Morganton drivers found this comparison useful! The 2020 Ford Explorer and the 2020 Toyota Highlander are known for their high-end cabins and refined driving experiences.
However, the Explorer takes the lead and refuses to relinquish it where performance and advanced tech features are concerned. Newland and Lenoir, NC, shoppers can get a closer look at this midsize marvel of an SUV here at our showroom.
Book your Explorer test drive today at Cloninger Ford Morganton and slide behind the wheel!
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| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
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| Saturday | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 2:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Saturday | 7:30AM - 12:30PM |
| Sunday | Closed |