2024 Ford Explorer vs 2024 Highlander in Thomasville, GA
2024 Ford Explorer vs. 2024 Toyota Highlander At Thomasville Ford Lincoln
The 2024 Ford Explorer is an excellent family SUV to consider. Packed with features, it offers a roomy interior, plus impressive tech and safety features. It also has capable performance and even some off-road features. Meanwhile, the 2024 Toyota Highlander is a formidable competitor. Coming from one of the world's top automakers, it has many similar attributes.
Both vehicles are fantastic for urban driving and highway cruising, but only one can have the honor of gracing your driveway. Let's see which is better in a Ford vs Toyota match-up. We'll check out each family SUV's interior offerings. We'll study their performance capabilities. Then, we'll wrap up with a look at their safety features. This will help you make an informed purchase.
You can also swing by Thomasville Toyota for a look at the 2024 Explorer range. Here, our team will gladly explain each trim and help you figure out the right one. Then, you can take a 2024 Explorer for a spin around Thomasville, GA.
Interior Comparison
The 2024 Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV with 150 cubic feet of interior space. The 2024 Toyota Highlander also has three rows but only provides 135 cubic feet of space. Therefore, its second and third rows are far less spacious. Plus, the 2024 Explorer has seven seats with plenty of hip and shoulder room for everyone, while the 2024 Highlander crams in eight seats. More isn’t always better, as many families may not use the third row much.
Furthermore, the 2024 Explorer and the 2024 Highlander offer second-row captain chairs. This reduces the total capacity of each family SUV by one. But the gains in comfort and accessibility are worth the compromise. The second row gets two individually adjustable seats with armrests. A walk-through passage is created between these seats for easier third-row entry and exit. Here, the 2024 Explorer's roomier interior uplifts the overall experience. Buyers can specify a twin-panel moonroof for more light and air.
Then, buyers can spec their 2024 Explorer with heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustment and heated outboard rear seats. Depending on trim, buyers get dual-zone or tri-zone automatic climate control, with second and third-row air vents. Leather seat upholstery is available, too, and each row gets cup holders. The 2024 Highlander also has some of these features.
The 2024 Explorer's trunk can hold 18 cubic feet of cargo with the third row in use. Some trims offer a power-folding third row for more cargo space. The second row is also foldable, enabling you to carry longer and heavier items. The 2024 Highlander isn't as accommodating. With its third row in place, there's only 16 cubic feet of cargo space. Furthermore, its third row must be manually folded for more space.
The 2024 Explorer and the 2024 Highlander have digital gauge clusters for higher trims. They include Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, plus Bluetooth® for all trims. 2024 Explorer buyers can also upgrade to a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system upgrade. This pairs well with the optional multi-color LED ambient lighting.
Ford Explorer Interior
Toyota Highlander Interior
Performance Comparison
Two engines are available for 2024 Explorer buyers. Lower trims have a turbocharged 300-hp EcoBoost 4-cylinder unit with 315 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims get a twin-turbocharged 400-hp EcoBoost V6 capable of 415 lb-ft of torque. Depending on the chosen trim, buyers can choose an RWD or AWD system.
Every 2024 Explorer has side-wind stabilization. This system helps the driver maintain the vehicle’s trajectory under strong crosswind conditions. Then, there’s a terrain management system as standard. Depending on drive configuration, up to seven modes are offered. These are Eco, Normal, Sport, Deep Snow/Sand, Tow/Haul, Slippery and Trail. For more off-road ability, buyers can choose the Timberline trim. This gets all-terrain tires, extra ground clearance and enhanced off-road suspension.
The 2024 Highlander has a turbocharged 2.4-liter, 265-hp, 4-cylinder engine and an eigh-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers 310 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. An AWD system is available.
The 2024 Explorer is rated to tow up to 5,600 pounds when equipped with the Class IV Trailer Tow Package, while the 2024 Highlander can only tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Safety Features Comparison
Every 2024 Explorer comes with Ford’s CoPilot 360 safety suite. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, intelligent adaptive cruise control, and a blind spot information system. Lane-keeping assistance and rear cross-traffic alerting are also included, as is a rear-view camera. Higher trims can add a surround-view camera system and automatic parking. The 2024 Highlander isn’t as well-equipped because it has the older Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ suite.
Find the 2024 Ford Explorer in Thomasville, GA
Our pick in this Ford vs Toyota contest is the 2024 Explorer. It’s truly a winning family SUV, and if you’d like to find out why, swing by Thomasville Ford Lincoln. Then, you can explore the range, and talk to our team about financing your new car purchase.