2022 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but mundane, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille made a bold statement, while the character line along the side echoed the sporty profile of the Supra. The rear taillights, reminiscent of a Lexus model, added a touch of elegance. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier front end, suspension tuning, and an appearance package, although it didn't match the performance of a Ford Explorer ST. The Limited trim, with chrome accents and a luxurious interior, emphasized comfort and upscale appeal, featuring tan leather seats and wood details.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer offered a rugged yet athletic appearance, thanks to its rear-drive platform, long hood, and rakish roofline. The blacked-out roof pillars created a floating roof effect, enhancing its visual appeal. The Explorer's cabin, especially in higher trims, combined quality materials with some less impressive elements. The King Ranch model, although not available in Canada, showcased the Explorer's potential for luxury. The Explorer's design and features aimed to balance sportiness and practicality, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not a powerhouse, the Highlander provided smooth and reliable performance, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, enhancing driving excitement without compromising comfort.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Explorer's hybrid option, based on a 3.3-litre V6 engine, delivered 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque, offering a balance of power and efficiency. The top-tier twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, available in the ST and Platinum trims, produced 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, providing impressive acceleration and towing capacity. The Explorer's ride quality was robust, with off-road capabilities enhanced in the Timberline model.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander prioritized comfort and practicality, featuring spacious second-row captain's chairs and a flexible seating arrangement. The third row, while accommodating, required some compromise in legroom. The Highlander offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rear rows down. However, the placement of rear-seat climate control vents on the ceiling was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families, with available second-row captain's chairs and a third row best suited for children. Higher trims offered luxurious features like massaging front seats and triple-zone climate control. The Explorer's cabin lacked some practical storage solutions, but it compensated with thoughtful touches like built-in cupholders. Cargo space measured 528 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,264 litres with the third row folded, and 2,132 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch option on the Platinum trim. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the navigation struggled with points of interest. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The JBL audio system, available from the Limited grade, provided decent sound quality.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The larger screen appeared less integrated into the dashboard. The Explorer's tech suite included FordPass Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the voice recognition system lagged behind newer Sync 4 technology, affecting navigation and voice command functionality.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. It earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2022 Ford Explorer received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It included Ford Co-Pilot360, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though some minor issues with steering wheel sensitivity were noted.