Ford Explorer vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Ford Explorer retained much of its previous design, having undergone a facelift in 2025 that introduced a more rugged, truck-like appearance. This design was particularly suited to the 2026 Tremor model, which enhanced its off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a raised ride height, and off-road lights integrated into the grille. The Tremor model also featured a distinctive Electric Spice colour, reminiscent of Subaru's Wilderness models, adding a unique touch to its rugged aesthetic. The raised suspension provided 22 centimetres of ground clearance, surpassing competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse Z71 and Honda Pilot TrailSport. Inside, the Explorer's interior remained largely unchanged from its 2025 overhaul, featuring a new infotainment system but lacking in material quality, especially in the Tremor test vehicle.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, offered a more conservative design, drawing inspiration from the popular RAV4. This resulted in a larger vehicle with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior focused on functionality, with the Platinum trim adding a layer of luxury. However, the use of glossy hard plastics and unlined storage surfaces detracted from the overall quality. The climate system was user-friendly, with large knobs for temperature adjustments, but the infotainment interface was less intuitive, featuring a small volume knob and no tuning knob. Despite these drawbacks, the Grand Highlander provided a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers.

The 2026 Ford Explorer offered two powertrain options: a standard 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 available on the Tremor grade and standard on the Explorer ST, delivering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Tremor model also featured a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, off-road drive mode, and steel skid plates. Despite its size, the Explorer demonstrated confident handling and a comfortable ride, with the twin-turbo V6 providing ample power for passing and highway driving. Off-road, the Tremor model handled challenging trails with ease, although it was not as capable as a dedicated off-road vehicle like the Bronco.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max emphasized performance with its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 net horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate quickly, aided by a traditional six-speed automatic transmission that avoided the droning common in CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 8.8 L/100 km combined, it offered a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. During testing, the Hybrid Max averaged 9.1 L/100 km on a mixed driving route and 10.1 L/100 km on a mountainous loop. The powertrain provided rewarding acceleration, with the electric motors eliminating turbo lag. The Grand Highlander also delivered a soft, isolating ride, although its handling was less secure at higher speeds.

The 2026 Ford Explorer accommodated up to seven passengers across three rows, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to six. While the Explorer offered reasonable space for a midsize crossover, it fell short in second-row legroom compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot. Cargo space was competitive, with 461 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 1,302 litres with the rear seats folded and 2,415 litres with the second row down. The Explorer lacked unexpected storage features but provided ample space for smaller items. Towing capacity was average for its class, at 2,268 kilograms.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid excelled in interior space, offering comfortable seating in all three rows and over 2,700 litres of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. However, the unlined storage locations contributed to noise and vibration. The Grand Highlander’s rear doors were long and required ample space to open, posing challenges for parents with small children. The second-row captain’s chairs with a removable centre console allowed easy access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with 586 litres behind the third row, 1,640 litres with the third row folded, and 2,761 litres with the second row down.

The 2026 Ford Explorer came equipped with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Maps, and SiriusXM with a three-month trial. USB-C ports were standard across all rows, with a USB-A port for first-row occupants. The base model had a six-speaker audio system, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker B&O system, with an optional 14-speaker version. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the climate control icons could be more accessible. The 360-degree camera system was particularly useful for off-road driving, remaining active at higher speeds.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with a 7-inch digital driver display on the XLE and a 12.3-inch panel on Limited and Platinum trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various Toyota Connected Services. While the infotainment system was generally easy to use, it lacked the ability to display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously, and the low-contrast font was difficult to read. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, and the Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and surround-view camera system.

The 2026 Ford Explorer was equipped with the CoPilot 360+ suite, offering a comprehensive range of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added CoPilot 360 2.0, with additional features like a 360-degree camera system and predictive speed assist. The Explorer also featured the upgraded BlueCruise 1.5 hands-free highway driving system. It received top safety ratings, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, providing a suite of standard safety features and driver assistance technologies. While it offered a high level of automation, it lacked hands-free operation. Proactive Driving Assist was standard but could be irritating in certain situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection ratings.