Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim and introduced the sporty ST-Line for the XLT version. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, giving it an athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars contributed to a "floating roof" effect. Inside, higher-trim Explorers mixed quality materials with some questionable ones, though overall, the cabin felt worthy of its price.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced starting at $51,435, including a $1,930 destination charge, with AWD standard in Canada. The Highlander Hybrid Limited trim with the Platinum package was priced at $61,800. Minimal appearance changes for 2023 included a new Cypress Green paint colour. The Highlander Hybrid's design was over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety. Inside, the cabin featured large elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and oversized controls, but mismatched textures and tones detracted from the overall quality. The interior felt visually overwhelming, and some controls and materials seemed inexpensive.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims came with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. It had a towing capacity of 2,400 kg and consumed between 10.3 and 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-litre V6 engine, generating 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,268 kg, and consuming 9.6 L/100 km. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard on the ST and Platinum trims, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kg and fuel consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer provided a robust ride, capable off-road performance, and engaging handling.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It offered standard AWD and could tow 1,588 kg, though high-speed passing power was limited. The Highlander Hybrid featured Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. Its Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but the test vehicle averaged 8.2 L/100 km, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The Highlander Hybrid's ride was soft and compliant, but the driving experience was uninspiring, with a CVT that groaned and steering that lacked engagement.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. Higher trims offered features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for practical storage solutions. The Explorer offered 528 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,132 litres with all seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight people, though the third-row seat was best for occasional use. Standard features included three-zone climate control and heated front seats, with higher trims adding a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging. The Highlander offered a dashboard shelf and rubber-lined cupholders, but storage areas were unlined. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. Higher trims offered wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less advanced than Ford's newer Sync 4 technology.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a JBL sound system. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though graphics could be improved.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The system operated smoothly, though steering wheel sensitivity could be improved.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with higher trims adding parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.