New 2026 Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander

It’s a midsize SUV showdown, and it’s happening right here at Pioneer Ford in Marietta, Ohio!

Today, our Marietta Ford dealership is comparing the 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Toyota Highlander to help Ohio and West Virginia drivers along their shopping journeys. We’ll be comparing their performance, gas mileage, spaciousness, and safety to help you with your SUV search. 

Performance and Capabilities – Parkersburg, WV

The new Explorer delivers outstanding performance with a standard 300-hp 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine. For even more excitement, drivers can upgrade to the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, producing an impressive 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the 2026 Highlander tops out at 265 horsepower—135 fewer than the Explorer’s available V6.

Pop the hood and discover which SUV delivers the power you need for your Parkersburg road trips.

Ford Explorer – Engine Options 

• 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4

• Engine type: 2.3L Turbocharged, Direct Injection Ti-VCT EcoBoost® I-4

• Drivetrain: RWD; optional AWD

• Transmission: 10-speed automatic

• Horsepower: 300 hp

• Torque: 310 lb-ft

• 3.0L EcoBoost® V6

• Engine type: 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6

• Drivetrain: RWD; optional AWD

• Transmission: 10-speed automatic (select shift capability available on ST)

• Horsepower: 400 hp

• Torque: 415 lb-ft

Toyota Highlander – Engine Options 

• 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbo

• Engine type: 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine

• Drivetrain: AWD

• Transmission: Direct Shift-8AT 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission (ECT)

• Horsepower: 265 hp

• Torque: 310 lb-ft

• 2.5-liter hybrid engine

• Engine type: 2.5L hybrid 4-cylinder DOHC engine with Dual VVT-iE

• Drivetrain: AWD

• Transmission: Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)

• Horsepower: 243 hp (combined)

• Torque: 175 lb-ft

Gas Mileage & Ride Quality – Near Caldwell, OH

Great gas mileage is a must-have for most new vehicle shoppers. 

The 2026 Ford Explorer offers excellent gas mileage across its trims. Ford’s new Explorer can achieve up to 29 highway MPG, giving it an edge over the gas-powered Highlander. 

The 2026 Highlander delivers higher overall efficiency with its available hybrid powertrain. However, if you prefer the more familiar acceleration, engine response, and driving feel of a traditional gas-powered SUV, the Ford Explorer is perfect for you. 

Compare the gas mileage of the two 2026 SUVs to find the right ride for your travels near Caldwell, Ohio. 

Ford Explorer – Gas Mileage (MPG)

• Active 100A

• RWD: 20 City / 29 Hwy / 24 Combined 

• AWD: 20 City / 27 Hwy / 23 Combined

• Active

• RWD: 20 City / 29 Hwy / 24 Combined 

• AWD: 20 City / 27 Hwy / 23 Combined

• ST-Line

• RWD: 20 City / 29 Hwy / 24 Combined 

• AWD: 20 City / 27 Hwy / 23 Combined

• Tremor

• RWD: 19 City / 23 Hwy / 21 Combined 

• AWD: 17 City / 22 Hwy / 19 Combined

• Platinum

• RWD: 20 City / 29 Hwy / 24 Combined

• AWD: 20 City / 27 Hwy / 23 Combined

• ST

• RWD: 18 City / 25 Hwy / 21 Combined

• AWD: 18 City / 25 Hwy / 20 Combined

Toyota Highlander – Gas Mileage (MPG)

• XLE: 20 City / 27 Hwy / 23 Combined

• XSE: 21 City / 28 Hwy / 24 Combined

• Limited: 21 City / 28 Hwy / 24 Combined

• Platinum: 21 City / 28 Hwy / 24 Combined

• Hybrid XLE: 35 City / 35 Hwy / 35 Combined

• Hybrid Limited: 35 City / 34 Hwy / 35 Combined

• Hybrid Limited: 35 City / 34 Hwy / 35 Combined

Size & Dimensions – St. Marys, WV

Everyone could use more space, whether you’re commuting across St. Marys or shopping in Parkersburg.

The 2026 Ford Explorer offers plenty of room for families and friends, with up to 150.3 cu ft of passenger space. It also features up to 85.8 cu ft of cargo space, perfect for groceries and souvenirs. The 2026 Highlander falls behind in interior space, providing only 139.5 cu ft of passenger volume and 84.3 cu ft of cargo space. 

Stretch out and see which new midsize SUV is the right size for your needs!

Ford Explorer – Interior Dimensions

• Seating Capacity: Up to 7 passengers (6 with captain’s chairs)

• Passenger Volume: 150.3 cu ft

• Headroom

• Front: 40.7 in

• Second Row: 40.5 in

• Third Row: 38.9 in

• Legroom

• Front: 43.0 in

• Second Row: 37.5 in

• Third Row: 31.8 in

• Shoulder Room

• Front: 62.1 in

• Second Row: 61.9 in

• Third Row: 54.6 in

• Hip Room 

• Front: 59.2 in

• Second Row: 59.1 in

• Third Row: 40.9 in

• Cargo Volume

• Behind Third Row: 16.3 cu ft

• Behind Second Row: 46 cu ft

• All Seats Folded: 85.8 cu ft

Toyota Highlander – Interior Dimensions

• Seating Capacity: 7 (8 with second-row bench)

• Passenger Volume: ~136.3–139.5 cu ft

• Headroom

• Front: 39.6 in

• Second Row: 39.4 in

• Third Row: 36.1 in

• Legroom

• Front: 42.0 in

• Second Row: 38.7 in

• Third Row: 28.0 in

• Shoulder Room

• Front: 59.0 in

• Second Row: 58.4 in

• Third Row: 55.0 in

• Hip Room

• Front: 57.2 in

• Second Row: 57.0 in

• Third Row: 45.6 in

• Cargo Volume

• Behind Third Row: 16.0 cu ft

• Behind Second Row: 48.4 cu ft

• All Seats Folded: 84.3 cu ft

Safety & Driver Assistance 

When shopping for a new vehicle, safety always comes first.

The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers added peace of mind for drivers throughout Marietta, coming standard with Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+. This advanced safety suite includes a wide range of forward-thinking driver-assistance technologies designed to help you stay aware and in control. Thanks to its strong crashworthiness ratings and advanced safety engineering, the Explorer earned a place on the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list. The Highlander did not receive the same distinction.

Compare the two SUVs’ standard safety features to see which delivers the most confidence for your drives.

Ford Explorer – Standard Safety Features

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking

• BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert

• Lane-Keeping System

• Rear View Camera

• Auto High-Beam Headlamps.

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering

• Evasive Steering Assist

• Post-collision Braking

Toyota Highlander – Standard Safety Features

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)

• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)

• Automatic High Beams (AHB)

• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)

• Road Sign Assist (RSA)

• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) 

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the 2026 Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander? Our Marietta Ford dealership has you covered!

At Pioneer Ford, we’re committed to providing all the information shoppers need to make confident purchasing decisions. To make your shopping journey easier, we answered a few of the top questions about the two new SUVs.

When we’re done, you’ll be a step closer to finding the best 2026 SUV for your trips through Ohio and West Virginia!

Which costs less, the 2026 Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander?

The Explorer starts at $38,465 MSRP, significantly less than the Highlander’s $45,570 starting MSRP.

Which produces more horsepower and torque, the 2026 Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander?

The 2026 Explorer delivers significantly more power. Below, we break down the horsepower and torque of both vehicles’ engine options: 

• 2026 Ford Explorer

• 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4: 300 hp & 310 lb-ft of torque

• 3.0L EcoBoost® V6: 400 hp & 415 lb-ft of torque

• 2026 Toyota Highlander

• 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbo: 265 hp & 310 lb-ft of torque

• 2.5-liter hybrid: 243 hp & 175 lb-ft of torque

Between the 2026 Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander, which is more efficient?

For gas trims, the two SUVs provide comparable gas mileage, with the Explorer leading in highway efficiency. The 2026 Highlander offers higher fuel economy in its hybrid trims. 

Which can tow more, the 2026 Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander?

Both SUVs have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. 

Which is more spacious, the 2026 Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander?

The 2026 Explorer offers a more spacious interior with up to 150.3 cu ft of passenger volume, while the Highlander has up to 139.5 cu ft.

Test Drive the Unstoppable 2026 Ford Explorer in Marietta, OH!

The 2026 Ford Explorer takes the win, offering more power, spaciousness, and higher safety ratings than the Toyota Highlander.

Experience the new Explorer for yourself by calling (740) 373-3431 or visiting us at 909 Pike Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750!

The Pioneer Ford Difference

At Pioneer Ford, we’re proud to serve drivers throughout Parkersburg, Caldwell, and St. Marys with a wide selection of new Ford cars, trucks, and SUVs. Every new vehicle includes our exclusive P-Guarantee, featuring a lifetime powertrain warranty, complimentary alignment checks, brake inspections, and more for added peace of mind.

Be sure to browse our used car inventory, where you’ll find popular models from Honda, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan, Toyota, and more. When you’re ready to move forward, our finance center is here to help with competitive financing solutions and seamless trade-in options.

Thank you for choosing Pioneer Ford, proudly serving drivers across Ohio and West Virginia.

DISCLAIMERS:

Current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A/X/Z Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A/X/Z Plan.

When properly equipped. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers.

Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary.

Available feature on select vehicles. BlueCruise requires an active plan or trial – see ford.com/bluecruise for details. Terms apply. BlueCruise is a driver-assist feature and does not replace safe driving or driver’s attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. Only remove hands in a hands-free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

Horsepower and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously. Your results may vary.

Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. Remember that even advanced technology cannot overcome the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions.

Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. They do not make your vehicle autonomous or replace your responsibility to drive safely. Please only use if you will pay attention to the road and be prepared to take over at any time. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution.

Available Connectivity features and functionality vary by model and compatible devices. Package pricing, features, included plans, and term lengths vary by model. Some features may only be available while vehicle is parked. Owners can log into the FordPass® app to see specific features available to them. Credit card required for Plan activation automatically renews until cancelled. Terms apply.

Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. For optimal/best performance, Ford recommends keeping map data updated by fully activating the vehicle’s FordPass® Connect modem and enabling Connected Navigation Services. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

Data speeds may be slowed down after 50GB of usage within a 30-day period.

Don’t drive distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice controls.

Wi-Fi® hotspot includes complimentary wireless data trial that begins upon AT&T activation and expires at the end of three months or when 3GB of data is used, whichever comes first. To activate, go to www.att.com/ford. Don’t drive distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice controls.

Some Ford Digital Experience features require a Connectivity plan. Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.

Auto Start-Stop may not shut your engine off if your vehicle battery is charging, the engine is still warming up, or if you are using heat or air conditioning.