Overview
The 2022 Ford Explorer offers almost a dozen trims and comes equipped with tons of standard driver-assist features and a hybrid powertrain. To compete, the 2022 Toyota Highlander added a Hybrid Bronze Edition to the lineup with 18-inch wheels. Let’s compare the two.
Trims
2022 Ford Explorer:
- Base: $35,505
- XLT: $39,815
- ST-Line: $47,005
- Limited: $48,315
- Timberline: $49,065
- ST: $50,005
- Limited Hybrid: $51,000
- Platinum: $53,620
- King Ranch: $54,875
- Platinum Hybrid: $55,000
2022 Toyota Highlander:
- L: $37,190
- LE: $39,390
- Hybrid LE: $40,890
- XLE: $42,390
- Hybrid XLE: $43,890
- XSE: $43,895
- Hybrid XLE Bronze Edition: $45,915
- Limited: $46,345
- Hybrid Limited: $47,845
- Platinum: $49,345
- Hybrid Platinum: $50,845
Power
The 2022 Ford Explorer gets its power from a 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower or a 3-liter V6 with even more power at 400 hp for the King Ranch and Platinum trims.The hybrid engine is a combination of an electric motor with a 3.3-liter V-6 that makes 318 hp. In terms of fuel economy, the hybrid gets about 27/29 mpg and the 4-cylinder 20/27 mpg. The 3-liter V-6 gets about 24 mpg combined. The 2022 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds.
In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 paired to an 8-speed automatic that makes only 295 horses. The hybrid engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder paired to two electric motors to produce 243 hp. It is paired to a CVT and both engines can be had with front or all-wheel drive. The first engine gets 21/29 mpg, while the hybrid gets 36/35 mpg.
Tech
2022 Ford Explorer:
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Rotary controller
- Navigation
- Apple carplay/Android auto
- Wifi hotspot
- Rear-seat entertainment system
- B&O sound system
- Optional 10.1-inch vertical screen
2022 Toyota Highlander:
- 8-12.3-inch infotainment system
- SiriusXM radio
- 4G LTE WIFI hotspot
- Apple carplay/Android auto/Amazon Alexa
- Optional 11-speaker JBL audio system
Safety
2022 Ford Explorer:
- Standard automatic emergency braking & forward collision warning
- Standard lane keep assist with lane departure warning
- Standard blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
2022 Toyota Highlander:
- Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard lane departure warning with lane keep assist
Conclusion
The 2022 Ford Explorer and 2022 Toyota Highlander are very similar in terms of driver-assist features and numerous trim options but the Explorer is going to get you a better combination in a stylish package. With good fuel-efficiency, towing capabilities and economical pricing, it is a strong contender for your next vehicle. Come take a look today.