Matchup
Ford Explorer vs Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Explorer Active 4WD against the 2026 Grand Highlander XLE AWD, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 24, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- The Explorer stops from 70 mph in 170 ft, 14 ft shorter than the Grand Highlander (184 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- In the trims shown, the Explorer costs $3,845 less: $44,380 against $48,225 for the Grand Highlander, destination included. PublishedValor FordPublishedToyota
- The Grand Highlander has 12.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 58.0 cu ft against 46.0 cu ft. PublishedThe Car ConnectionTestedCar and Driver
- The Grand Highlander seats 8; the Explorer seats 6. Published
At a glance
| Explorer | Grand Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $44,380PublishedValor Ford | $48,225PublishedToyota |
| Powertrain | 2.3 L EcoBoost turbocharged four with port and direct injection · Intelligent 4WD: rear-drive based, with an electronically controlled clutch to the front axle | 2.4 L turbocharged four (T24A-FTS) with port and direct injection · Dynamic Torque Control AWD (electromagnetic rear coupling) |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 6.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 7.0 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 170 ft (51.8 m)TestedCar and Driver | 184 ft (56.1 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 46.0 cu ft (1,303 L)PublishedThe Car Connection | 58.0 cu ft (1,642 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Large suitcases, packed | 8Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Ford | 8Simulatedfrom Toyota Canada |
| Seats | 6Published | 8Published |
| Crash ratings | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS Top Safety Pick | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS crash tests A/G/G |
Acceleration
The Explorer gets to 60 mph 0.8 s sooner: 6.2 s against 7.0 s.
| Explorer | Grand Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 300 hp (224 kW)PublishedFord | 265 hp (198 kW)PublishedToyota |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft (420 Nm)PublishedFord | 310 lb-ft (420 Nm)PublishedToyota Canada |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 6.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 7.0 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 6.4 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 6.6 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 4.7 sTestedCar and Driver | 4.9 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 14.9 sTestedCar and Driver | 15.3 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
The Explorer stops from 70 mph in 170 ft, 14 ft shorter than the Grand Highlander (184 ft).
| Explorer | Grand Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 170 ft (51.8 m)TestedCar and Driver | 184 ft (56.1 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 60–0 mph, tested | 127 ft (38.7 m)TestedMotorTrend | 127 ft (38.7 m)TestedMotorTrend |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 354 ft (108.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 376 ft (114.5 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 273 ft (83.1 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 287 ft (87.4 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 164 ft (50.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 174 ft (53.1 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
NHTSA puts the Explorer’s single-vehicle rollover risk lower: 15.1% risk against 17.4% risk for the Grand Highlander.
| Explorer | Grand Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | 4★ · 15.1% riskTestedNHTSA | 4★ · 17.4% riskTestedNHTSA |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulatedfrom NHTSA | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.25Simulatedfrom NHTSA | 1.21Simulated, estimated inputs |
Efficiency and running costs
No meaningful gap between the Explorer and the Grand Highlander on what we can measure here.
| Explorer | Grand Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $2,920/yrDerivedEPA | $2,920/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Drag coefficient | 0.35DerivedEPA | 0.38DerivedEPA |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
No meaningful gap between the Explorer and the Grand Highlander on what we can measure here.
| Explorer | Grand Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.81 gTestedCar and Driver | 0.80 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.81 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.80 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.27 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.25 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 38.7 ft (11.8 m)PublishedKBB | 38.1 ft (11.6 m)PublishedC/D specs |
| Ground clearance | 7.6 in (19 cm)PublishedFord | 8.0 in (20 cm)PublishedToyota Canada |
| Tires | Hankook Kinergy GT (H436) 255/65R18 111H · 255/65R18PublishedSimpleTire | Michelin Primacy All Season 255/65R18 111H · 255/65R18TestedCar and Driver |
Space, luggage and fit
The Grand Highlander has 12.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 58.0 cu ft against 46.0 cu ft.
| Explorer | Grand Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 6Published | 8Published |
| Large suitcases, packed | 8Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Ford | 8Simulatedfrom Toyota Canada |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 4Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Ford | 4Simulatedfrom Toyota Canada |
| Cargo behind the second row | 46.0 cu ft (1,303 L)PublishedThe Car Connection | 58.0 cu ft (1,642 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Cargo, seats folded | 85.8 cu ft (2,430 L)PublishedFord | 98.0 cu ft (2,775 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Towing | 5,000 lb (2,268 kg)PublishedFord | 5,000 lb (2,268 kg)PublishedToyota |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | +1.0 in (3 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +1.1 in (3 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +3.5 in (9 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +3.5 in (9 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +6.7 in (17 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +6.6 in (17 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +3.0 in (8 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +2.1 in (5 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +4.1 in (10 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +6.0 in (15 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | +0.5 in head · −0.2 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs | −0.5 in head · +1.7 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs |
| Front head room, published | 40.7 in (103 cm)PublishedFord | 40.0 in (102 cm)PublishedToyota Canada |
| Rear head room, published | 40.5 in (103 cm)PublishedFord | 38.5 in (98 cm)PublishedToyota Canada |
| Rear leg room, published | 37.5 in (95 cm)PublishedFord | 39.5 in (100 cm)PublishedToyota Canada |
Cabin noise
No meaningful gap between the Explorer and the Grand Highlander on what we can measure here.
| Explorer | Grand Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin sound at 70 mph | no data | 67 dBATestedCar and Driver |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the Explorer’s hood hides the first 25 ft of road; the Grand Highlander’s hides 27 ft.
| Explorer | Grand Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 25 ft (7.7 m)Simulated | 27 ft (8.3 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 41%Simulated | 37%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Grand Highlander and still stop inside the lit road is 82 mph; in the Explorer it’s 70 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction).
| Explorer | Grand Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | GoodTestedIIHS | AcceptableTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | 326 ft (99.5 m)TestedIIHS | 429 ft (130.9 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | 70 mph (113 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS | 82 mph (132 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | 576 ft (175.6 m)TestedIIHS | 467 ft (142.2 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
In the IIHS small overlap front test the Explorer rates Good and the Grand Highlander Acceptable.
| Explorer | Grand Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5★TestedNHTSA | 5★TestedNHTSA |
| IIHS small overlap front | GoodTestedIIHS | AcceptableTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS award | 2026 Top Safety PickPublishedIIHS | no data |
| Curb weight | 4,498 lb (2,040 kg)TestedCar and Driver | 4,446 lb (2,017 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
Ford Explorer
- The Explorer stops from 70 mph in 170 ft, 14 ft shorter than the Grand Highlander (184 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- In the trims shown, the Explorer costs $3,845 less: $44,380 against $48,225 for the Grand Highlander, destination included. PublishedValor FordPublishedToyota
- The Explorer gets to 60 mph 0.8 s sooner: 6.2 s against 7.0 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- NHTSA puts the Explorer’s single-vehicle rollover risk lower: 15.1% risk against 17.4% risk for the Grand Highlander. TestedNHTSATestedNHTSA
- From the driver’s seat the Explorer’s hood hides the first 25 ft of road; the Grand Highlander’s hides 27 ft. Simulated
- IIHS rates the Explorer’s headlights Good and the Grand Highlander’s Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- In the IIHS small overlap front test the Explorer rates Good and the Grand Highlander Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- The Explorer makes 35 hp more: 300 hp against 265 hp. PublishedFordPublishedToyota
- A 5-ft-11 rear passenger has +3.0 in of head room in the Explorer and +2.1 in in the Grand Highlander. Simulated, estimated inputs
Toyota Grand Highlander
- The Grand Highlander has 12.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 58.0 cu ft against 46.0 cu ft. PublishedThe Car ConnectionTestedCar and Driver
- The Grand Highlander seats 8; the Explorer seats 6. Published
- On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Grand Highlander and still stop inside the lit road is 82 mph; in the Explorer it’s 70 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
- IIHS measured the Grand Highlander’s low beams lighting the road 103 ft farther on a straightaway: 429 ft against 326 ft. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +6.0 in of knee room in the Grand Highlander and +4.1 in in the Explorer. Simulated, estimated inputs
Other trims
- Explorer Active 4WD · on this page
- Explorer ST 4WD
- Grand Highlander XLE AWD · on this page
- Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Limited
Keep comparing
- All the Ford Explorer figures
- All the Toyota Grand Highlander figures
- Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Traverse
- Ford Explorer vs Kia Telluride
- Ford Explorer vs Hyundai Palisade
- Toyota Grand Highlander vs Kia Telluride
- Toyota Grand Highlander vs Hyundai Palisade
- Toyota Grand Highlander vs Chevrolet Traverse
- Toyota Grand Highlander vs Lexus TX
Sources
- Car and Driver: 2020 Ford Explorer vs. 2020 Kia Telluride: comparison test (Explorer XLT AWD 2.3 L test data) (2019-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: The Larger 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hits the Mark (XLE AWD and Hybrid Max Platinum) (2023-08)
- Valor Ford: 2026 Ford Explorer trims and pricing: Ford MSRP by trim and $1,795 destination (dealer reproduction of Ford’s price list) (2026-10)
- Toyota: 2026 Grand Highlander trims and base MSRP; $1,595 delivery, processing and handling for Mid SUV/Van (2026-10)
- The Car Connection: 2026 Ford Explorer specifications (cargo volume to the 2nd and 3rd rows) (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Ford Explorer AWD 2.3 L (id 49907) and 3.0 L (id 49906) ratings (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander AWD LE/XLE (id 49938) and Hybrid MAX AWD (id 49937) ratings (2026-10)
- Ford Motor Company: 2026 Ford Explorer models and specs (dimensions, interior room, cargo, towing, engines) (2026-10)
- Toyota Canada: 2026 Grand Highlander Product Information (gear ratios, weights, battery, interior, cargo) (2026-10)
- Toyota USA Newsroom: Comfort and Style Mile After Mile in the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander (2025-07)
- MotorTrend: 2025 Ford Explorer Active RWD First Test (2026-10)
- MotorTrend: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Turbo First Test (Platinum AWD) (2023-08)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Ford Explorer Gas SUV 4WD (VehicleId 21405) (2026-10)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander SUV AWD (VehicleId 21683) (2026-10)
- US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (Ford Explorer coastdown targets) (2026-01)
- US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (Grand Highlander coastdown targets and axle ratios) (2026-01)
- Kelley Blue Book: 2026 Ford Explorer specs (turning diameter) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver (Chrome Data): 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander LE FWD features and specs (track, axle ratio, turning circle) (2026-10)
- SimpleTire: 2025 Ford Explorer OE tires by trim (Active: Hankook Kinergy GT H436 255/65R18 111H) (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 Ford Explorer 4-door SUV ratings (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander ratings (crash tests apply to 2024–26 or 2025–26) (2026-10)
- IIHS: IIHS pushes improvements in crash avoidance with 2026 awards (Mar 24, 2026) (2026-03)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.