2023 Highlander vs. Ford Explorer in Owensboro, KY

2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Ford Explorer

When you’re in the market for a spacious midsize SUV in Owensboro, KY, there’s no doubt that the 2023 Toyota Highlander or the 2023 Ford Explorer will find their way onto your list of contenders. There’s a lot to consider when purchasing your next vehicle. If you need a family-friendly SUV, it must offer balanced handling, a long list of standard features, a comfortable interior, and an intuitive infotainment system. While both the Highlander and Explorer have a lot to consider, only one of them has the right to be in your driveway, so let’s take the time to compare them bumper to bumper to find your future SUV.

Once you’ve decided which SUV you want, come see us at Don Moore Toyota in Owensboro, KY. Our team is here to help you through the car-buying process, so make sure you contact us if you have any questions. You can also check out our new vehicle inventory when you visit our dealership for even more possibilities, and don’t hesitate to ask us about our new vehicle deals.

Updates for 2023

The Toyota Highlander introduces some impressive updates to the 2023 model, which includes the V6 engine being replaced by a turbo-four engine. The infotainment system on the Limited and Platinum trims was also updated to include the optional 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch display. In addition, the Highlander shuffled some standard features among different trims, with the XLE and XSE trims now having the option to add a hands-free power-operated rear liftgate, and select trim levels have the option to add power-folding exterior mirrors.

The Ford Explorer remains primarily unchanged for the 2023 model year; however, it does see a new Red Jewel Metallic color being added to the exterior paint color lineup.

Interior

The Toyota Highlander can seat between seven to eight passengers depending on the second-row configuration. The Highlander can seat eight passengers with the second-row bench seat and seven with the second-row captain’s chairs. This SUV also comes standard with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and cloth upholstery. There are also several optional features available on the Highlander, including features not offered on the Explorer, like heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row outboard seats.

The Highlander and the Explorer are both equipped with plenty of cargo space to hold items such as luggage and groceries, and both have a standard 8-inch touchscreen. The Highlander’s optional 12.3-inch touchscreen is larger than the Explorer’s 10.1-inch touchscreen.

The Ford Explorer is also offered as a three-row SUV; however, critics found the third was cramped and more suited to children.

Performance

The Toyota Highlander is powered by a peppy 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 310 lb-ft of torque and is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander also comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available. The eight-speed automatic transmission is responsive and smoothly shifts between gears, and the turbocharged 4-cylinder accelerates with ease to quickly pass and merge on the highway.

The Ford Explorer has two powertrain options, with the base engine being a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. Both engines are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission; however, critics found that it struggled in lower gears. Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available. While the Explorer has fairly confident handling, critics thought it wasn’t responsive enough when turning.

The Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer get reasonable fuel efficiency estimates and have similar towing capacities.

Find a Deal on the Highlander in Owensboro, KY

If the 2023 Toyota Highlander sounds like the midsize SUV you’ve been looking for, then come see us at Don Moore Toyota, and our team will help you get a test drive of this SUV. Ask us about available new vehicle deals, and check out our new vehicle inventory when you visit. You can also check out our easy-to-use payment calculator that helps you get an estimate of your monthly payment. Our dealership is conveniently located at 4216 Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY, 42301. We can’t wait to get you behind the wheel of your dream vehicle, so come see us today.