Explorer vs Highlander advice?

[JWEBB]

Highlander all the way hands down!

[Timberstalker]

Highlander all the way hands down!

Hard to beat a Toyota!
Although I have heard great things about the Explorers.

[Skyvalhunter]

Just remember 2018 Toyota is going to all these sensors on all there vehicles. This is something to consider when thinking about lifting them

[thinkingman]

Toyota/Lexus are the most overrrated vehicles on the road.
Only buy the Highlander for the styling.  The quality/design is mediocre at best.
Explorers have great drivetrains and the interior quality and design really stands up over time.

[jackelope]

Can I ask why you perfer 4wd vs awd?

I guess just because her last car ate tires so bad. Thanks for all the replies everybody, sounds like both are good for the most part

Tire rotations every 5k miles might help that if you weren't doing it. AWD is usually just a front wheel drive until they slip, then the transfer of power happens to the back wheels. So unless the front wheels are spinning without traction, you're pretty much driving a front wheel drive car.

Have you driven the 2 vehicles to compare?
 

[Alchase]

Highlander is considered a mid-sized SUV while the Explorer is considered a large SUV.

Here is a pretty decent comparison of both for 2018:

https://www.asburyauto.com/compare/2018-toyota-highlander-vs-2018-ford-explorer/149374

[Alchase]

I have to admit, I like the look of the Explorer better, as far as that goes.

[jackelope]

 
The Explorer base headlights definitely suck. The upgraded lights they come with are pretty amazing though. I swapped out the bulbs in ours to an aftermarket bulb and made a notable improvement for ~$50.

[Mtnwalker]

Can I ask why you perfer 4wd vs awd?

I guess just because her last car ate tires so bad. Thanks for all the replies everybody, sounds like both are good for the most part

Tire rotations every 5k miles might help that if you weren't doing it. AWD is usually just a front wheel drive until they slip, then the transfer of power happens to the back wheels. So unless the front wheels are spinning without traction, you're pretty much driving a front wheel drive car.

Have you driven the 2 vehicles to compare?

We rotated very regularly. I think part of it had to do with the camber of her old rig. But yes we drove both and really like both. We like the styling of the explorer better but also know that toyotas are great rigs. They both drive very nice, but this is sort of an emergency purchase because her car threw a rod so it's pretty much toast so we are dealing with a budget of under 20k

[luckyman]

Does either one sit on a frame?

[jackelope]

Does either one sit on a frame?

No
The Explorer is a sub frame front and rear. I bet the Toyota is similar.

[Old Man Yager]

Own older Toyotas, and they just won't die!!

[b23]

The Highlander is a "Crossover" the Explorer is an SUV.  Like I said before, one is more car like than it is SUV and the other is more SUV and less car like.

IMO, if it is nearly always going to be used as a grocery getter and the most you'll use it for is hauling the kids to soccer games and such, the Highlander will likely be the perfect fit, but if you are looking for something that you'll use for things slightly more rugged, the Explorer will probably be a better fit for you.

[JWEBB]

Toyota/Lexus are the most overrrated vehicles on the road.
Only buy the Highlander for the styling.  The quality/design is mediocre at best.
Explorers have great drivetrains and the interior quality and design really stands up over time.

Really? The styling? The highlander will outwork and outlast the explorer with out a doubt. I have owned both in the last couple years and the Ford can’t even compete with the Toyota. I drive an f350 diesel daily, but trust me in the suv department Toyota is the only option.

[greenhead_killer]

I’ve always had great fortune with Toyota’s and will always go that route if I can. We currently own three and have always had great results. My wife has a sequoia now and when it’s time to sell will probably go Highlander. Remember Lexus IS just the fancy Toyota brand