The Ford Explorer was one of the first vehicles that helped bring about the modern SUV era—when utility vehicles evolved to be more comfortable and practical for on-road and family use. Today, the long-running midsize three-row SUV remains a top contender in the segment it helped popularize more than three decades ago. The 2022 Ford Explorer is comfortable, convenient, and capable, with spacious and cozy seating, myriad amenities, and plentiful power under the hood. And with numerous trim levels, options, and engines to choose from, it's easy to find the configuration that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
The 2022 Explorer is one of the most well-rounded and appealing models in its segment. To give you an example, here's a quick look at how it compares in a few important areas to another prominent class competitor, the Toyota Highlander.
2022 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: Accommodations
The 2022 Explorer is impressively spacious, making great use of its interior dimensions. While only four inches longer than the Highlander, it offers nearly 12 cubic feet more passenger volume. This difference translates to more personal space for your passengers, with considerably more shoulder room and hip room. The disparity is particularly noticeable in the Explorer's third row, where occupants will have 4.5 more inches of legroom than the Highlander.
2022 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: Utility
Extra cargo space is one of the main advantages of buying an SUV, and both models deliver plenty in this area. However, the Ford Explorer has the edge, offering 18.2 cubic feet with all seats in use and up to 87.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Toyota Highlander has 16 cubic feet behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet behind the first.
For items that won't fit inside, the Ford Explorer offers standard roof rails on all but the base trim and has a max tow rating of 5,600 pounds when properly equipped. The Highlander requires climbing higher up the trim ladder for roof rails, and its max tow rating tops out at 5,000 pounds.
2022 Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander: Performance
The Explorer's base 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine is one of the quickest in the segment, sending 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander's 3.5-liter V-6 makes similar horsepower (295) but falls behind in torque (263 lb-ft), and its 8-speed transmission and front-wheel-drive layout make it not as satisfying to drive.
Want a family-friendly SUV with more gusto? The Explore ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims equip a robust 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Or you can get a 318-horsepower hybrid powertrain for Limited and Platinum models. The Toyota Highlander only offers one other engine, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid with a comparatively languid 243 horsepower.
Test-Drive a New Ford Explorer in Manteca
Get in touch with Phil Waterford's Manteca Ford for more information about the latest Ford models, their configurations and financing opportunities, and custom ordering options. If you'd like to experience the Ford Explorer's amenities, accommodations, and driving dynamics firsthand, we welcome you to stop by our Ford dealership on North Main Street in Manteca, where you can get behind the wheel for a test drive. We'd love to give you a tour.