2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Ford Explorer presented a familiar design approach, reminiscent of Ford's historical branding strategy. Its exterior was sporty, with raked belt lines and distinctive visages that set it apart from other brands. The Explorer offered six trim levels, each with varying grille designs and price points, ranging from $32,925 to $52,730. Inside, it featured three rows of seating as standard, with a clean dashboard and an 8-inch LCD touchscreen. The XLT trim was popular, offering enhanced features like a power front passenger seat and a 6.5-inch instrument panel screen.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, giving it a rugged appearance. However, its design felt disjointed, with a swooping character line that added unnecessary visual weight. Inside, the asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element and a high-mounted infotainment touchscreen. The Bronze Edition introduced a light grey fabric upholstery with a triangle motif, which was less practical for families. The Softex synthetic leather was standard on most trims, with genuine leather reserved for the top trims.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, weighing 4,345 pounds, offered a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Limited Hybrid trim increased power to 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque in the Explorer ST. Towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT. It offered standard FWD, with optional AWD via an electric motor. The Highlander Hybrid reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds. The ride was soft, with a quiet cabin, but the engine's drone during acceleration was noticeable. Braking was smooth, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes.

The 2021 Ford Explorer accommodated seven passengers, with captain’s chairs reducing capacity to six in higher trims. It offered 39 inches of second-row legroom and 21 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 81 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured well-cushioned front seats and spacious second-row seats with sliding and reclining capabilities. It offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats stowed. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips.

The 2021 Ford Explorer came with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. Higher trims included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Charging options included USB ports and 12-volt power points, with a wireless charging pad available from the Limited trim.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for top trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. XLE trims and above offered a wireless charging pad, with navigation and a JBL audio system standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with Ford Co-Pilot360 technology standard. This included features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, available on higher trims, added adaptive cruise control and lane centering.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. The Platinum trim offered a surround view camera and adaptive headlights.