2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The Explorer King Ranch, our test vehicle, featured four-wheel drive, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing its MSRP to $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems and shiny 20-inch wheels, the top-trim Explorer didn't visually stand out much from other models. Its rear-drive platform allowed for a long hood and athletic appearance, while the interior boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with King Ranch branding. However, the cabin exhibited a mix of quality materials, sometimes betraying its near $60,000 price tag.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid started at $41,995, including a $1,335 destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Our test vehicle, a top Platinum trim with all-wheel drive, had an MSRP of $54,718. The Highlander Hybrid's design was over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety. Inside, the cabin featured large elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and big climate control knobs, but mismatched textures and tones made it visually jarring. The interior quality was questionable, with inexpensive-feeling controls and storage areas. However, the Highlander Hybrid was remarkably quiet on the road, thanks to acoustic front window glass in the Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available. It had a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and achieved up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine with electric motors for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs and returning up to 27 mpg. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, delivered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with a maximum of 21 mpg. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain well, and it felt athletic in daily driving.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The electric motors assisted acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power, and towing 3,500 pounds seemed impractical. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an optimistic Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but the test vehicle averaged 28.7 mpg, below the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The Highlander Hybrid's ride was soft, with a compliant suspension, but it lacked engagement and excitement.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was best for children due to limited space. The King Ranch trim featured triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, but the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for practical storage solutions. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight people, but the third-row seat was best for occasional use. Standard equipment included three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The front seats offered power adjustment, but more thigh support was desired. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, with sunshades for rear passengers. The third-row seat was challenging to access and uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander had a useful dashboard shelf and a wireless smartphone charger, but storage areas were unlined. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The King Ranch trim included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system's voice recognition was outdated, struggling with navigation and music requests. The King Ranch also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum trims featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected service plans included Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant, cloud-based navigation, and live human assistance. The test vehicle had a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. The Toyota Audio Multimedia platform was user-friendly, but graphics could be improved.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, but NHTSA ratings were incomplete. It featured Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The safety systems operated smoothly, with occasional steering wheel sensitivity issues.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign assist. Hybrids also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS worked well, with occasional issues on rural roads. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.