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Three-row crossovers are plentiful, with popular nameplates available, such as the 2024 Toyota Highlander and the 2024 Ford Explorer. That’s because the three-row crossover is a logical step from a two-row compact or subcompact crossover. Many of these vehicles fit in the midsize segment, making them easier to drive and park in urban settings.
Evaluating the myriad choices available can be challenging. That’s why we will help you with our Highlander vs. Explorer comparison. We’ll check out each three-row crossover’s performance, safety, and interior offerings. Then, you’ll know which one is a better option.
Contact us at Bob Tyler Toyota in Pensacola, FL, to check out the 2024 Toyota Highlander. We’ll help you pick the right trim and specification for your needs.
The 2024 Toyota Highlander and the 2024 Ford Explorer are three-row crossovers, but the Highlander can seat eight occupants. This is one more than the 2024 Explorer’s maximum capacity, and it is surprising since the Explorer is a longer vehicle. Both vehicles also offer a captain chair arrangement that reduces passenger capacity by one.
The captain chair arrangement is useful if you’ve got elderly folks living with you or tall teenagers to ferry around. It substitutes the bench seat in the second row for two individual seats that you can separately adjust. This pairs well with the leather upholstery available on higher trims of either vehicle. The 2024 Highlander also includes a powered tilt-and-slide sunroof on higher trims.
As a shorter vehicle overall, the 2024 Highlander’s trunk is slightly smaller than the 2024 Explorer. It can accommodate 16 cubic feet of cargo with all three rows in use. When you fold the third row, the Highlander’s trunk capacity rises to 48 cubic feet. And if you need to transport something like a flat-screen TV or flat-pack wardrobe, you can also fold the second row for 84 cubic feet of space.
Both midsize three-row crossovers have automatic climate control with dual-zone or tri-zone functionality and rear air vents. They also have Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, controlled via touchscreen infotainment systems. The 2024 Highlander is available with a 12.3-inch screen on higher trims plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer only offers a 10.1-inch screen.
Finally, if you appreciate good music, you’ll want to hear it from the 2024 Highlander’s 11-speaker JBL system. On the other hand, the 2024 Explorer offers a 12-speaker B&O system. You can also choose a rear entertainment system and a wireless phone charger for either three-row crossover.
Toyota offers the 2024 Highlander with two powertrain choices. The first choice is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that debuted in 2023. This engine develops 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Some trims get steering wheel-mounted paddles to allow the driver to select gears manually.
The Highlander also offers a hybrid powertrain with a CVT gearbox. This comprises a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. The system can produce 243 horsepower.
The 2024 Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive. But buyers can specify a dynamic all-wheel drive system. The system can send up to 50% of power to the rear axle, then split it further, sending more power to the wheel with the best traction. Furthermore, choosing an all-wheel drive adds a four-mode drive selector. The Multi-Terrain Select system provides Normal, Snow, Rock & Dirt, and Mud & Sand modes.
Drivers seeking a sportier driving experience with more dynamic handling and sharper turn-in can choose the XSE trim. This trim gets a rear stabilizer bar, sport-tuned springs, and special shock absorbers. Impressively, the increased handling thrills don’t cause a noticeable decline in ride comfort.
On the other hand, Ford offers buyers two trim-dependent powertrains for the 2024 Explorer range. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit. This engine makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Then, there’s a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 with 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine receives the same gearbox. All trims come with rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is optional.
Every 2024 Toyota Highlander comes with the Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ package of active and passive safety systems. Highlights include forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and full-speed range dynamic radar-guided cruise control. You’ll also get lane tracing assist, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Meanwhile, the 2024 Explorer doesn’t offer all these safety features as standard; some are options.
The 2024 Toyota Highlander is an outstanding choice for a three-row crossover. If you choose it, you’ll enjoy its pleasant cabin, punchy powertrain choices, and excellent safety features. All that remains is to visit Bob Tyler Toyota in Pensacola, FL, and take a test drive. Then, we’ll help you with trade-ins, financing, and more.
