Every 2026 Ford Explorer pairs a 10-speed automatic with rear-wheel drive as standard and Intelligent 4WD as an option, except the Tremor, which comes with Intelligent 4WD standard. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and the Explorer ST steps up to a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 rated at 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. The Terrain Management System offers up to six drive modes, and EPA estimates reach 20 city/29 highway MPG with the 2.3-liter and rear-wheel drive.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander spreads across three powertrains instead of two. Its 2.4-liter turbocharged four makes 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft through an 8-speed automatic, the 2.5-liter hybrid produces 245 net combined horsepower through an ECVT, and the Hybrid MAX delivers 362 net combined horsepower and 400 net combined lb-ft through a 6-speed automatic with standard all-wheel drive. Electrification is the Grand Highlander's clearest advantage, with the front-drive hybrid rated at an EPA-estimated 36 combined MPG. The Explorer answers with more peak output at the top of the range and a chassis tuned to send power rearward first.

Ford rebuilt the Explorer's cabin technology around a single large display, and the result is a 13.2-inch center touchscreen standard on every trim alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Ford Digital Experience brings Google built-in, with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play built into the dash. A Ford Connectivity Package with a 5G modem is standard, BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is available, and a B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen is offered as a 10-speaker system or a 980-watt, 14-speaker package.

Toyota makes a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen standard on every Grand Highlander grade. Behind the wheel, LE and XLE grades use analog gauges with a 7-inch color display, while a 12.3-inch digital cluster arrives on Limited and Platinum grades. Audio steps up to an 11-speaker JBL Premium system on Limited and above, and a 10-inch head-up display is reserved for Platinum all-wheel-drive grades. Toyota's Traffic Jam Assist adds hands-free control on the Platinum grade, but only in stop-and-go freeway traffic at speeds up to 25 mph and only with a Drive Connect subscription.

Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is standard on Explorer Active trims, and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 covers ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering handles interstate stretches along I-74, while BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert extends coverage behind a trailer. Trailer Sway Control is standard, a 360-degree camera is available, and Hill Descent Control comes with four-wheel-drive models.

Toyota makes Safety Sense 3.0 standard on all 14 Grand Highlander configurations, and it bundles the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Lane Tracing Assist on every grade. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is also standard across the lineup. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is reserved for Limited and Platinum grades. The practical difference is that Toyota standardizes more of its suite while Ford offers hands-free driving the Grand Highlander cannot match.

The Explorer seats up to seven, and second-row captain's chairs are standard on most trims, which makes third-row access easier for the school run. Cargo measures 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 85.8 cubic feet with both rows folded. Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard and a PowerFold third row comes on ST and Platinum.

The Grand Highlander was engineered around third-row space: 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.9 cubic feet behind the second, and 97.5 cubic feet maximum. An eight-passenger second-row bench is standard on LE grades and optional on XLE and Limited, while Platinum is a seven-seater only. On maximum cargo volume, the Grand Highlander wins outright. The Explorer counters with captain's chairs standard across most of its lineup and tri-zone climate on every trim.

At 198.7 inches long on a 119.1-inch wheelbase and 78.9 inches wide without mirrors, the Explorer puts more distance between its axles than the Grand Highlander does. Ground clearance runs from 7.6 to 8.7 inches depending on trim, and the Tremor adds a 24.1-degree approach angle with off-road hardware. A Class III Trailer Tow Package is standard on every trim, and both engines are rated to pull up to 5,000 pounds.

The Grand Highlander measures 201.4 inches long on a 116.1-inch wheelbase, 78.3 inches wide and 72.1 inches tall, with 8.0 inches of ground clearance. It is the longer vehicle overall but rides on the shorter wheelbase of the two. Towing splits by powertrain: the 2.4-liter gas model and the Hybrid MAX are each rated at 5,000 pounds, while the 2.5-liter hybrid drops to 3,500 pounds. Toyota does not publish a payload figure for the Grand Highlander. Stop by our showroom near Peoria, IL to walk both and see which proportions suit your driveway.