What’s the difference between the 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid? Although both three-row crossovers were designed to make family hauling more efficient, only one is also meant for maximum adventure. Let’s take a closer look.
Max Efficiency: 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
If you’re looking for a three-row crossover that will help you save the absolute most at the pump, check out the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. With standard front-wheel drive, Toyota’s three-row crossover earns up to 36 mpg combined (36 city/35 highway).
The Ford Explorer Hybrid isn’t quite as thrifty, with max EPA ratings of 27 mpg combined (27/28 mpg). However, as we’ll see, this family-friendly crossover was meant more for adventure, balancing hybrid efficiency with sporty power.
Sporty Performance: 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid
The Highlander might be the thriftier hybrid, but the Explorer has all the fun. Not only does it come standard with more power, but the Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive platform means a sportier ride on a curvy road. It also means greater towing capabilities; the Explorer Hybrid can tow up to 5,000 pounds. For more traction on the trail, this Ford crossover offers optional all-wheel drive.
The Highlander is more of a typical car-based crossover, with standard front-wheel drive. Its continuously variable transmission is focused more on providing efficiency than delivering a sporty performance. The Highlander can’t tow quite as big a boat, either, maxing out at 3,500 pounds.
2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid powertrain specs include:
- 3.3L hybrid engine (318 total horsepower)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
- 5,000 lbs. max towing
2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid powertrain specs include:
- 2.5L hybrid engine (243 total horsepower)
- Continuously variable transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
- 3,500 lbs. max towing
Interior Space and Comfort: 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid
Compared to the Highlander Hybrid cabin, the Explore Hybrid offers a few extra inches of passenger space with wider seats in both rows. It’s also the better option for cargo hauling, with 18.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats (and 87.8 cubic feet total with both rows of rear seats folded down).
That said, the Toyota Highlander is also roomy and comfortable, even if its three-row cabin is a few inches narrower. If you haul a lot of gear on a regular basis, you might not be able to live with the Highlander’s 16 cubic feet of cargo space (84.3 cubes total).
Both of these hybrid crossovers come in a variety of trim models, which means there are a lot of luxury options available. You can equip either of these three-row crossovers with enticing features like leather upholstery, heated seats, and a sunroof.
Technology: It’s a Tie!
Here, the 2022 Ford Hybrid Explorer and Toyota Highlander have just about everything in common. For instance, these hybrid crossovers come standard with their own lists of driver safety aids, both of which include forward collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring. Even these crossovers’ infotainment systems are similar, offering up 8-inch central touchscreens and smartphone connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Choose Your Hybrid SUV
With its fun-loving performance and road-trip-ready cabin, the 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid is our first choice. Drive home in this midsize three-row crossover SUV for the perfect balance of sporty capabilities and fuel economy.