2024 Toyota Grand Highlander vs Ford Explorer

An SUV allows you to cruise in comfort and style. Two great options are the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Ford Explorer, both of which are coming out with new 2024 models. Our staff members at Performance Toyota in Fairfield, Ohio, are experts at dealing with new Toyota models and are ready for the Grand Highlander and all the perks it has to offer. Here’s some more information about the 2024 Grand Highlander and how it compares to the 2024 Ford Explorer.

Meet the 2024 Grand Toyota Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Highlander maintains many of the fan-favorite features as previous Highlanders, such as comfortable seating and great fuel economy. It comes in seven trim levels, each of which comes equipped with unique upgrades to ensure a delightful ride and sleek style. Details about the features in each trim level are as follows:

XLE

The base trim level XLE comes with 18-inch silver painted wheels, LED head and taillights, and leather-trimmed seats. There’s also Digital Key capability, so you can unlock your doors directly from your mobile device. Other key features include a 10-year trial subscription to Toyota’s Safety Connect and Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+, which contains a variety of safety warnings and controls. For example, there’s adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system, and frontal collision mitigation that alerts you to potential accidents before they happen and even brakes for you in emergencies.

Limited

The Limited trim level adds even more features to make your drive convenient, such as two 120-volt auxiliary AC power outlets. The liftgate is also height-adjustable and hands-free for easy cargo loading. For an elevated style, there’s a leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel.

Platinum

Even more luxurious than the LE, the Platinum trim includes a power tilt panoramic roof with a power sunshade. On the interior, there’s a 10-iunch Head-Up Display with a speedometer and Road Sign Assist, as well as heated and ventilated second-row outboard seats. You’ll also enjoy a rear lower bumper with a dark gray finish for a metallic, stylish look.

Hybrid XLE

The Hybrid XLE is the first option in a line of four hybrid trims. It offers the option of either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Hybrid FWD or AWD engine, both of which come with an adjustable power liftgate with jam protection.

Hybrid Limited

After the Hybrid XLE comes the Hybrid Limited, which offers the same luxuries as the previous trim along with extra perks. For example, there are rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers that are washer linked, and a variable rear wiper. You can also appreciate the same metallic gray front and rear bumpers as the gas-powered Limited. For added visibility and safety in any weather, there are power-folding heated outside mirrors that have blind spot warning signals to alert you in case of a potential collision. This model only comes with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder Hybrid AWD engine.

Hybrid MAX Limited

The next trim level is the Hybrid MAX Limited, which improves even further on the previous Limited trim. Additional luxuries that the Hybrid MAX Limited offers include a leather-trimmed heated tilt steering wheel with paddle shifters, Ultrasuede upholstery for the front and second-row seats, and ventilation and heating for the front-row seats.

Hybrid MAX Platinum

The highest trim level for the 2024 Grand Highlander is the Hybrid MAX Platinum trim. Like the gas-powered version of the Platinum, this model includes all the features from previous trims along with heated and ventilated second-row seats and the power tilt panoramic roof.

Breaking it Down: 2024 Highlander & 2024 Explorer Differences

Here’s a comparison of the key features of the 2024 Toyota Highlander and 2024 Ford Explorer:

Performance

In terms of performance, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is ready for all kinds of adventures. The base trim uses a four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine that can achieve 265 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission, making it easy to switch gears. The vehicle also comes in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, so you can choose the option that best fits the terrain you drive on the most.

There are three options for engines on the 2024 Ford Explorer, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a 3-liter EcoBoost V-6 option that achieves 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. For the hybrid option, there’s a 3.3-liter hybrid V-6 engine that reaches 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque. Drivers can choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, depending on whether they want more capability for off-roading.

Interior

The interior of the 2024 Grand Highlander contains a huge variety of technological perks. For example, there’s wireless connectivity that allows users to connect to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, no matter which trim level you choose. The various trims of this vehicle also allow for a luxurious interior with leather seats and folding 60/40 split seats in the back passenger rows.

For the 2024 Explorer, the interior is customizable, as drivers can choose between captain’s chairs or a bench in the middle row. There’s also an 8-inch screen, which you can upgrade to 10.4 inches if you want more screen space. In terms of comfort features, there are three rows of seats that can fit seven people and all of their luggage, as well as a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Exterior

Longstanding fans of Toyota vehicles can immediately recognize the powerful style of the 2024 Grand Highlander, as it appears similar to past beloved models. This includes a large front grille and inset headlights. If you opt for a higher trim level, like the Limited, you can get LED daytime running lights and fog lamps, as well as 20-inch wheels.

The 2024 Explorer also has a striking appearance, with LED headlights set further out on the front grille. Hidden exhaust tips also make for a sleeker look, and some trim levels come with chrome accents.

Interested in Your Own Toyota?

These are all the most exciting features of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2024 Ford Explorer. Does the Grand Highlander sound perfect for you? If you’re interested in the Highlander or any other new Toyota vehicle, visit us at Performance Toyota in Fairfield so we can bring you up close and personal with great new and used models. You can also contact us with specific questions about the Highlander or other Toyota vehicles and parts.