I was in DC recently and uber driver had a 1st gen highlander hybrid with 500+K miles. We put 150k miles on our 2012 HH Limited awd and traded it in for a 2021 HH Platinum awd and still got $15k on the trade in. I drive the 2021 aggressively and get 32mpg highway even with tow package and grippy Nokian WRG4 suv tires. Only time I got under 20mpg was towing 3500lbs
I feel that the screen placement on highlander blocks the driver vision somehow and the one on explorer is little lower placed, so i feel that driver vision outside front windscreen is more clearer in exolorer compared to highlander. Is it like that or only my feeling?
I am liking the explorer. Some really intuitive tech. But I asked myself: how will this ride hold up 8 years from now? I ended up buying platinum highlander hybrid. Loving it more every day.
As a highlander owner I agree, but is not a lot... the comfort and room in the explorer is better, drove one cause my highlander was in the body shop and I loved the ride in the explorer
This is a great and honest review. Nice job! So many reviewers barely mention that you can feel the transition from electric to gas in the Ford Explorer. I have driven both and though I have never found Toyota Hybrid products to be seamless the Ford is a few generations behind making it very clunky and annoying as you can not be smooth with it. There is not enough electric power to get the vehicle moving from a stop in electric so you get a jarring in the powertrain as the gas motor starts up. Ford did a much better job with the Escape so why not put in the same effort with the Explorer? I personally would choose the Highlander as it is the vehicle with a smoother ride, quieter and more comfortable interior and it gets much better gas mileage. But my bosses chose the Explorer and I am the one stuck driving it! The only reasons to choose the Explorer is if you need the interior space or towing capacity.
You're comparing 2 hybrids! Did I miss the mpg comparison between the 2? It would make sense that this would the first thing that hybrid buyers would look at.
This is the 4th review I have watched and none of the reviewers offered insight about the actual towing capabilities. Towing is mentioned, but the nature of the integrated towing features in the Explorer versus the dealer installed aftermarket tow package on the Highlander made the Explorer seem more convincing as a towing vehicle for my boat and my camper. Also, I actually need to evaluate towing with these hybrids vs. classic all gas engines... not sure even what to ask but I need help to make a choice between these two.
Alex, did you ever decide? I also want to tow a small camper and I want the Highlander Hybrid, but the max of 3500 is making me feel unsure. Plus the tow is installed locally by the dealer and doesn't come from factory. I wish we had better options for fuel efficiency but more towing capability.
@@JimmyMak oh.. so basically anytime the vehicle is in motion, the gasoline motor is always running? I was lead to believe the vehicle would be able to move for about 40km (give or take) using pure battery power (if fully 'charged') - and then once the battery is depleted, the gasoline motor turns on to continue the journey..
@@jaxxbee not on these. You’re speaking in regards to plug in hybrid. Being a regular hybrid the engine isn’t always on. For example sometimes cruising or coming to a stop the engine would shut off and the electric motor can take over. Not not for too long.
@@JimmyMak Oh ok, I think I understand now. From your explanation, I basically have to narrow my SUV search down to 'plug-in hybrid' - whereby the vehicle can drive a certain amount of KM's (i.e. 50km for example) solely on battery power/charge before the combustion engine turns on. Based of my search criteria, what plug-in hybrid SUVs may you recommend that can give me a 40+ KM battery range before the gasoline motor turns on?
I know that aesthetics are not part of your review, but I can't get past the fact that the swoop on the Highlander reminds me of the PT Cruiser that I always felt was a horrible look.
I’ve driven both of these as V6 engines and I agree they are very similar. The Ford was slightly larger but it doesn’t really feel like it until you get to the 3rd row. I went with the highlander because it turned out to be much cheaper than the Ford I test drove. I’m loving the Toyota though! It feels more responsive and elegant especially on the platinum trim. Had the Ford been cheaper than the highlander I may have went that direction.
The Ford with its’ V-6 Hybrid will outlast the Toyota 4 cylinder Hybrid. When I load my family of 6 and pull a boat I want a vehicle that can actually do the job. If you want “a wanna be minivan”, then the Toyota is for you and your car seats 💺. One is a workhorse, while the other is a car seat daycare. Hands down, take the Ford!!! A blind man can see this!
Most people don't get a hybrid for towing though... With that said, I'll take the cheap materials and crapper gas in the better looking Explorer over the boring Toyota to join the Palisade in our driveway...
The Explorer is built to tow and will do a much better job of it. It is also larger to handle your family of 6 that's for sure! But the Toyota will definitely last longer!
There’s absolutely no comparison between the Highlander and the Found Dead On Road F.O.R.D. Because my 2016 highlander Hybrid was sold to Africa for 25% of it’s MSRP at 751,000 km that’s almost 500K miles. Original Engine, transmission and everything. If you clean the High Voltage battery’s mesh filters (9mm bolt, and rinse with soapy water) as well as pay a pro to get under the 2nd row seats clean the HV fans, the HV batt will last to 1mill km as well. Never ever compare Japanese Design & Engineering KIAZEN way to a STOP & START OVER Korean manufacturing or ‘I hate my job’ American plant culture, or TGIF American engineering.
I was in DC recently and uber driver had a 1st gen highlander hybrid with 500+K miles. We put 150k miles on our 2012 HH Limited awd and traded it in for a 2021 HH Platinum awd and still got $15k on the trade in. I drive the 2021 aggressively and get 32mpg highway even with tow package and grippy Nokian WRG4 suv tires. Only time I got under 20mpg was towing 3500lbs
I feel that the screen placement on highlander blocks the driver vision somehow and the one on explorer is little lower placed, so i feel that driver vision outside front windscreen is more clearer in exolorer compared to highlander. Is it like that or only my feeling?
I am liking the explorer. Some really intuitive tech. But I asked myself: how will this ride hold up 8 years from now?
I ended up buying platinum highlander hybrid. Loving it more every day.
And you won’t regret it
Still holding its value !
Well organised and presented.
Appreciate it!
The Highlander will hold it's value better than the explorer.
De cuanto % estamos hablando en los 2 vehiculos?
As a highlander owner I agree, but is not a lot... the comfort and room in the explorer is better, drove one cause my highlander was in the body shop and I loved the ride in the explorer
Which would you choose? Explorer? Highlander? Sorrento?
@@ymlccc perfectly reasonable!
Highlander all day..?!! I hate taking my cars into the dealer for many repairs
Explorer ST ❤️
This is a great and honest review. Nice job!
So many reviewers barely mention that you can feel the transition from electric to gas in the Ford Explorer. I have driven both and though I have never found Toyota Hybrid products to be seamless the Ford is a few generations behind making it very clunky and annoying as you can not be smooth with it. There is not enough electric power to get the vehicle moving from a stop in electric so you get a jarring in the powertrain as the gas motor starts up. Ford did a much better job with the Escape so why not put in the same effort with the Explorer?
I personally would choose the Highlander as it is the vehicle with a smoother ride, quieter and more comfortable interior and it gets much better gas mileage. But my bosses chose the Explorer and I am the one stuck driving it! The only reasons to choose the Explorer is if you need the interior space or towing capacity.
Thanks for your kind words! Summed up my review in 2 paragraphs 😂😂
You're comparing 2 hybrids! Did I miss the mpg comparison between the 2? It would make sense that this would the first thing that hybrid buyers would look at.
They were given at 7:35 and 7:56
Great review 👍
Thanks for watching!
This is the 4th review I have watched and none of the reviewers offered insight about the actual towing capabilities. Towing is mentioned, but the nature of the integrated towing features in the Explorer versus the dealer installed aftermarket tow package on the Highlander made the Explorer seem more convincing as a towing vehicle for my boat and my camper. Also, I actually need to evaluate towing with these hybrids vs. classic all gas engines... not sure even what to ask but I need help to make a choice between these two.
If you’re towing, you shouldn’t be looking at the highlander.
Alex, did you ever decide? I also want to tow a small camper and I want the Highlander Hybrid, but the max of 3500 is making me feel unsure. Plus the tow is installed locally by the dealer and doesn't come from factory. I wish we had better options for fuel efficiency but more towing capability.
what is the 'battery only' range (in KM's) for this 2023 ford explorer limited?
As it’s a hybrid and not a Plug in hybrid it doesn’t have an all EV range.
@@JimmyMak oh.. so basically anytime the vehicle is in motion, the gasoline motor is always running? I was lead to believe the vehicle would be able to move for about 40km (give or take) using pure battery power (if fully 'charged') - and then once the battery is depleted, the gasoline motor turns on to continue the journey..
@@jaxxbee not on these. You’re speaking in regards to plug in hybrid. Being a regular hybrid the engine isn’t always on. For example sometimes cruising or coming to a stop the engine would shut off and the electric motor can take over. Not not for too long.
@@JimmyMak Oh ok, I think I understand now. From your explanation, I basically have to narrow my SUV search down to 'plug-in hybrid' - whereby the vehicle can drive a certain amount of KM's (i.e. 50km for example) solely on battery power/charge before the combustion engine turns on. Based of my search criteria, what plug-in hybrid SUVs may you recommend that can give me a 40+ KM battery range before the gasoline motor turns on?
I know that aesthetics are not part of your review, but I can't get past the fact that the swoop on the Highlander reminds me of the PT Cruiser that I always felt was a horrible look.
The swoop on the side? It’s a pretty big Toyota styling feature. You can see the same on the Supra and Sienna.
I’ve driven both of these as V6 engines and I agree they are very similar. The Ford was slightly larger but it doesn’t really feel like it until you get to the 3rd row. I went with the highlander because it turned out to be much cheaper than the Ford I test drove. I’m loving the Toyota though! It feels more responsive and elegant especially on the platinum trim. Had the Ford been cheaper than the highlander I may have went that direction.
Thanks for watching and for sure. It’s the 3rd row and cargo area that the Ford really shines.
There is no hybrid v6 on new highlanders
Toyota got it spot on with the design on the new highlander
Toyota’s new designs language really works. It’s found in the Supra all the way to the sienna.
1500w 120vac inverter in the Highlander. Only 150w in Explorer.
you have done a phenomenal job in this review 👍
Thank you! Truly appreciate it.
watching this in 2023 makes me laugh at how much further ahead the HH is now
Feels like the explorer isn't really a hybird.
MPGs alone will make me choose a highlander. That’s the whole point of me buying a Hybrid. 🤷🏻♂️ sorry Ford. No hard feelings.
Highlander all the way.
The Ford with its’ V-6 Hybrid will outlast the Toyota 4 cylinder Hybrid. When I load my family of 6 and pull a boat I want a vehicle that can actually do the job. If you want “a wanna be minivan”, then the Toyota is for you and your car seats 💺. One is a workhorse, while the other is a car seat daycare. Hands down, take the Ford!!! A blind man can see this!
For sure. When you have to tow there’s no comparison. Thanks for watching!
Keep your Ford and I'll enjoy better resale value and reliability with my Toyota
Amazing
Most people don't get a hybrid for towing though... With that said, I'll take the cheap materials and crapper gas in the better looking Explorer over the boring Toyota to join the Palisade in our driveway...
The Explorer is built to tow and will do a much better job of it. It is also larger to handle your family of 6 that's for sure! But the Toyota will definitely last longer!
I Have to Choose the Toyota Highlander Because of fuel economy and comfort so sorry to Ford
Look wise the explorer looks 2-3 generations behind. This should be 2022 highlander and 2013 explorer 🤣
Worst car I ever owned was an Explorer
There’s absolutely no comparison between the Highlander and the Found Dead On Road F.O.R.D. Because my 2016 highlander Hybrid was sold to Africa for 25% of it’s MSRP at 751,000 km that’s almost 500K miles. Original Engine, transmission and everything. If you clean the High Voltage battery’s mesh filters (9mm bolt, and rinse with soapy water) as well as pay a pro to get under the 2nd row seats clean the HV fans, the HV batt will last to 1mill km as well. Never ever compare Japanese Design & Engineering KIAZEN way to a STOP & START OVER Korean manufacturing or ‘I hate my job’ American plant culture, or TGIF American engineering.
You’re stuck in 80’s!!!! It’s 2021!!! Wake up!
Ford is always a joke , at least for us here. Luckily we hv Toyota rather than the junk..
I Bought The Explorer Highlander Trash The Only Good Toyota SUV Is RAV4 Only Sorry Highlander Explorer Better And I Don’t Give A Fuck About Opinions
you're not classy enough to own a HyHi anyway :P