Five Ways the Ford Explorer Is a Smarter Buy Than the Toyota Highlander

Three-row crossover SUVs serve multiple purposes, and choosing the right one is especially important for drivers in Custer County. These vehicles vary widely in performance, flexibility, and everyday usability. Some focus on luxury, others on off-roading, and some are a jack of all trades. When it comes down to the 2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Toyota Highlander, there are multiple compelling arguments that would lead you toward shopping for a 2026 Ford Explorer for sale near Westcliffe over the 2026 Toyota Highlander.

The reasons boil down to performance, utility, infotainment, and capacity. These are all important facets for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those doing work in and around the city. While the Highlander may have a large and robust trim lineup, if it falls short in the features that you desire for your regular traveling, then trim options don’t really matter. Let’s begin with an overview of how the 2026 Ford Explorer outperforms the 2026 Toyota Highlander.

#1 – Better Performance Specs

A good three-row crossover SUV needs to be large enough to seat multiple passengers across multiple rows, yet also needs to be performant enough that it doesn’t feel sluggish on the road. At the same time, you also want the vehicle to give you good fuel economy for your daily travels or regular commutes, which is typically why most people opt for a three-row crossover as opposed to a full-size SUV. When it comes to accomplishing all of this, the 2026 Explorer is quite exemplary, as it not only offers a lot of interior space within a sleek design but also delivers extremely satisfying performance for its size.

Both crossover SUVs come with two different powertrains. The 2026 Highlander is equipped with two variations of an inline four-cylinder. The base 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid makes a combined 243 hp. In contrast, the 2026 Explorer features a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. There is also a 3.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 that makes 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.

It is clear to see that the Explorer provides overall better performance. More accessible torque makes it easier to reach those top speeds, which is extremely useful when commuting along Highway 69 into other nearby towns. The 10-speed automatic transmission in the Explorer also provides smoother shifting, so you feel fewer mechanical jolts when reaching cruising speeds. What this means for Westcliffe drivers is stronger passing power on mountain highways and more confidence when merging at speed.

When you factor in that the Explorer provides 50% more horsepower than the Highlander and over 30% more torque, it makes a significant difference if you want to arrive at your destination quickly. And given that many surrounding cities are a lengthy drive away from Westcliffe, the added performance boost the Explorer provides over the Highlander makes it highly useful for local drivers. Combined with systems like its six selectable drive modes, this makes the Explorer extremely worthwhile for shoppers interested in an SUV for sale near Westcliffe that is easy to handle, quick off the line, and that cruises smoothly at top speeds.

#2 – Higher Towing Capacity

Good performance is one thing, but if you’re looking for an SUV to tow cargo, a boat, a camper, or work equipment, then you’ll need dependable towing capabilities. Both the 2026 Highlander and Explorer offer a max towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. However, while they match their top performance with excellent towing capabilities for their size, the Explorer maintains its 5,000 lb towing capacity regardless of the configuration.

If you opt for a hybrid Toyota Highlander, you lose some of its max towing capacity, dropping down to 3,500 lbs of max towing capacity. Losing out on that extra 1,500 lbs worth of towing capacity is the difference maker between a small portable camper and a larger, better-equipped camper. It’s also the difference maker in the kinds of boats you can tow. The Highlander would have to settle for a smaller boat instead of a larger boat suitable for the whole family when going on a fishing trip to the DeWeese Reservoir.

#3 – More Cargo Volume

If your primary use for your three-row SUV is to transport and move a lot of cargo, having more space is always beneficial. In this category, the 2026 Ford Explorer edges out a victory over the 2026 Toyota Highlander when it comes to cargo capacity. You have a maximum cargo volume of 84.3 cu.ft. in the Highlander, and a maximum cargo volume of 85.8 cu.ft. in the Explorer.

Whether you’re folding down the rear seats to store camping equipment, furniture, or helping your kid move into their own place, those extra cubic feet of cargo volume in the Explorer will allow you to squeeze in one or two extra bags. While the difference may seem small, it does add up over time, making the Explorer more useful for hiking or camping around Westcliffe. This rings especially true when combined with the other features and performance capabilities the Explorer has over Toyota’s three-row SUV. It gives shoppers another reason to consider shopping for a Ford Explorer for sale near Westcliffe over the Highlander.

#4 – More Passenger Room

It’s easy to assume that because the Explorer has more cargo volume than the Highlander, it would also have more passenger volume, and that is correct. You get more leg room, hip room, and shoulder room in the Explorer than in the Highlander.

Between the two 2026 model year SUVs, the Ford Explorer offers 31.8 inches of leg room in the third row, compared to only 28 inches of leg room in the third row of the Highlander. If you have a large family with growing teenagers or regularly carpool, that extra third-row leg room makes a huge difference when it comes to comfort levels.

Additionally, the Explorer provides 43 inches of leg room in the first row, compared to 42 inches of leg room in the Highlander. You also have 59.2 inches of hip room and 62.1 inches of shoulder room in the first row of the Explorer, compared to 57.2 inches of hip room and 59 inches of shoulder room in the first row of the Highlander.

Those extra inches of space may seem minor on paper, but on a three-hour drive across Colorado, they translate into noticeably happier passengers. The extra passenger volume to stretch and move around in the Explorer is a big benefit for Westcliffe drivers.

#5 – Larger Infotainment Display

If infotainment and connectivity are a big selling point for you, then this could be what seals the deal, as the 2026 Ford Explorer has a larger and more capable touchscreen display than the 2026 Toyota Highlander.

The Ford Digital Experience infotainment suite powers a standard 13.2-inch HD touchscreen display in the Ford Explorer, providing you with easy access to apps, wireless smartphone connectivity, remote functionality, vehicle health, and navigation support. Toyota only has an eight-inch touchscreen on most trims of the Highlander. Even if you’re willing to move up the trim lineup, you only get a 12.3-inch HD touchscreen.

The real benefit of the Ford Explorer in this category is that every trim comes standard with the 13.2-inch HD touchscreen. You don’t need special equipment or packages to access the best infotainment suite the Explorer has to offer. Alternatively, with the Highlander, you do have to spend more to access the 12.3-inch HD touchscreen; otherwise, you’re stuck with the eight-inch display.

If you’re a Westcliffe driver looking for a three-row SUV for sale that has a large touchscreen, easy information readouts, and navigation tech, the Explorer gives you the best that it has to offer without having to spend more.

Looking for a 2026 Ford Explorer Near Westcliffe?

Convinced the 2026 Explorer is the right three-row crossover for you? The best way to find out is to get behind the wheel of one and test-drive it for yourself. We can easily accommodate that with the wide selection of models available on our lot here at The Faricy Boys Ford.

Whether you’re looking for a good family vehicle, a daily driver, or a versatile work SUV, we have a Ford Explorer for sale near Westcliffe that fits your needs. If you’re interested in shopping for a 2026 model from a dealership serving Central Colorado, book a test drive today or explore our online inventory to see what’s available for sale near you.