Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Which SUV Is Best for Families?

New Ford Explorer For Sale in Manassas

Where To Find the Ideal SUV For Your Family in Manassas, VA

For active families navigating busy school runs, daily highway commutes, and weekend outdoor adventures in Northern Virginia, selecting the ideal three-row midsize SUV is a critical household decision. Our team at Ourisman Ford of Manassas has put together this head-to-head comparison that reviews the newly updated 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Toyota Highlander, analyzing how their space, performance, and daily usability match the demands of local drivers. Examine these models at our Ford dealership in Manassas, VA to determine which one best suits your needs.

Dimensions & Capacity

One of the first things families look for in a three-row SUV is how well the cabin adapts to cargo, carpools, and growing children. The Ford Explorer offers a highly flexible cabin layout featuring standard six-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs, which can be configured to a seven-passenger layout with an available second-row bench seat. The 2026 Toyota Highlander also provides seven-passenger seating, but its physical proportions restrict its overall utility when compared to the more accommodating Ford.

In terms of raw cargo space behind the third row, the Ford Explorer provides  16 cu ft of volume, edging out the Toyota Highlander's  16 cu ft. While that decimal difference seems small on paper, the Explorer's wider cargo floor and squared-off rear hatch make it significantly easier to pack bulky items like coolers or large storage bins.

The Explorer also delivers superior passenger comfort, particularly in the third row, which features a standard 50/50 split-fold manual bench seat designed for quick folding. In premium trims like the Platinum, this area is upgraded with PowerFold third-row seats for maximum convenience. The Highlander's third row is notoriously tight, making it suitable almost exclusively for small children, whereas the Explorer's rear quarters offer more generous legroom and headroom for growing teenagers.

Engine & Performance

A direct comparison of these vehicles' powertrains reveals a stark contrast in driving dynamics and capability. The 2026 Ford Explorer Active and Platinum trims are powered by the proven 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine, which generates an impressive 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This turbocharged powertrain is paired with a smooth-shifting ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering rapid acceleration and confident highway passing power. For enthusiasts seeking even more spirited performance, the Explorer ST features a muscular 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine that pumps out 385 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, transforming this family hauler into a high-performance road machine.

The Highlander, in its hybrid configurations, utilizes a 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors to produce a combined 243 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. This system sends power through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission ( eCVT). While this hybrid setup is highly efficient, it lacks the immediate throttle response and robust power delivery of Ford's EcoBoost engines. When merging onto busy highways or climbing steep grades with a fully loaded cabin, the Highlander can feel strained, and the eCVT often drone under hard acceleration.  Furthermore, the Explorer boasts a standard  5,000 lbs  towing capacity across all trim levels, heavily outclassing the Highlander's  3,500 lbs  towing limit. This extra towing power allows Explorer owners to effortlessly pull small boats, utility trailers, or campers that the Highlander simply cannot handle.

Technology

Modern families expect their vehicles to serve as seamless extensions of their digital lives, and the 2026 Ford Explorer delivers a class-leading tech suite. Some of these features include:

• Ford Digital Experience infotainment system
• 13.2-inch Touchscreen Center Display
• 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Eight USB ports distributed across all three rows
• Available B&O Sound System

The 2026 Toyota Highlander features a slightly smaller 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen on its higher trims, while the Hybrid XLE comes standard with an eight-inch display unless upgraded via the Premium Audio package. The Highlander's system is responsive and includes wireless smartphone integration, but it lacks the deep, native Google integration found in the Ford Digital Experience.