Model Year | 2006 | 2008 | |
Model | Ford Explorer | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | 4.6L V8 OHC-3v 292 hp@5750 300 lb-ft@3950 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 113.7 in | 109.8 in | 3.9 in |
Length | 193.4 in | 188.4 in | 5 in |
Width | 73.7 in | 75.2 in | -1.5 in |
Height | 72.8 in | 68.1 in | 4.7 in |
Curb Weight | 4531 lb. | 4178 lb. | 353 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 22.5 gal. | 19.2 gal. | 3.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.8 in | 40.6 in | -0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.0 in | 59.7 in | -0.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.4 in | 56.7 in | -1.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.4 in | 43.2 in | -0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.7 in | 40.1 in | -1.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.9 in | 59.5 in | -0.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.5 in | 56.5 in | -1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.9 in | 38.3 in | -1.4 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 37.4 in | 36.3 in | 1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 53.1 in | 55.0 in | -1.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 45.3 in | 42.3 in | 3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 34.9 in | 29.2 in | 5.7 in |
Total Legroom | 114.2 in (over 3 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | 3.5 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 13.6 ft3 | 10.3 ft3 | 3.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 43.9 ft3 | 42.3 ft3 | 1.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 83.7 ft3 | 95.4 ft3 | -11.7 ft3 |
2006 Ford Explorer Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Have driven from Maryland to Florida and back a couple of times, as well as 3-4 hours trips routinely. Seats are comfortable with no backache and don't have to stop every couple of hours due to fatigue. Could drive and be comfortable all day long. see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Lots of room. Great even in the 3rd rear bench see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD |
Plenty of leg room see full Ford Explorer review |
2008 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Third row seating and 2nd row has more leg room than the Murano by about 1". see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
4 cup holders see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Limo-like leg room and captains chairs see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD |
The widest seats of all Midsize SUVs (X5, Q7, Tourag, Cayenne, etc.) see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
seats were hard and flat. Even top of the line luxury model seats were a big disappointment . . . one of the principal reasons we did not choose this vehicle see full Toyota Highlander review |
2009 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Only two seats in the 2nd row, very small leg room in the 3rd row. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
3rd row seat is full bench seat and individual side can not be raised or lowered independently. Access and available room much less than MDX. see full Toyota Highlander review |