

Model Year | 2007 | 2011 | |
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. | 4266 lb. | 265 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 |
2007 Ford Explorer Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
the front seat has plenty of leg room and seats hug you see full Ford Explorer review |
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 |
2011 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I am 6 foot tall, and there is plenty of head and leg room in the driving position. Easy access as well. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2010 | 4dr SUV 187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of room in the second row, including seats that recline and move back & forth. Having the third row as an option for occasional use was really the deciding factor. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2011 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
3rd row seats are useless to me. Too little room for adults. Should have been an option for families with small children. With 3rd row seating, you lose storage space. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD |
Third row minimal legroom see full Toyota Highlander review |