2027 Ford Explorer vs 2027 Toyota Highlander: Full Comparison
The 2027 Ford Explorer tows 5,300 lbs and runs on a 300-hp turbocharged engine, while the 2027 Toyota Highlander goes fully electric with 338 hp and 320 miles of range. These two seven-passenger SUVs share a size class but serve fundamentally different buyers. This page breaks down every key number and feature so you can shop Arrow Ford's Explorer inventory with confidence.
The Short Answer
Choose the 2027 Ford Explorer if you tow regularly, want the flexibility of gas or premium V6 power, and need off-road capability through the Tremor trim. Choose the 2027 Toyota Highlander if home charging is already part of your routine, you want 320 miles of EV range per charge, and you do not need a conventional towing setup. The Explorer suits buyers who want a traditional powertrain with room to grow; the Highlander is built for the buyer ready to go fully electric today.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Spec | 2027 Ford Explorer | 2027 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 standard; 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 on ST, Tremor optional, Platinum optional | All-electric BEV with 77.0-kWh or 95.8-kWh battery |
| Horsepower | 300 hp with 2.3L EcoBoost | 338 hp combined system |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 323 lb-ft combined |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | RWD standard; AWD optional; Tremor standard AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Towing | 5,300 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| EPA Fuel/Range | 20 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG | 320 miles EV range on XLE AWD and Limited AWD with 95.8-kWh battery |
| Seating | 7 | 7 |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 16.3 cu ft | 15.9 cu ft |
| Cargo Behind 2nd Row | 46.0 cu ft | 45.6 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 85.8 cu ft | 80.0 cu ft |
| Length | 198.7 in | 198.8 in |
| Height | 69.6 in base | 67.3 in |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Performance and Powertrain
2027 Ford Explorer
The Explorer's 2.3L EcoBoost delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic, and buyers who want more can step up to the 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 on the ST, Tremor, or Platinum trim. That V6 produces 400 hp in federal-state tune, giving the Explorer the higher peak horsepower figure in the comparison.
The Explorer also gives buyers the flexibility of rear-wheel drive or available AWD, with AWD standard on Tremor. For drivers who refuel at gas stations and occasionally tow a boat or trailer around Abilene or elsewhere in West Texas, the EcoBoost platform is the more conventional and practical setup.
2027 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander's all-electric drivetrain produces 338 combined system hp and 323 lb-ft of torque through a single-speed direct drive. The 95.8-kWh battery on AWD models delivers up to 320 miles of estimated range.
Because there are no conventional gear changes, power delivery is immediate and smooth. Buyers who already charge at home and want to eliminate gasoline use entirely will find the Highlander's BEV setup better aligned with that ownership model.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
2027 Ford Explorer
The Explorer seats seven and carries up to 85.8 cu ft of maximum cargo. Behind the third row, it provides 16.3 cu ft, while cargo space behind the second row reaches 46.0 cu ft.
The Explorer's taller stance also gives the Tremor trim 8.7 inches of ground clearance, useful on rough terrain outside city limits.
Inside, the Explorer includes a standard B&O 10-speaker audio system, with an available 980W 14-speaker setup, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, and the Ford Connectivity Package with streaming and apps while parked.
2027 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander also seats seven and measures within a tenth of an inch of the Explorer in overall length. Cargo capacity reaches 80.0 cu ft maximum, with 45.6 cu ft behind the second row and 15.9 cu ft behind the third row.
At 67.3 inches tall, the Highlander sits 2.3 inches lower than the base Explorer.
Inside, the Highlander offers 64-color ambient lighting, dual Qi wireless charging pads, heated front seats on every trim, and USB-C ports across all three rows as standard equipment.
Technology and Safety
2027 Ford Explorer
The Explorer uses a 13.2-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Connectivity includes a 5G modem, Google Maps native navigation, and Google Assistant voice controls. The Explorer also includes Ford Co-Pilot360, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera as standard.
For off-road use, the Tremor adds improved approach and departure angles of 24.1 degrees and 23.7 degrees, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and standard AWD.
2027 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander uses a larger 14-inch center touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
Its connectivity system uses AT&T 5G through Toyota Audio Multimedia and integrates SiriusXM with 360L and Spotify with the appropriate subscription.
The Highlander also adds EV-specific technology, including NACS charging compatibility, dual Qi wireless charging pads, and Vehicle-to-Load capability that can supply up to 1,500 watts to external devices.
Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 includes Road Sign Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking. AWD models also offer Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control.
Value and Ownership
2027 Ford Explorer
The Explorer carries a 3-year / 36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Its traditional gasoline powertrain gives buyers the convenience of refueling in minutes at virtually any gas station. The 2.3L EcoBoost is rated at 20 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG, and AWD remains optional on most trims so buyers can choose it only if they need it.
The Explorer also offers a broad trim lineup, from Active and ST-Line through ST, Tremor, and Platinum, giving buyers more flexibility to match performance, off-road capability, comfort, and price.
2027 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander carries the same 3-year / 36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain coverage in the provided specifications.
Its main ownership advantage is energy cost for buyers who can charge at home. Electricity can reduce per-mile operating expense compared with premium gasoline, while the 320-mile maximum estimated range reduces the need for frequent public charging.
The Highlander's Vehicle-to-Load system also adds utility by allowing the battery to supply power to appliances and other external equipment during camping trips or outages.
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the 2027 Ford Explorer if you:
- Tow regularly, since the Explorer is rated at 5,300 lbs.
- Drive long distances in areas with limited charging infrastructure across West Texas and beyond.
- Want the Tremor trim's trail-rated geometry and standard AWD.
- Prefer the flexibility of a gas engine with no charging dependency.
- Want the 3.0L V6 option for 400 hp performance.
Buy the 2027 Toyota Highlander if you:
- Charge at home and want to eliminate fuel costs on daily driving.
- Need V2L capability to power devices or appliances on the road.
- Prefer a broader standard safety suite out of the box.
- Want 320 miles of estimated EV range on a single charge.
- Are ready for the full electric ownership experience.
Shop the 2027 Explorer at Arrow Ford in Abilene
The 2027 Ford Explorer delivers 300 hp, 85.8 cu ft of cargo, and a towing rating of 5,300 lbs, making it the practical choice for families across Abilene who need a capable, gas-powered three-row SUV. Arrow Ford carries the full Explorer lineup, from the Active to the performance-focused ST and the trail-ready Tremor. If the numbers above point you toward the Explorer, the next step is seeing the available inventory and taking one out for a drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer or the 2027 Toyota Highlander tow more?
The 2027 Ford Explorer tows up to 5,300 lbs. The 2027 Toyota Highlander tows up to 3,500 lbs. Buyers who prioritize towing should consider the Explorer.
What is the fuel economy of the 2027 Ford Explorer?
The 2027 Ford Explorer with the 2.3L EcoBoost is EPA-rated at 20 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG on premium unleaded. These figures apply to the base engine; the 3.0L V6 uses a 20.2-gallon tank and will vary.
Is the 2027 Toyota Highlander fully electric?
Yes. The 2027 Highlander is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). It does not have a gasoline engine. It is offered with a 77.0-kWh or 95.8-kWh battery depending on trim and drivetrain, with up to 320 miles of estimated range on AWD models with the larger battery.
Which SUV has more cargo space?
The 2027 Ford Explorer leads with 85.8 cu ft of maximum cargo versus the Highlander's 80.0 cu ft. Behind the third row, the Explorer holds 16.3 cu ft compared to the Highlander's 15.9 cu ft.
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer have Google Maps built in?
Yes. The Explorer includes Google Maps native navigation, Google Assistant voice controls, and a 5G modem as standard features through the 13.2-inch touchscreen.
Which vehicle has the better standard safety tech?
The 2027 Toyota Highlander's Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 suite is broader in standard content, including Road Sign Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking. The Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360 with adaptive cruise and a 360-degree camera. Both are strong, but the Highlander ships with more features as standard.
Can I buy the 2027 Ford Explorer in Abilene, TX?
Yes. Arrow Ford in Abilene carries the 2027 Explorer lineup. Browse inventory online to see current stock across all available trims.
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, license, and $225 documentation fee. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.