Ford Expedition 64·Toyota Highlander 78on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Highlander about $23,411 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $23,411 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Expedition counters with more towing capacity (9,000 vs 5,000 lbs) and more cargo room (20.9 vs 16 cu ft).
Go with the Toyota Highlander for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Expedition if you prioritize more towing capacity and more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Expedition vs. Toyota Highlander
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Expedition versus 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Metric
Ford Expedition
Toyota Highlander
MotiveGrid Score
64
78
Cost of Ownership
47
73
Powertrain
55
70
Driver Assistance
38
43
Livability
54
46
Safety
87
93
5-Year Cost to Own
$81,000
$57,590
Depreciation (5-yr)
$34,916
$19,174
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$17,723
$14,034
Insurance (5-yr)
$12,935
$12,325
Maintenance (5-yr)
$3,090
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$8,727
$6,901
Registration (5-yr)
$1,460
$1,215
Starting Price
$58,000
$45,870
Horsepower
400 hp
265 hp
MPG (combined)
19 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
20.9 cu ft
16 cu ft
Seating
8
7
Towing capacity
9,000 lbs
5,000 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
Gas
2026$58,000
MSRP
$58,000
Mo · 5yr
$1,350
$81,000 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$45,870
MSRP
$45,870
Mo · 5yr
$960
$57,590 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Toyota Highlander scores higher overall.
Ford Expedition
0
/ 100
Toyota Highlander
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Expedition
47
Highlander
73
Winner: Highlander
$23,411 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Expedition
55
Highlander
70
Winner: Highlander
+15 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Expedition
38
Highlander
43
Winner: Highlander
+5 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Expedition
54
Highlander
46
Winner: Expedition
+8 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Highlander is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $23,411 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Expedition still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Toyota Highlander
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Highlander
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Expedition
More cargo room with a 6th seat
Highway driver
Toyota Highlander
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Highlander
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Ford Expedition
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,350
$81,000 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,350/mo
Toyota Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$960
$57,590 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$960/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Highlander comes out about $23,411 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
