Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $9,688 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| MotiveGrid Score | 76 | 83 |
| Cost of Ownership | 68 | 85 |
| Powertrain | 67 | 67 |
| Driver Assistance | 43 | 43 |
| Livability | 40 | 51 |
| Safety | 99 | 95 |
| 5-Year Cost to Own | $59,518 | $49,831 |
| Depreciation (5-yr) | $22,387 | $13,143 |
| Fuel / Energy (5-yr) | $14,034 | $14,034 |
| Insurance (5-yr) | $11,755 | $11,935 |
| Maintenance (5-yr) | $2,340 | $1,315 |
| Tires (5-yr) | $2,150 | $1,900 |
| Financing (5-yr) | $5,787 | $6,358 |
| Registration (5-yr) | $1,065 | $1,145 |
| Starting Price | $38,465 | $42,260 |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 265 hp |
| MPG (combined) | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Cargo volume | 18.2 cu ft | 20.6 cu ft |
| Seating | 6 | 8 |
| Towing capacity | 5,300 lbs | — |
| Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
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 Grand Highlander scores higher overall.
Which vehicle is right for you
Toyota Grand Highlander is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $9,688 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Explorer still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Cost of Ownership
State
Frequently asked questions
Where these rank
- Ford Explorer ranks #2 of 3 in Safest 3-Row SUVs.
- Toyota Grand Highlander ranks #1 of 3 in Best 3-Row SUV and #1 of 3 in Cheapest 3-Row SUV to Own.
What each one costs at the counter
Both five-year totals above count yearly registration. Neither counts what the state takes on the day you sign — sales tax and the title fee. Those are one-time, they are not the dealer’s to negotiate, and on a car at this price they run to four figures in most states. Work out yours:
- Tax, title and license in Coloradowhat a car costs to own there
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- Tax, title and license in Louisianawhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Kentuckywhat a car costs to own there
Compare tax, title and license across all 22 states we cover →