Ford Explorer 76·Toyota Grand Highlander 82on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Grand Highlander about $9,153 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $9,153 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
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Explorer versus 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Metric
Ford Explorer
Toyota Grand Highlander
MotiveGrid Score
76
82
Cost of Ownership
68
84
Powertrain
67
67
Driver Assistance
43
43
Livability
40
51
Safety
99
95
5-Year Cost to Own
$59,668
$50,516
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)
$2,490
$2,000
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
Gas
2026$38,465
MSRP
$38,465
Mo · 5yr
$994
$59,668 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Gas
2026$42,260
MSRP
$42,260
Mo · 5yr
$842
$50,516 / 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 Grand Highlander scores higher overall.
Ford Explorer
0
/ 100
Toyota Grand Highlander
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Explorer
68
Grand Highlander
84
Winner: Grand Highlander
$9,153 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Explorer
67
Grand Highlander
67
Evenly matched
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Explorer
43
Grand Highlander
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Explorer
40
Grand Highlander
51
Winner: Grand Highlander
+11 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Grand Highlander is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $9,153 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Explorer still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Daily commuter
Ford Explorer
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Grand Highlander
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Grand Highlander
Slightly more cargo room with more seats
Highway driver
Ford Explorer
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Ford Explorer
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 Explorer
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$994
$59,668 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$994/mo
Toyota Grand Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$842
$50,516 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$842/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota Grand Highlander would need 38.7 years to recoup its $3,795 price premium ($98/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Grand Highlander comes out about $9,153 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.
