Ford Explorer 76·Toyota Highlander 78on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Highlander about $2,079 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $2,079 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Toyota Highlander is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Explorer versus 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Metric
Ford Explorer
Toyota Highlander
MotiveGrid Score
76
78
Cost of Ownership
68
73
Powertrain
67
70
Driver Assistance
43
43
Livability
40
46
Safety
99
93
5-Year Cost to Own
$59,668
$57,590
Depreciation (5-yr)
$22,387
$19,174
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,034
$14,034
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,755
$12,325
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$5,787
$6,901
Registration (5-yr)
$1,065
$1,215
Starting Price
$38,465
$45,870
Horsepower
300 hp
265 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
18.2 cu ft
16 cu ft
Seating
6
7
Towing capacity
5,300 lbs
5,000 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
Gas
2026$38,465
MSRP
$38,465
Mo · 5yr
$994
$59,668 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
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 Explorer
0
/ 100
Toyota Highlander
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Explorer
68
Highlander
73
Winner: Highlander
$2,079 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Explorer
67
Highlander
70
Winner: Highlander
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Explorer
43
Highlander
43
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Explorer
40
Highlander
46
Winner: Highlander
+6 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Highlander is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $2,079 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 Highlander
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Explorer
Better safety rating with slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Ford Explorer
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 Explorer
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$994
$59,668 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$994/mo
Toyota Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$960
$57,590 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$960/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota Highlander would need 52.9 years to recoup its $7,405 price premium ($140/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 Highlander comes out about $2,079 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.
