2026 Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer in Houston, TX
Shopping for a three-row SUV near Houston or Tomball? The 2026 Toyota Highlander and 2026 Ford Explorer are both popular choices for families looking for space, comfort, and capability. Both are strong contenders, but when you look at the full picture, the Highlander stands out as the better fit for most Houston-area drivers.
The Highlander brings standard all-wheel drive on every trim, an available hybrid powertrain that gets up to an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined, a standard advanced safety suite, and a spacious cabin that seats up to eight. Whether you are commuting through Tomball, heading to The Woodlands, or loading up the family for a weekend trip, the Highlander is built to handle it all.
Browse our new Toyota Highlander inventory at Fred Haas Toyota Country, or explore our full lineup of new Toyota vehicles and quality used cars in Houston, Texas.
Performance: Highlander vs. Explorer
The 2026 Toyota Highlander gives drivers two strong powertrain options. Gas models use a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That is a smooth, capable engine for everyday driving in Houston traffic, highway cruising on SH 249, or merging onto the Grand Parkway.
Highlander Hybrid models use a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain delivering 243 combined net horsepower. The real advantage here is fuel efficiency. The Hybrid XLE earns an EPA-estimated 35 MPG in both city and highway driving, which is exceptional for a three-row SUV of this size.
The 2026 Ford Explorer uses a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine as its standard engine, with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 available on higher trims. The Explorer does offer a higher maximum horsepower on its top engine option. However, the Highlander’s standard turbocharged engine and available hybrid powertrain give most family drivers everything they need without the added cost of stepping up to a premium trim.
For families in Spring, Cypress, and The Woodlands who want strong everyday performance and the option to save at the pump, the Highlander’s powertrain lineup is hard to beat.
Towing Capacity
The 2026 Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped on gas models. Hybrid trims offer up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. The Ford Explorer is rated to tow up to 5,600 pounds on its top engine configuration. If maximum towing is your priority, the Explorer has a slight edge. For most Houston families towing a small boat, a trailer, or recreational gear, the Highlander’s 5,000-pound gas rating covers the job well.
Fuel Economy: A Clear Highlander Advantage
For Houston-area drivers who spend a lot of time on the road, fuel economy matters. The 2026 Toyota Highlander has a clear edge over the Ford Explorer in this category.
Gas-powered Highlander models earn an EPA-estimated 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, with a 24 MPG combined rating. Step up to the Highlander Hybrid, and those numbers jump to an EPA-estimated 35 MPG city and 35 MPG highway on the Hybrid XLE trim. That kind of fuel savings adds up quickly over a year of Houston commuting.
The 2026 Ford Explorer gas models earn an EPA-estimated 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway rating on their base engine, which is similar to the Highlander gas model. However, Ford does not offer a hybrid version of the Explorer, which means Highlander Hybrid shoppers have no direct comparison on the Ford side.
For families in Tomball, Magnolia, and Cypress who want to reduce their fuel costs without giving up three rows of seating or a capable SUV, the Highlander Hybrid is the clear winner in this comparison.
Interior, Space, and Seating
Both the 2026 Highlander and the 2026 Explorer offer three rows of seating, but the Highlander brings some meaningful advantages inside the cabin.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander seats up to seven or eight passengers depending on the trim and configuration. Every trim comes with a standard 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a standard Qi-compatible wireless charging pad. Higher trims add features like a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, JBL premium audio with 11 speakers, leather-trimmed seats with heating and ventilation, and a 10-inch color Head-Up Display.
What the Highlander Offers Inside
- Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen on every trim
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim
- Standard wireless phone charging
- Available panoramic moonroof and panoramic glass roof
- Available heated and ventilated front seats
- Available 10-inch Head-Up Display
- Standard hands-free power liftgate with jam protection
The 2026 Ford Explorer also offers a capable interior with a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen on most trims. The Explorer’s larger screen is a genuine advantage on paper, and it offers comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. However, the Highlander’s across-the-board standard features, including wireless charging and AWD on every single trim, mean that shoppers do not have to pay extra to get the technology they expect in a modern family SUV.
For Houston families who want a refined, well-equipped interior without having to jump to a premium trim level, the Highlander delivers more standard value.
Safety Features – 2026 Toyota Highlander Near Houston, TX
Safety is one of the most important factors for families shopping for a three-row SUV. The 2026 Toyota Highlander earns high marks in this area, and its safety advantage starts at the very first trim level.
Every 2026 Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies included at no extra cost. That means every Highlander buyer gets the same foundation of safety protection, regardless of which trim they choose.
The 2026 Highlander earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reflecting its strong structural design and safety technology.
Standard Safety Features on Every 2026 Highlander
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection – Monitors ahead for vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, and can provide automatic emergency braking to help prevent or reduce collisions.
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control – Maintains your set speed and following distance, and can slow the vehicle to a full stop in stop-and-go traffic.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist – Detects lane markings and provides alerts and gentle steering inputs to help prevent unintentional lane drifting.
- Lane Tracing Assist – Works with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Road Sign Assist – Reads certain road signs and displays them on the screen to help drivers stay informed.
- Automatic High Beams – Automatically switches between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic.
Available Safety Features
- Panoramic View Monitor for a 360-degree overhead view
- Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking
The 2026 Ford Explorer also offers Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes a similar set of standard safety technologies. Both vehicles take safety seriously. The Highlander’s advantage is that its full suite is standard across every trim, giving buyers consistent protection no matter their budget.
For Houston-area drivers navigating busy highways like SH 249, US 290, and I-45, having a full set of active safety features as standard equipment is a real benefit.
2026 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
The 2026 Highlander lineup offers seven trims, split between gas and hybrid powertrains. Here is a quick look at each option available in Houston, TX.
Gas Trims
XLE – Starting TSRP $45,570 The entry point into the Highlander lineup. The XLE comes with the 2.4-liter turbo engine, standard AWD, 18-inch alloy wheels, SofTex-trimmed front and second-row seats with heated front seats, wireless charging, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+.
XSE – Starting TSRP $47,640 The XSE adds a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch black alloy wheels, Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, aggressive mesh grille, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. It is a great choice for drivers who want a sportier look without giving up family practicality.
Limited – Starting TSRP $50,025 The Limited steps up to a 12.3-inch JBL audio touchscreen with 11 speakers, leather-trimmed seats with heating and ventilation, Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking.
Platinum – Starting TSRP $53,225 The top gas trim adds a panoramic glass roof, 10-inch Head-Up Display, Panoramic View Monitor, and rain-sensing wipers.
Hybrid Trims
Hybrid XLE – Starting TSRP $47,320 The Hybrid XLE delivers an EPA-estimated 35 MPG city and 35 MPG highway with the 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain and Electronic On-Demand AWD. Includes Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Hybrid Limited – Starting TSRP $51,775 The Hybrid Limited adds the 12.3-inch JBL touchscreen, leather-trimmed seats with heating and ventilation, and two 120V outlets.
Hybrid Platinum – Starting TSRP $54,975 The top hybrid trim includes the panoramic glass roof, 10-inch Head-Up Display, Panoramic View Monitor, and heated second-row seats.
Which SUV Is the Better Choice for Houston Families?
The Ford Explorer is a capable SUV, and it has real strengths. Its slightly higher towing capacity and large standard touchscreen are worth noting. But when you look at the full picture of what matters most to Houston-area families, the 2026 Toyota Highlander comes out ahead.
Here is why the Highlander makes sense for most shoppers in Tomball, Spring, Houston, The Woodlands, and Cypress:
- Standard AWD on every trim – The Highlander includes all-wheel drive as standard equipment across the entire lineup. The Explorer does not.
- Available hybrid powertrain – The Highlander Hybrid gets up to 35 MPG combined. The Explorer has no hybrid option.
- Standard safety tech on every trim – Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is included on every Highlander, from the base XLE to the Hybrid Platinum.
- 5-star NHTSA safety rating – The 2026 Highlander earned a 5-star overall rating for its strong safety performance.
- More standard technology – The Highlander includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging on every trim.
- Seats up to eight – Certain Highlander configurations can seat up to eight passengers, giving large families more flexibility.
The Highlander is also backed by Toyota’s reputation for long-term reliability, which matters to drivers who plan to keep their vehicle for years. Whether you are also considering the Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, Camry, or RAV4, the Fred Haas Toyota Country team can help you find the right Toyota for your needs.
2026 Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer FAQs Near Houston, TX
Still have questions about how the 2026 Toyota Highlander stacks up against the Ford Explorer? The team at Fred Haas Toyota Country has answers.
Which is better, the 2026 Toyota Highlander or the Ford Explorer?
For most Houston-area families, the 2026 Toyota Highlander is the better choice. It offers standard AWD on every trim, an available hybrid powertrain with up to 35 MPG combined, Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ standard on every model, and a 5-star NHTSA safety rating. The Explorer has a slightly higher towing capacity and no hybrid option. If fuel savings, standard safety tech, and long-term reliability are your priorities, the Highlander wins.
Does the 2026 Toyota Highlander come standard with all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every 2026 Highlander, including both gas and hybrid trims, comes with standard all-wheel drive. The Ford Explorer offers AWD as an available option on most trims, but it is not standard across the lineup.
Does the 2026 Ford Explorer have a hybrid version?
No. The 2026 Ford Explorer does not offer a hybrid powertrain. The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available and earns an EPA-estimated 35 MPG city and 35 MPG highway on the Hybrid XLE trim, making it a strong choice for drivers who want to save on fuel.
How many passengers does the 2026 Highlander seat?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander seats seven or eight passengers depending on the trim level and configuration. The Ford Explorer seats up to seven passengers.
What is the starting price of the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander starts at a TSRP of $45,570 for the XLE gas trim. The Hybrid XLE starts at $47,320.
What safety features come standard on the 2026 Highlander?
Every 2026 Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which covers Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Automatic High Beams.
Where can I test drive a 2026 Toyota Highlander near Tomball, TX?
Visit Fred Haas Toyota Country at 22435 State Highway 249 in Houston, TX. Our location along SH 249 is easy to reach for shoppers from Tomball, Spring, Cypress, Magnolia, The Woodlands, and surrounding northwest Houston communities. Give us a call at (281) 357-4000 to schedule your visit.
Shop the 2026 Toyota Highlander Near Tomball, TX
Ready to see the 2026 Toyota Highlander in person? Visit Fred Haas Toyota Country at 22435 State Highway 249 in Houston, Texas, to explore our current Highlander inventory, compare trims, and find the right model for your family.
Fred Haas Toyota Country has been locally owned and family-operated for 56 years and is committed to making the process of finding your next Toyota easy from start to finish. You can browse our new Highlander inventory online, value your current trade-in from home, and apply for financing online before you ever set foot in the dealership. Our finance center works with a wide range of budgets and credit situations to help you find a payment plan that fits your life.
Fred Haas Toyota Country is the #1 Google-rated Toyota dealership in Houston, and we are proud to serve drivers from Houston, Tomball, Spring, Cypress, Magnolia, The Woodlands, and the surrounding northwest Houston area. Whether you are shopping for a new Highlander, a Tundra, a Tacoma, a Camry, or a RAV4, our team has the selection and expertise to help.
Call us at (281) 357-4000 or stop by our dealership on SH 249 to get started today.
DISCLAIMERS:
Based on Google online reviews 2025 for Houston Toyota dealers
Starting MSRP is the lowest Base MSRP for the series of a model and excludes manufacturer, distributor and dealer options, taxes, title and license and dealer fees and charges. Also excludes the Delivery, Processing and Handling of $1,195 for Cars (Corolla, Corolla HV, Corolla HB, GR Corolla, Camry, Prius, Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Toyota Crown, Mirai, GR86, GR Supra), $1,450 for Entry SUV (Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross HV), $1,450 for Small SUV (RAV4, RAV4 HV, RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, bZ, bZ Woodland, C-HR), $1,495 for Mid SUV/Van (4Runner, 4Runner HV, Highlander, Highlander HV, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander HV, Sienna, Land Cruiser, Toyota Crown Signia), $1,595 for Small Pickup (Tacoma, Tacoma HV), $2,095 for Large Pickup/Large SUV (Tundra, Tundra HV, Sequoia). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota’s charge for these services is called “Delivery, Processing and Handling” and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota’s overall pricing structure and may be subject to change at any time. Toyota may make a profit on Delivery, Processing and Handling.) Delivery, Processing and Handling in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX may vary. Dealer price will vary.
Prices and colors may vary by model.
* Apple CarPlay® requires a compatible iPhone® with an active data plan. Check compatibility at https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/. Operability depends on network availability, a cellular connection and GPS signal. Services vary by vehicle and are subject to change at any time without notice. Data charges may apply. To learn more, go to https://www.toyota.com/audio-multimedia/. To learn more about Toyota Connected Services data collection, use, sharing and retention practices, please visit https://www.toyota.com/support/privacy-notice/. Apple CarPlay® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
* Wireless use of Android Auto requires a compatible Android 11.0+ phone and compatible active data plan. Check g.co/androidauto/requirements for compatibility. Operability depends on network availability, a cellular connection, and GPS signal. Services vary by vehicle and are subject to change at any time without notice. Data charges may apply. To learn more, go to https://www.toyota.com/audio-multimedia/. To learn more about Toyota’s Connected Services data collection, use, sharing, and retention practices, please visit https://www.toyota.com/support/privacy-notice/. Google, Android, Android Auto, Google Maps and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC. Compatible Android phone and compatible active data plan required.
* EPA-estimated 21 city/28 highway/24 combined mpg rating for 2026 Highlander XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum; EPA-estimated 35 city/35 highway/35 combined mpg rating for 2026 Highlander Hybrid XLE; EPA-estimated 35 city/34 highway/35 combined mpg rating for 2026 Highlander Hybrid Limited, and Hybrid Platinum. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
* JBL® is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
* Toyota Safety Sense™ effectiveness is dependent on many factors including road, weather and vehicle conditions. Drivers are responsible for their own safe driving. Always pay attention to your surroundings and drive safely. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
* The Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection (PD) is designed to determine if impact is imminent and help reduce impact speed and damage in certain frontal collisions involving a vehicle, a pedestrian or a bicyclist. PCS w/PD is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors, such as speed, size and position of pedestrian or bicyclist and weather, light and road conditions. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
* Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for instructions and limitations.
* Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is designed to read visible lane markers under certain conditions. It provides a visual/audible alert and slight steering force when lane departure is detected. It is not a collision-avoidance system or a substitute for safe and attentive driving. Effectiveness depends on many factors including road, weather and vehicle conditions. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
* The Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) lane centering function is designed to read visible lane markers and detect other vehicles under certain conditions. It is only operational when DRCC is engaged. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
* Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
* Road Sign Assist only recognizes certain road signs. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
* Automatic High Beams operate at speeds above 21 mph. See Owner’s Manual for instructions and limitations.
* Water, weather, dirt, and other conditions also may cause the sensor to not operate properly or to operate unintentionally. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
* Wireless charging may not be compatible with all mobile phones, smart devices, tablets, e-readers, MP3/WMA players and like products.
* JBL® is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
* The Panoramic View Monitor does not provide a comprehensive view of the area surrounding your vehicle. Look around to confirm clearance. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
* The backup camera does not provide a comprehensive view. Always look over shoulder and use outside mirrors. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.