  2023 Explorer Vs. 2023 Highlander in Bedford, VA
The midsize SUV has gained popularity over the past decade due to people realizing their benefits over a full-size SUV. Not everyone needs a vehicle of that magnitude. For many, a midsize SUV will cater to all their passenger and cargo requirements with a smaller road footprint and better fuel economy. Two popular midsize SUVs for this year are the 2023 Ford Explorer and the 2023 Toyota Highlander.
The Ford Explorer is a nameplate that first appeared in 1990 and has won the hearts of many across six generations. The sixth generation Explorer debuted in 2020 and is what the 2023 Explorer is based on. The Toyota Highlander is 10 years younger, first entering the U.S. market in 2000. The 2023 Highlander is based on the fourth generation, which debuted in 2019.
How do the 2023 Explorer and 2023 Highlander stack up against each other, and which is the best midsize SUV? We'll compare them across interior, performance, and safety attributes. If you'd like to take a test drive in a 2023 Explorer, call over at Berglund of Bedford in Bedford, VA, where our team is waiting to help you.
Interior Comparison
The 2023 Explorer offers seating for up to seven passengers across a 152.5 cubic foot cabin. In contrast, the 2023 Highlander can boast seating for eight passengers but in a smaller 144.5 cubic foot cabin. The 2023 Explorer also offers 18.5 cubic feet of luggage space with all three rows deployed, while the 2023 Highlander can only cough up 16 cubic feet. With second and third rows folded, the 2023 Explorer can handle 87.8 cubic feet, as opposed to the 2023 Highlander's 84.3 cubic feet.
The 2023 Explorer and 2023 Highlander offer power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, and 8.0-inch touchscreens as standard. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are present across their respective ranges. The tempting options list on the 2023 Explorer includes a rear seat entertainment system and a sublime B&O 12-speaker surround sound system that's better than Toyota's 11-speaker JBL option.
2023 Ford Explorer Interior
2023 Toyota Highlander Interior
Performance Comparison
The 2023 Explorer comes with three powertrain options, all of which see a class-leading 10-speed automatic transmission as the standard gearbox. The base engine is a 2.3-liter turbo four with a healthy 300 horsepower, but if you want a bit more pep, there's a nice 3.0-liter turbo in-line six with 400 horsepower waiting for you. There's also a 318-horsepower hybrid powertrain for the environmentally conscious. The 2023 Explorer is rear-wheel-drive as standard, but you can option an all-wheel-drive system. It's also got a towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds depending on trim and specification.
The 2023 Highlander offers just two powertrains, and neither even touches 300 horsepower. The base engine is a 2.4-liter turbo four with 265 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. If you want a hybrid powertrain, there's a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors and a CVT automatic transmission. This variant offers a system total of 243 horsepower. Across the range, front-wheel-drive is standard, but an all-wheel-drive system is optional. The 2023 Highlander can only manage to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Safety Features Comparison
The 2023 Explorer and 2023 Highlander include at least eight airbags, stability control, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The SUVs also have a lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. These are two extremely safe vehicles.
Find the 2023 Explorer in Bedford, VA
If you're looking for the best midsize SUV, the 2023 Explorer is a tough one to beat. It's more spacious and powerful than the 2023 Highlander and comes with some tasty options, plus a comprehensive safety specification. Why not check out a 2023 Explorer at Berglund of Bedford in Bedford, VA?