3-ROW FAVORITES! -- 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum vs. Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum: Comparison

Рет қаралды 55,839

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 154

@CarConfections 4 ай бұрын

Are you looking for a Ford Explorer, Toyota Grand Highlander or any new vehicle? Go to carconfections.com/new-car-quotes to get the BEST price and access to invoice pricing information!

@Hammtastic 4 ай бұрын

We pulled the trigger on the 2025 Explorer ST. The V6 drivability was a key factor as well as the GH being on a stop sale. Plus the creature comforts are more plentiful on the Explorer. Both are great choices!

@joypanchal971 4 ай бұрын

Probably the best comparison video. More realistic ..thanks for including all the points that matters to the consumer. Great work guys..!!

@CarConfections 4 ай бұрын

Thanks and glad you enjoyed!

@gregsimon1285 4 ай бұрын

Have owned a GH for almost a year. Your review is pretty spot on. A few things to mention. Our all around gas mileage is 24.5. When the fuel gauge shows 50 miles left it only takes about 7-9 gallons to fill a 17 gallon tank. Should still have over 160 miles left in the tank. The Hybrid Max power is impressive and addictive. You will love it if you are a little aggressive. If you drive like a granny the transmission programming causes premature upshifts which get the system out of the power and too early causing some stumbling. Needs a software upgrade. As you say ride and noise control is very good especially on long trips. Our biggest complaint is the infotainment system. It is very glitchy with apple car play and switching phone connectivity for different drivers. Safety nanny’s like lane control are not always appreciated but can be turned off. However the number one reason to buy any Toyota is its reliability and resale value. This is our fifth Highlander. When all is said and done they depreciate about $3500 per year in our experience. We usually keep them about 3-4 years 60,000 miles plus or minus. Owned 2008,2011,2015, 2019, 2024.

@locnguyen5188 4 ай бұрын

Owing a hybrid limited GH for about 5 months and just hit 10k miles, the mpg is spot on 34-36 😃

@jessiewright1975 4 ай бұрын

I have the same issue with nx350 about gas mileage with 50 miles left in tank but only pump 10 gallon than it's full

@mkyhou1160 4 ай бұрын

Wait a couple of years and pick up the Explorer used. They depreciate like crazy, making them a great used buy.

@victreebel170 4 ай бұрын

They depreciate for a reason. Even Ford admits they're unreliable and they won't be able to fix their company-wide problems for years.

@mkyhou1160 4 ай бұрын

@@victreebel170 Toyota isn’t doing much better now, multiple recalls and engines blowing up. Buying new I would take the Toyota (depreciates less), but you could get that Explorer 2 years old for half the price the Highlander, it’s a lot more than half the cehicle, pays for a lot of repairs. Explorers decent reliability wise - police use them everywhere.

@Jeez001 4 ай бұрын

Why would anyone own this used 😂 they are cheap for a reason

@shashankshekhar2611 4 ай бұрын

Buddy.. My neighbor has two explorers, both are really bad , you have been warned

@douglab222 4 ай бұрын

As soon as that Ford get 4k miles it will break and not worth the purchase yet alone being safe.

@ksolius1906 4 ай бұрын

even if it was $5 a month, they can keep all the subscription based nonsense. The more we keep entertaining those subscription based ideas, the more they'll push the envelope. - Blue Cruise subscription. - for Toyota, subscription for Remote Start, that's even worst. That is highway robbery (especially in really Hot or Cold temp markets)

@jimlindman7256 4 ай бұрын

Love my 2020 Explorer and will soon be ordering a new one.

@purposly 4 ай бұрын

Can't wait to see the 2025 Grand Highlander!

@Sp33dyStallion 2 ай бұрын

One thing I hate toyota for on the GH is saying the hybrid max can tow 5000lbs, but then they only give you a 4-pin trailering harness (which toyota doesn't even make clear). Honestly that tow rating should count as false advertising since pretty much everywhere requires you to have trailer breaks if you're towing over 3k lbs. So you have to manually wire in a 7-pin if you actually want it which isn't a trivial thing since toyota doesn't even offer a plug-n-play solution.

@josephpistorio-sc9rf Ай бұрын

Best. Review/Comparison. EVER. For me, this was a heavy weight fight between two SUVs that check all of my boxes. When I scored what was important to me, the TGH won by 1 point, with reliability pushing it over the edge. I also like that it's a little less noisy but both are great in that area. I like the look of the Explorer a little more. Resale is moot to me because I think I can get the Explorer for less than MSRP. Not so sure about the TGH. Makes it somewhat of a wash. Having said that, I will test drive both and see who gets my money! Again, great video from you guys!

@CarConfections Ай бұрын

Thanks, glad you found it helpful!

@markgoodsmith7229 Ай бұрын

Unable to drive a new Highlander here. Toyota has severe availability issues in Iowa. In future videos you might include where the vehicle is manufactured. New tariffs are going to make things shift in price significantly. Great service you young men provide. Thank you.

@CarConfections Ай бұрын

Thank you! The Grand Highlander is built in Indiana and the Explorer in Illinois, by the way.

@RVNmedic 4 ай бұрын

As always a spectacular and complete comparison. Thanks.

@CarConfections 4 ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊

@Rasteell 2 ай бұрын

As one who drives 95% highway miles, with lots of big hills, the Explorer comes out ahead based on HP, torque, and handling. I'll probably go with the Platinum over the ST. The ST engine emits a lovely snarl under even gentle acceleration whereas I prefer to drive an equally powerful sleeper. While it seems like a very minor thing, the massaging seats on my '17 greatly increase comfort and distance between breaks, so I'm glad to see them still available on the '25 models.

@paulkobler8049 3 ай бұрын

Love our Grand Highlander. Have had in the past an explorer as well as an Edge both were great vehicles but the Grand Highlander is what we are driving now.

@gavin3188 4 ай бұрын

It’s so sad that Toyota is going for subscription based EVERYTHING! You’ve already bought the car! This is the reason I chose a sonata over a Camry. Everything you bought that came with the car doesn’t require a subscription.

@PrinceGyasi81 4 ай бұрын

I will go for the Grand Highlander

@LLHugh-iu3gz 4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this great video review & comparisson. You two are awesome. 🥰

@CarConfections 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the kind words and glad you enjoyed the content!

@ghostplyr6346 4 ай бұрын

I was trying to cross-shop the Grand Highlander with the Mazda CX-70, but as some have mentioned, GH is on a stop sale. They wouldn’t even let me sit in it. That said, I was impressed with the CX-70.

@seditiouslibel 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for an in-depth review. Believe it or not, I left Toyota, which I consider a great product, and returned to Ford for the leather seats and six-cylinder powerhouse. I looked at the Lincoln Aviator as well but was pushing 80K. Just out of range. In closing, I will be going back to Ford, Platinum edition, for the reasons listed above.

@ksolius1906 4 ай бұрын

Is the 2025 Highlander back to V6 ? (i've seen mentions of that elsewhere)

@mahadevagrawal1215 4 ай бұрын

Nice comparison! I’m trying to decide between Explorer and Palisade! Do you think you will do a comparison between those 2?

@alexanderortuno2189 4 ай бұрын

We own a palisade coming from a Durango and the palisade is quick and good on gas mileage

@johnn7218 4 ай бұрын

The explorer definitely has more power and is more luxury if you go for the platinum or st.

@charrin9086 2 ай бұрын

@@johnn7218 The Palisade is heads above the Explorer in luxury. Have driven both- not close. But the Explorer looks MUCH better....

@ryanfrisby7389 4 ай бұрын

Excellent comparison!

@CarConfections 4 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@cooperspencer3843 4 ай бұрын

The new Explorer is an improvement, but Ford really needs to address the reliability concerns to be able to compete again.

@benven2161 4 ай бұрын

Compete? They leading the sale in this segment

@paulneil7321 4 ай бұрын

@@benven2161 Toyota Highlander was the no 1 selling until GH came out. Ford also sells a lot to local county/city police departments.

@charrin9086 2 ай бұрын

@@benven2161 People buy the Explorer because of the design- and nearly 400hp in the Ford. Their mechanic will have a lot of fun doing donuts in the parking lot. Ford is #1 for the 3rd year in a row in warranty repair costs. It's what holds their stock price down.

@asn3630 4 ай бұрын

eXCELLENT VIDEO. GOOD COMPARISON

@CarConfections 4 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@hellkitty1014 4 ай бұрын

I like the V6 power and RWD dynamics of the Explorer for sure. I lean more towards performance dynamics in driving preference. That said, the GH is an excellent addition for Toyota. The space efficiency is outstanding. And I'm happy to see that Toyota didn't saddle the MAX with a CVT. Their Aisin 6spd is one of the most reliable transmissions made(they used it for nearly 20yrs). But with the MAX, good luck finding one and when you do, most dealers have them marked up, which makes one question if the Lexus TX would be a better buy(dealer experience, resale). And the subscriptions that Toyota forces their owners to purchase to operate certain aspects of the infotainment system is ridiculous(as with Ford and Blue Cruise).

@americandude3825 4 ай бұрын

Ford gave Harris $3m. Toyota donates red. Easy decision. Toyota all day. Reliability is a plus. Gas mileage. Interior room.

@Kellettcj71 4 ай бұрын

You’re kidding, right? Need to bring politics into a car review? Jeez, what has happened to our country.

@americandude3825 4 ай бұрын

@@Kellettcj71 don’t hate the player hate the game. I prefer to know who my money goes to. I try to give as little as possible to antiAmerican values. Yes I have an iPhone. What other choice is there that is America? Yes I know some clothes, and car parts are Chinese. Etc. etc. carry on friend.

@curtpederson2923 4 ай бұрын

Politics is why we're getting electric cars hanging over our heads.

@itruck96 2 ай бұрын

Ford is notorious for being commie.

@tonybailey89 2 ай бұрын

Yall are so pathetic...does your entire flipping identity and purpose in life revolve around your political party...smfh...

@WilliamHamm-p2x 3 ай бұрын

I bought Grand Highlander XLE Fantastic suv!

@techpappee 4 ай бұрын

How did you get a Grand Highlander? They’re still on a stop sell. I can’t find any. It’s not even on the Toyota‘s website to search for inventory.

@curtpederson2923 4 ай бұрын

I got mine April 10, 2024. Got it just in time. I love it. Limited Hybrid. 34 mpg. Waited 13 months. My Sienna XSE AWD took 25 months to get. Our oldest child has waited 13 months so far for his Sienna . Will be a 25 or 26.

@CarConfections 4 ай бұрын

This was a press car. Production will resume in a matter of days from what we have heard

@robertrooney475 4 ай бұрын

LOL so getting it before they fix the airbag issues is a win. ouch. My family's safety is more important then resale value

@rromancunard 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for share 🙏🏻🙏🏻. Front model of 2020 to 2023 was more elegant and beautiful than the new model in the Ford Explorer. The Toyota High Lander for me is better in comfortable spaces inside and of course the quality is far superior. The value in the future for sale is better for the good materials and reliable products of Toyota, than the standard basic materials of Ford. Some mechanic friends say: All the brands are good the bad is the low maintenance in the cars.

@sophaman9193 4 ай бұрын

I'm not going to put my money on ford explorer i pick toyota grand highlander over explorer anyday

@DaMixWizard 4 ай бұрын

Why is that? I'm looking to buy the Grand Highlander

@hiqck8441 4 ай бұрын

So many reasons most importantly reliability of course and overall space

@hiqck8441 4 ай бұрын

Better gas mileage etc

@DaMann-zm6kt Ай бұрын

OVerall, the Explorer is by far a better looking vehicle with a more high-end looking enterior. One is a luxury vehicle and the other is not.

@hturt4 24 күн бұрын

Good luck with that, since the GH is on a stop sale because of quality issues.

@detroitdevinh 4 ай бұрын

I think Toyota needs to make the grand Highlander TRD, but since it’s not a full performance vehicle, I’m going for the Ford Explorer ST instead.

@DominionAnako-bb7ry 4 ай бұрын

The Ford Explorer is known for its strong engine options and spacious interior, making it a popular choice for families. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander offers a comfortable ride and excellent fuel efficiency. Both SUVs have advanced safety features to keep you secure on the road.

@tinhinnh 4 ай бұрын

thx for unbiased comment 👍

@Outroyal Ай бұрын

Would love to see a Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota Grand Highlander. Which one is Grander?

@antonahill1750 2 ай бұрын

Which sun roof opens up the most?

@GarlandTexasSpotter2024 4 ай бұрын

You should do a Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer Comparison. Both are extremely identical vehicles.

@arun4urmoney 2 ай бұрын

I'm in favor of the Explorer. The engine has been around for awhile and is used in many other Ford vehicles. Which in turn should make cost of ownership cheaper because of readily available parts. Ironically, Toyota use to have vehicles like that up until they got rid of many of their older engines and started replacing them with newer hybrids.

@davidethan4354 4 ай бұрын

Oem parts , maintenance comfortable Hybrid and etc My idea Toyota gh won

@cesarferrer9596 3 ай бұрын

1 crucial point you didn’t considered is that to get a Grand Highlander you have to deal with a Toyota Dealership which is the worse experience of buying a car in US. They always overpriced and scam you with things that you don’t need

@klsavr79 4 ай бұрын

Need to take big consideration of the actual purchase price. Can easily get huge discount when purchasing ford whereas toyota is charging msrp or even over msrp on those popular models. The difference could be so large to offset all the difference of residual values.

@techpappee 4 ай бұрын

Comparison, I think it’s best to compare base model versus base model. What they come with not what you can pay extra for.

@slange420 2 ай бұрын

I want to see a comparison of the Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited (not MAX) and the CX-90 PHEV Preferred.

@hturt4 24 күн бұрын

Toyota GH on stop sale due to quality issues, IIHS crash test results are interior to the Explorer, and Toyota dealerships markup the price so much it negates any value of its better depreciation. With proper oil changes and maintenance the Explorer will last as long as the GH.

@indaydongtv5139 4 ай бұрын

GH all the way💯 Ford=Fix or repair daily

@limitedreach4446 4 ай бұрын

Both are great options, can’t go wrong with either! The Explorer has a more premium RWD platform, leading to better driving dynamics and it also has a higher quality interior. The Grand Highlander on the other end, is bigger, much more efficient with the hybrid and will retain more resale value.

@박동석-u7u 4 ай бұрын

ford is garbage

@ArseneLupin786 4 ай бұрын

The ST is the one to take - just lease it new or wait for a certified used one for 20% less value.

@BSBS-gk4iy 4 ай бұрын

So when monitor is cracked no cooling and heating?! - minus 1 point from F

@chrisbowen1902 2 ай бұрын

Value after 5 years is impressive and reliability is even more impressive. A quiet and smooth and softer ride is great and fuel mileage wins the day, by a lot. Toyota wins big time !

@JosephPayton-m9g 4 ай бұрын

the Ford in terms of feature comforts and tech is a couple steps ahead of the GH. Only problem is reliability. Ik a car can be a little unreliable but ford is like the American Range Rover when it comes to reliability. That’s what sets the Explorer back the most, is the amount of mechanical issues it has. I would hope they have resolved those issues with it but at the same time the GH isn’t much better because those currently have a stop sell order due to engine problems I believe but it also just came out. The Explorer of this gen has been out since 2020 and still has the same powertrain. We looked at a GH in person, and it’s kind of disappointing for almost 60 grand, the interior is not as nice as what you would get in a normal highlander for about 54k and definitely not as nice as the Explorer . The interior on the standard highlander is about as nice as what you may get in a Lexus. I guess Toyota had to cost cut in many areas so that the GH could be ahead in the more important areas like sizing and powertrain. Would I choose the ford over the Toyota though? Absolutely not. Not until ford gets all the mechanical issues under control.

@dustinmorris13 3 ай бұрын

Both vehicles definitely have pros and cons. Unfortunatley both have rear signals in their brakes instead of ambers. Ford does get cornering lamps in the front. Screens are not a positive. Physical buttons and knobs in the Toyota is a big win. The Explorer is definitely more luxurious, but the removal of the hybrid engine is so bad... it makes no sense! Great review as always. Toyota isn't very reliable anymore, especially the Grand Highlander with its copious recalls.

@CarConfections 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@naveenthemachine 4 ай бұрын

I’ll take the Explorer because it’s RWD and its driving experience transcends the mainstream segment. The driving dynamics of the Explorer are more x5 like which is very high praise Even better id get the aviator

@CarGeek360 4 ай бұрын

An Explorer isn’t gonna have driving dynamics comparable to a BMW X5 with the M Sport Pkg 😂

@naveenthemachine 4 ай бұрын

@@CarGeek360 but it’s a lot closer than you think. Besides reviewers have commented on how the driving dynamics and performance remind them of a bmw x5. That’s incredibly high praise You wont get any of that in a gh at any price

@CarGeek360 4 ай бұрын

@@naveenthemachine probably a BMW X5 without the M Sport Pkg, trust me the ones with the M Sport Pkg handle noticeably better than the ones without

@hotforteacher7540 2 ай бұрын

ALL great cars, but Toyotas history of reliability is what sold me.

@Mkvine 3 ай бұрын

Explorer 100%

@dabanyaseen96 4 ай бұрын

Grand highlander❤

@brandonyen7837 23 күн бұрын

I never knew people put donuts inside the console compartment under the armrest, please change 😂

@saadtheman1 4 ай бұрын

toyota all the way!

@chadh983 3 ай бұрын

Looks and drivability are what most I look for in a vehicle. Reliability is 3rd. It’s the Explorer for me hands down. If I want a boring stretched, RAV4, I would get the grand Highlander. It may win a bit on reliability , but that’s it.

@da1nonly_Q 4 ай бұрын

considering the grand highlander isn't safe I would take the Ford! Plus the GH just looks like a Bus! I like how the explorer doesnt look too big!

@josedelarosa6449 4 ай бұрын

As for the depreciation, Toyota is not doing that great. Really, it comes down to a person's choice.

@ernestocontosta2898 2 ай бұрын

Grand Highlander

@Richard-xv7yf 4 ай бұрын

Are they selling Grand Highlanders now?

@Dikitsch 4 ай бұрын

Nope, I also don't see the point of comparing the car that only exists in theory

@oommenthms2728 4 ай бұрын

Explorer is a great package as opposed to GHLNDR, especially in terms of seat & ride comfort, superb 10-spd transmission and a much better audio system but it's high time they start offering Hybrids as an option for better fuel efficiency. But for 60K it's hard to not consider Lincoln Nautilus & KIA Sorento

@sophaman9193 4 ай бұрын

Are you going to buy reliability resale value or you are going to buy bad reliability bad resale value on the explorer you tell me

@kromahj 4 ай бұрын

Both are not reliable, why you think Toyota stop selling the grand highlander, newer Toyota are not reliable

@curtpederson2923 4 ай бұрын

Ooops. Too late. Love my GH.

@nickc.principe1136 3 ай бұрын

Ford will always win in performance and tech, but won’t last long and Toyota is always know for reliability and efficiency which will last long

@johnmcmanus123 2 ай бұрын

HOW come no smile meter on the explorer .lol

@OPC249 4 ай бұрын

Love the misaligned door seals at 3:03 on a $60k vehicle

@90RJL 2 ай бұрын

I noticed this as well! 😂

@CarGeek360 4 ай бұрын

I like both these SUVs but would choose the Grand Highlander between these two, I’ll take a Nissan Pathfinder Platinum for $10k less than either though

@timmach05 4 ай бұрын

Fords rotary shifter is annoying to use.

@michaelmirano10 14 сағат бұрын

I think Toyota have a remote start too three press then hold on third

@saadalhasan7938 16 күн бұрын

I have Toyota highlander 2015 limited still run like new, I can't drive Ford because I have to be visited micanic every month

@Conz1331 4 ай бұрын

Way too much Gloss black in explorer

@andyrose5731 4 ай бұрын

Wait. You can’t even buy a new Grand Highlander right now due to the airbag debacle

@katmanjenks1961 4 ай бұрын

Ford Lol😅

@nguyentruong6826 2 ай бұрын

Tôi chọn GH ❤❤❤

@TheRglynn Ай бұрын

Ford all day

@mukhtarfarjam2749 Ай бұрын

GH is good car but not good looking car as much as explorer does

@jdm_dude9575 11 күн бұрын

The 4 cylinder in the Grand Highlander was and is a horrible engine choice, it gets bad gas mileage, it vibrates too much, and it works too hard to get up to speed, turbos don't last, and I don't want a hybrid, it should have a V6

@dtay8913 4 ай бұрын

Toyota screwed the pooch with the grand highlander. I'd actually get the explorer over it.

@yankeesusa1 24 күн бұрын

Neither of these. Telluride and Pathfinder are better options.

@Blackandwhitecat-u9v 4 ай бұрын

Buy Japanese.

@VG22. 4 ай бұрын

The most overrated statement in the car industry

@Blackandwhitecat-u9v 4 ай бұрын

@@VG22.🫵🤡😂

@stephencooper3583 4 ай бұрын

I wouldn't pay over $50k for either one, honestly. Both start at a more reasonable $39k though. I'd consider in the mid $40's range. Between the two, I think I'd slightly favor the Explorer by the smallest of margins. It's almost a toss up to me though. I'd prefer a Traverse over both of them.

@Blackandwhitecat-u9v 4 ай бұрын

So you want a new vehicle, but don’t want to pay for it😂. Gtfo

@stephencooper3583 4 ай бұрын

@@Blackandwhitecat-u9v ... that's not what I said. I just wouldn't pay $50k for a regular midsize suv. I don't want or need the very top trim. As I said, there are very reasonable mid trim levels for both in the mid $40's. If I was looking to spend over $50k for a midsize, it would be a luxury... like the Lincoln or Lexus versions of these (the Aviator and the TX). These 2 vehicles tested were almost $60k apiece. If you would pay that much for an Explorer or Highlander, go ahead. To each his own. I wouldn't.

@theholt2ic219 3 ай бұрын

Sorry my friend but you living a decade behind. Not saying these are cheap cars but they have loads of more tech then their predecessors. And adjusted for inflation and the competition they are priced about right for the top trim. Maybe 10 years ago a top trim SUV with all these features from would mid 40s lol

@stephencooper3583 3 ай бұрын

@@theholt2ic219 ... you are also misreading my comment. I said I'm the type who doesn't want or need the top trim and would go for a trim in the mid $40's. Looking at my first comment, I can see the misunderstanding. But I'm saying I would go for a lower trim level. I fully realize the price ranges of these vehicles.

@joecool9739 4 ай бұрын

The Explorer eats the Grand Highlander for breakfast Its more powerful, more luxurious and more feature-packed Looks better too...and its RWD

@almassengale 4 ай бұрын

In both cases 99% of families would be much better off getting a minivan. Instead they spend more on a vehicle with far less cargo space and passenger room that drives worse. And they still don't come out looking stylish.

@CraigNelson-gw6jw 4 ай бұрын

Thumbs down bro! You do Ford dirty in all these comparisons. I've watched all of them. You'll literally explain a full point for Ford then scrutinize something else with a "but" and never give Ford their points. I've watched over and over. It's like because Ford is a shoe in Win it comes with over scrutiny. Nobody up North from Kentucky to Pennsylvania is driving for Grand Highlanders more than Ford and yall know this! Ford and Toyota aren't nearly the same.....the Asians put a model of Ford Explorer on a board and say...Build us a Suv similar to American Royalty Ford Explorer. And they still fall short because why Car Confections?...You have no choice but to upgrade your Asian Car brands...You can keep your Ford for damn near forever no lies. That repair parts are available baby.