The Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander are longtime favourites in the midsize SUV segment. While both SUVs continue to be successful and have multiple strong points, there’s a critical factor in Explorer’s favour.
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The 2023 Ford Explorer has one huge thing that the 2023 Toyota Highlander does not offer. It is an off-road model with the Timberline trim.
The Ford Explorer Has A Timberline Trim That The Highlander Does Not have
Off-road SUVs are all the rage these days. In fact, it’s the best car for Nigerian roads. The 2023 rive Ford Explorer meets this demand with the highly-capable Timberline off-road model. If you want an SUV that can drive off the beaten path, then the Explorer is the way to go.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander doesn’t have an off-road model in its lineup. While Toyota offers off-road models for some of its other SUVs, including the RAV4, 4Runner, and Sequoia, there isn’t one available for the Highlander. The Highlander is great only for driving on good roads in the city. But it’s not so great for off-roading.
Features In The 2023 Ford Explorer Timberline Trim That Makes It Better For Off-Road Than The Highlander
The great off-road capabilities of the 2023 Ford Explorer Timberline midsize SUV start with its standard intelligent Four-Wheel Drive system. The Intelligent 4WD also offered for other Explorer trims, delivers optimum traction on challenging terrain.
It’s a highly advanced system, for it proactively provides traction before wheel slippage can occur. This is accomplished by automatically adjusting the torque between the wheels according to the conditions and inputs from the driver. While the 2023 Toyota Highlander offers an all-wheel drive system, it’s not as advanced as the four-wheel drive system in the Timberline other Explorer models.
Additionally, the Explorer Timberline has a high ground clearance—of 8.7 inches. High ground clearance enables the midsize SUV to more safely and effectively drive over uneven terrains, such as rocks. In comparison, the Highlander only has a ground clearance of up to 8.0 inches.
Also, the Explorer has off features like:
- The Torsen limited-slip rear differential
- Hill-descent control
- Skid plates
- Heavy-duty shock absorbers
- All-terrain tires
It also features a terrain management system with seven drive modes, such as Deep Snow/Sand and Trail.
Conclusion
There are other areas where the Ford Explorer beats the Highlander, such as a more powerful engine option and tows heavier loads than the Highlander. So, if you want a better mid-size SUV, the Ford Explorer is the one.
