2012 highlander vs. 2011 ford explorer - north hollywood toyota, los angeles new used certified...

july 2011

Top Highlander SE Advantages Over Explorer XLT

At one time, the Ford Explorer was the industry’s best-selling sport-utility vehicle. But a shift in the marketplace toward more fuel-efficient crossovers led to a sharp decline in sales, making Ford rethink its approach.

Its response? An all-new Explorer for 2011 that trades its old body-on-frame and rear-wheel-drive configuration for a new more-car-like unibody platform and front-wheel drive. Odds are, this will lead to a fundamental shift in cross-shopping. In the past, 4Runner prospects would logically compare that Toyota with Explorer. Now, Highlander is likely to be the competitive SUV of choice.

The good news is that Highlander has many advantages over Explorer, as outlined in this Edge document.

Look inside for detailed info about this summary, important safety information and disclaimers, and walkaround advantages.

� cLEvEr cOnfigurATiOn Explorer is the bigger vehicle. But in many ways, Highlander makes better use of its more compact and efficient platform.

•More maneuverable Highlander is shorter and narrower. This will be an advantage when the going gets tight.

•Better power-to-weight ratio Explorer boasts the more powerful engine, but its higher curb weight cancels out that apparent advantage.

•More cargo room Perhaps the most dramatic example of Highlander’s inspired space utilization is its maximum cargo room, which is notably larger than Explorer’s.

� SAfETy cOMMiTMEnT Highlander’s full complement of safety technologies contribute to customer peace of mind.

•More select safety technologies A driver’s knee airbag and active front headrests are among the safety features that are standard on Highlander and not available on Explorer.

•Star Safety SystemTM Every new Toyota includes the Star Safety System, now with Smart Stop Technology.

� EXcEPTiOnAL vALuE At a time when every dollar counts, Highlander delivers—at the point of purchase and down the road.

•comparable MSrP advantage Highlander SE’s MSRP can be less than that of Explorer XLT when you begin to balance the two vehicles’ features lists.

•More select features Highlander includes several standard comfort and convenience items that aren’t available on Explorer, even as extra-cost options.

•Low cost of ownership IntelliChoice ranked Highlander a far better value in the mid size crossover class based on five-year ownership- cost projections.

� vErSATiLE inTEriOr Highlander takes into account the needs of all its passsengers, no matter which row they’re seated in.

•More select passenger room Highlander boasts more front-row leg room and third-row shoulder and hip room than Explorer.

• ingenious center Stow™ seat Meanwhile, rear-seat passengers can take advantage of Highlander’s highly versatile Center Stow™ seat.

2012 Highlander vs. 2011 Ford Explorer

2011 Ford Explorer

2011 Highlander shown

Updated 7/29/11

20I2 HIGHLANDER vs. 20I1 FORD EXPLORER

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Ford offers the Explorer in three grades: Base, XLT and Limited. Unlike Highlander, which offers the choice of four-cylinder, V6 and hybrid engines, all Explorers share the same powertrain. Each grade is available with either a two-wheel or four-wheel driveline.At some point, however, Ford will offer Explorer with the 2.0-liter version of its EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is expected to deliver enhanced fuel economy. Here’s a look at some of the major features offered on each grade.

ford Explorer at a glance

2011 Ford Explorer

Explorer

Engine

3.5-liter 24-valve V6

Transmission

6-speed automatic

Driveline

Front-wheel drive

Four-wheel drive

Standard Features

Driver and front-passenger advanced airbags

Front seat-mounted side airbags

Side curtain airbags

Anti-lock braking system

Brake-force distribution

Stability control

Traction control

Trailer sway control

Hill-start assistance

Remote keyless entry

Air conditioning

Rear air conditioning

4 12V powerpoints

Power windows

Power door locks

Tilt/telescoping steering column

Cruise control

AM/FM/CD/AUX audio system with 6 speakers and steering-wheel-mounted controls

60/40 split-folding second-row seatbacks

50/50 split-folding third-row bench seat

LED taillights

Privacy glass

17-inch steel wheels

Compare to

Highlander grade

XLT

The XLT differs from the base grade by adding:

Standard Features

Keypad entry

Perimeter alarm

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Leather-trimmed shift knob

Sirius™ satellite radio

Automatic headlamps

Roof rails

Fog lamps

18-inch aluminum wheels

Compare to

Highlander SE

Limited

The Limited differs from the XLT by adding:

Standard Features

Dual-zone automatic climate control

MyFord Touch™ (2nd-generation Ford Sync®)

Auto-dimming rearview mirror

110V power outlet

Push-button start

Remote start

Backup camera

Garage-door opener

Ambient lighting

Power-adjustable pedals

Sony audio system with HD radio

Media input via USB, SD card or RCA A/V cables

Leather-trimmed heated front bucket seats

Second-row center armrest

Power-folding outside mirrors with indicators

20-inch aluminum wheels

Compare to

Highlander SE, Highlander Limited

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Highlander AdvantagesA Closer Look

� EXcEPTiOnAL vALuE

Comparable MSRP advantage

Explorer XLT has the lower base MSRP, but that apparent advantage disappears when you begin to add features that are standard on Highlander SE but optional on Explorer XLT.

Highlander SE Explorer XLT Toyota Advantage

Base MSRP1 $34,660 $32,345 --

Power tilt/slide moonroof Standard $1595

Power liftgate Standard $495

Cargo cover Standard $135

Electrochromic rearview mirror StandardPart of a $3795 package

Leather-trimmed seating StandardPart of a $3795 package

Heated front seats StandardPart of a $3795 package

Rearview camera StandardPart of a $3795 package

Total $34,660 $38,365 $3,705

More select features

Highlander SE’s value story becomes even more compelling when comparing features. Here are some prominent examples.

Highlander SE Explorer XLT

Lift-up glass hatch Standard Not

available

Windshield wiper de-icer Standard Not

available

Full-size spare Standard Not available

Second-row center console Standard Not

available

HomeLink® transceiver Standard Not

available

CD changer Available Not available

low cost of ownership

Highlander isn’t just the better value at the point of sale. It might also be the better value over the long haul, based on five-year cost of ownership projections calculated by IntelliChoice2. Highlander also won a SmartChoice award for low maintenance costs. Explorer didn’t do nearly as well, with a much higher predicted cost and a “below average” value rating.

2011 Highlander SE 2011 Explorer XLT

IntelliChoice 5-yr estimated ownership cost

$37,337 $42,590

IntelliChoice value rating

Excellent Below average


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� cLEvEr cOnfigurATiOn

More maneuverable

Ford aimed to make the unibody Explorer a better fit for daily driving compared to the prior body-on-frame model, but it’s still longer and wider than Highlander. Those extra inches can get in the way when negotiating a crowded parking lot. At the same time, Highlander has more ground clearance, making it the better choice when off-road driving situations arise.

Highlander 4WD

Explorer 4WD

Toyota Advantage

Length (in.) 188.4 197.1 8.7

Width (in.) 75.2 78.9 3.7

Ground clearance (in.)

8.1 7.6 0.5

Higher power-to-weight ratio

Explorer’s engine does generate a bit more power. But that advantage evaporates when you factor in curb weight, giving Highlander the better power-to-weight ratio.

Highlander V6 4WD

Explorer AWD

Toyota Advantage

Horsepower@rpm 270@6200 290@6500 --

Curb weight (lbs.) 4266 4732 466

Power-to-weight ratio (lbs. per horsepower)

15.1 16.3 0.5

More cargo room

Explorer might be the bigger vehicle on the outside, but Highlander is—in many ways—the bigger vehicle on the inside. A dramatic case in point is cargo room3, with Highlander holding a huge advantage when both the second- and third-row seats are folded flat.

Highlander Explorer ToyotaAdvantage

Max. cargo capacity (cu.ft.)

95.4 80.7 14.7

Highlander Explorer

5


� vErSATiLE inTEriOr

More select passenger room

Highlander’s clever design makes good use of its available interior space, offering more front- and third-row passenger room than Explorer in several key measures.

Highlander Explorer Toyota Advantage

Front-row legroom (in.) 43.2 40.6 2.6

Third-row shoulder room (in.) 55.0 50.8 4.2

Third-row hip room (in.) 42.3 40.7 1.6

Ingenious Center Stow™ seat

Second-row passengers benefit from Highlander’s thoughtful design thanks to the Center Stow™ seat. When this seat is in place, the second row can accommodate three passengers. When removed, two passengers can enjoy the comfort of bucket seats with a center console. Meanwhile, Explorer offers only a conventional bench seat.

� SAfETy cOMMiTMEnT

Star Safety System

Like all new Toyota vehicles, Highlander comes standard with the Star Safety System™, including Smart Stop Technology. Explorer doesn’t keep pace.

Highlander Explorer

Anti-lock brake system Standard Standard

Vehicle- stability control Standard Standard

Traction control Standard Standard

Electronic brake-force distribution Standard Not available

Brake assist Standard Not available

Driver's knee airbag Standard Not available

Active Front headrests Standard Not available

More select safety technologies

Highlander goes beyond Star Safety System to include other technologies also not found on Explorer, such as active front headrests and a driver’s knee airbag.

2011 Highlander



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Highlander Hybrid AdvantagesA Closer Look

Of course, Highlander with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) gets great fuel economy. Another benefit of HSD is reduced emissions and a smaller carbon footprint, reflected in its superior emissions rating.

� Hybrid efficiency

Highlander is unique among this class of vehicles for having such a wide range of powertrains, including 4- and 6-cylinder gas engines and a model with Hybrid Synergy Drive. The Highlander Hybrid is an intriguing option for shoppers and families who want it all: They can get room, versatility, convenience and luxury combined with exceptional fuel-economy and reduced emissions. Here’s a look at how Highlander Hybrid compares to the competition.

Impressive fuel economy

Highlander Hybrid is EPA-rated at 28 mpg city and 28 mpg highway4, significantly above Explorer’s ratings. With gas prices as unpredictable as they are, this could be a significant advantage.

Highlander Hybrid Explorer Toyota

Advantage

EPA est. fuel economy, city (mpg)

28 17 11

EPA est. fuel economy, hwy (mpg)

28 23 5

lower emissions

Because Highlander Hybrid burns less fuel, it has fewer emissions. In fact, not only does Highlander Hybrid outperform Explorer on EPA tests, it’s so good it even outperforms some 4-cylinder subcompact vehicles.


Advantage

EPA Green-house Gas Score

7 3 4

EPA Air Pollution Score

7 5 2

(Scores range 1–10, 10 being best)

It may surprise you to learn that Highlander Hybrid is better equipped to tow larger loads than Explorer. So not only is the Toyota more efficient, it’s also more capable5. That’s a true win-win for the owner.

� better for towing

Higher tow capacity

Highlander Hybrid has a standard tow capacity almost twice that of Explorer. Ford offers extra-cost tow enhancements, but Toyota gives you extra capacity at no additional cost.


Advantage

Standard tow capacity (lbs.)

3500 2000 1500

Standard tow prep

Highlander Hybrid is so complete it doesn’t need a separate tow-prep package. On Explorer, it’s an extra-cost item.

Highlander Hybrid Explorer

Tow prep Standard Available

Wiring harness Standard Available

The driver and front-seat passenger in Highlander Hybrid enjoy more fully featured seating than that in Explorer. That may make for more comfortable days on the road.

� extrA pAssenger comfort

Seating adjustments

The driver’s seat in Highlander Hybrid boasts 10-way adjustability, which is more than what Explorer includes. Ford wants you to pay for the “Luxury Seating Package” to match Highlander Hybrid’s capability.

Highlander Hybrid Explorer Limited

Driver’s seat 10-way adjustable 6-way adjustable

Front-passenger seat Power recline Manual recline

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20I2 HIGHLANDER vs. 20I1 FORD EXPLORERHighlander walkaround

Compare Highlander to Explorer

Highlander has Toyota’s exclusive Center Stow seat. Explorer’s second row doesn’t have a similar feature.

Highlander vs. Explorer

Highlander has a glass hatch that opens separately. Explorer has a fixed rear window.

Highlander

vs. Explorer

In Highlander, you fold the rear seats just by pulling convenient handles in the cargo area. Explorer owners have to run around to the side doors to release the seatbacks.


Highlander SE comes with standard leather-trimmed seating vs. cloth for XLT. Leather for the Ford is part of a $3,795 package.


Highlander has a finished look with color-keyed mirrors. Explorer mirrors are in basic black.


AD-10258-11

1 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) includes the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee of $760 for Cars, $810 for Small/Medium Trucks (Sienna, RAV4, Highlander Gas, Highlander HV, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Tacoma and Land Cruiser), and $975 for Large Trucks (Tundra and Sequoia). Excludes taxes, license, title and available or regionally required equipment. The Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX will be higher. Actual dealer price will vary. 2 2011 IntelliChoice, www.IntelliChoice.com 3 Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. 4 2011 EPA fuel-economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary. 5 Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any weight ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on the total weight of any cargo, occupants and available equipment.

Competitive Comparison reflects most current information available for stated model year vehicle. Competitive vehicle data sourced from Polk Price & Specifications Professional and from competitor Web sites May 2010. All information is believed to be correct at date of printing and is subject to change without notice.

©2011 TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYING OR ANY OTHER REPRODUCTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A. IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., by the publication and/or dissemination of this publication does not create any warranties, either expressed or implied, as to Toyota products. The information contained herein was up-to-date at the time of publication, but may subsequently be changed or added to without notice and without incurring any obligation. Reliance on this information creates no

liability for Toyota. This publication is produced for use as an information sales aid. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., its employees, representatives, and/or agents shall not be held liable for any omission of data or inclusion of erroneous data even where said omission is alleged to have been relied upon by a buyer of Toyota Products.

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Select Edge Series. View and/or print this document—as well as any Edge or Hot Sheet from the University of Toyota.

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2012 highlander vs. 2011 ford explorer - north hollywood toyota, los angeles new used certified...

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