2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Highlander (266 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 332 kg more than 2013 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2008 Ford Explorer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Explorer | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 73 L |
