Three-row SUVs
Used Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: which should you buy?
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-07-03
The short answer
The Highlander is the default recommendation: boring, durable, expensive used because everyone knows it. The Explorer is quicker, tows more, and costs less — with a spottier record (water pump on older V6s, early 2020 launch issues). The Highlander premium is real but so is what it buys.
Model years
2011–2024
Mileage outlook
Internal water pump failures cluster around 100,000–150,000 miles on 2011–2019 V6s. A documented replacement is a strong plus on a high-mileage Explorer.
Model years
2008–2024
Mileage outlook
The 3.5L V6 routinely clears 250,000 miles. A 140,000-mile Highlander with dealer records is a safer buy than an 80,000-mile one with none. Hybrids age well too, but ask about hybrid battery health past 150,000 miles.
Ford Explorer
The used Ford Explorer's defining problem is the 2011–2019 3.5L V6's internal water pump: it is driven by the timing chain, and when it fails coolant can mix with oil, turning a $60 part into a $2,500–$4,500 job. Verify cooling history and listen for whine; on 2020+ confirm early-build recalls were handled.
Known issues to check
- 2011–2019 3.5L V6: internal (timing-cover) water pump failure — coolant loss, overheating, or milky oil are late-stage signs
- PTU (power transfer unit) on AWD models: fluid neglect leads to whine and failure — ask about PTU service
- 2011–2017: exhaust odor in cabin complaints — confirm any TSB work
- 2020+: first-year quality issues and recalls — verify completion via VIN
What to verify
- Cooling system history and oil condition (no milkiness)
- PTU fluid service on AWD
- Recall completion via VIN
- Whine from the engine front at idle and revs
Toyota Highlander
A used Toyota Highlander is one of the most dependable three-row SUVs you can buy, and the known issues are cheap to check: oil cooler line leaks on 2008–2013 V6 models, water pump seepage on the same engine, and a slightly hesitant 8-speed automatic on 2017–2019 cars that is annoying rather than fatal. The bigger risk is price — Highlanders carry a strong reputation premium, so verify the condition matches the asking price.
Known issues to check
- 2008–2013 V6: rubber oil cooler line can rupture and dump oil — check for the updated metal line and any oil loss history
- 2GR-FE V6 water pump weeps coolant with age — look for pink crust around the pump and front of the engine
- 2017–2019 8-speed automatic: low-speed hesitation and clunky shifts — test drive in stop-and-go; software updates improved it
- 2020+ models are largely trouble-free; focus on accident history and dealer service gaps instead
What to verify
- No oil drips under the engine and no oil-loss history (2008–2013)
- Coolant level and water pump area dry
- Smooth low-speed shifting on the test drive (2017–2019)
- Hybrid battery health report past 150,000 miles on Hybrid trims
How to decide between them
On the used market, the better specific car almost always beats the better model on paper. A well-documented Ford Explorer can be a smarter buy than a neglected Toyota Highlander, and the reverse is just as true. Build a comp set for each, match the model year to its known issues above, and price in any maintenance the records do not cover.
Once you have a real listing for either one, paste it into DealScan to get a deal score, the red flags, a fair price range, and the questions to ask before you visit.
Found a listing for either one? Check the actual car.
Paste any Explorer or Highlander listing and get a deal score, red flags, and the price you should actually offer.
Check a listingFord Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: FAQ
Is the used Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander more reliable?
Both are popular used picks, and reliability comes down to the specific model year and how well the car was maintained more than the badge. Match each car's year to its known issues — the Ford Explorer watch-items and the Toyota Highlander watch-items are listed above — and prioritize the one with documented maintenance records.
Which is cheaper to own used, the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander?
Total cost depends on purchase price, insurance, fuel, and repair risk for the specific year. Use DealScan's free price checker on each to compare fair market values, and factor in the known repair items for each model before deciding which is cheaper to own.
Should I buy the Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander?
The Highlander is the default recommendation: boring, durable, expensive used because everyone knows it. The Explorer is quicker, tows more, and costs less — with a spottier record (water pump on older V6s, early 2020 launch issues). The Highlander premium is real but so is what it buys.