2024 Midsize SUV Showdown: Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer vs. Mazda CX-90 Finding the perfect midsize SUV can be challenging. You need space, comfort, and features for the whole family, but you also want strong performance, impressive fuel efficiency, and top-notch safety. Three SUVs consistently rank high in these categories: the 2024 Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Mazda CX-90. But which one reigns supreme? Let's break down their key features to help you decide. Performance & Efficiency The Toyota Highlander boasts a standard 2.4L turbocharged gas engine with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers a satisfying 203 horsepower and an impressive 24 mpg combined fuel economy. Looking for more power? Opt for the available hybrid powertrain, which cranks out 240 net horsepower while achieving a remarkable 36 mpg combined. The Ford Explorer provides a wide range of engine options, starting with a powerful 2.3L EcoBoost turbo-4 with 300 horsepower. However, this performance comes at a cost – fuel economy dips to a combined 20 mpg. Stepping up to the available V6 engines further reduces fuel efficiency. The Mazda CX-90 strikes a balance with a standard 3.3L turbo engine offering 280 horsepower and a fuel economy of 25 mpg combined. While the performance aspect is exciting, it doesn't match the Highlander's hybrid option in terms of efficiency. Tech Throne The Toyota Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims of the Highlander offer a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and a premium JBL sound system. The Explorer has an 8-inch standard touchscreen that upgrades to a 10.1-inch unit in higher trims. Both Ford and Toyota systems offer smartphone integration, but the Highlander's available JBL sound system provides a superior listening experience. The Mazda CX-90 takes a driver-centric approach with its standard 10.25-inch touchscreen that can be controlled via a rotary knob for minimized distraction. However, its infotainment system doesn't quite match the user-friendliness and feature set of the Toyota or Ford. Safety First Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard on all Highlander models, featuring a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Explorer offers Ford Co-Pilot360 with similar features, but some advanced driver-assistance features are reserved for higher trims. The Mazda CX-90 comes standard with smart brake support and lane departure warning. Ford and Mazda offer comparable safety features, but Toyota's come standard across all trims, providing better overall value. The Highlander Reigns Supreme The 2024 Toyota Highlander offers a compelling combination of solid performance, impressive fuel efficiency (especially with the hybrid option), user-friendly technology, and a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. It delivers exceptional value without sacrificing comfort, style, or capability. Visit Us Today! Ready to see how the Highlander stacks up for yourself? Visit or contact Newbold Toyota today for a test drive and experience the winning difference!
Apart from its reputation for both reliability and affordability, Toyota has also become a premier auto manufacturer of family-friendly vehicles. Their extensive product offerings range from small family sedans to larger family SUVs. Each model offers standard advanced safety technologies, spacious interiors, and many family-friendly features to ensure every ride is a great one. Spacious Interiors No matter your family size, Toyota has a family-friendly car to meet your requirements. For smaller families, the midsize Toyota Camry, Prius V, and RAV4 offer spacious seating for up to five passengers. If you're looking for something with more seating, the Highlander will give you seating for up to seven, and the Sienna van will give you seating for up to eight passengers. The Camry offers 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, making it the perfect investment for families looking for a great combination of spacious seating and cargo space in a smaller compact vehicle. The Prius V offers 67 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Highlander offers up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Family-Oriented Features Every Toyota model is perfectly crafted with a family-oriented mindset. You can enjoy standard Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility with the help of advanced technology like dynamic navigation, so you always get where you need to go. Getting the whole family into the car is a real breeze with remote keyless entry. Its integrated Wi-Fi will allow your whole family to stay connected for those long road trips. Even its integrated backup camera will help you maneuver safely no matter how many passengers you have in the back. Advanced Safety Features Thanks to Toyota's rear occupancy alert, you are constantly reminded to check your rear seats when turning your ignition off. Every Toyota vehicle comes with the standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This includes advanced safety technology systems like roadside assist, lane trace assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and even proactive driving assist. One of its most notable features is a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection that will help to reduce engine power and apply the brakes whenever an unexpected pedestrian enters the roadway in front of you. With dynamic radar cruise control, you can always ensure that your vehicle will stay at a safe distance from those in front of it when it is set on cruise control. With lane tracing assist and lane departure alert warnings, you can ensure you never unexpectedly travel out of your lane and into harm's way. Toyota's road sign assist provides a heads-up display so drivers can clearly see upcoming road signs and navigate accordingly. Visit Us Today! If you're interested in test-driving any of the family-friendly Toyota models, be sure to stop by Newbold Toyota today. Our helpful sales associates can assist you in answering all of your questions and helping you get into the Toyota model that fits your family best.
The Toyota Highlander has been a midsize SUV staple for the Toyota brand for decades. It offers the same affordability and reliability that all Toyota products are known to possess. Currently, there are 11 different model options to choose from. Toyota Highlander L The base model Toyota Highlander L offers a great mix of fuel efficiency and useful technological features. Like all Toyota models, it features Toyota Safety Sense to ensure the safest ride for you and your passengers. Other notable features of this model include LED headlights, push-button start, three-zone climate control, and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. 2.4L 4-Cylinder Turbo Engine @ 265 HP Seating for 8 Fuel Efficiency 22 city/29 highway Toyota Highlander LE The Toyota Highlander LE provides some stark upgrades over the L model. These include LED fog lights, a height-adjustable power liftgate, Bling Spot Monitoring, a leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel, and a Rear Cross-Traffic alert. This model is currently available in AWD. 2.4L 4-Cylinder Turbo Engine @ 265 HP Seating for 8 Fuel Efficiency 22 city/29 highway Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE The Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE brings all the great upgraded features that the LE model offers, just with a hybrid motor. This model provides better fuel efficiency than the standard LE. However, its towing capacity is limited to 3,500 pounds. 2.5L Hybrid Engine @ 243 HP Seating for 8 Fuel Efficiency 36 city/35 highway Toyota Highlander XLE The Toyota Highlander XLE model brings the saying 'ride in style' to the marketplace. It features upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels that are machine-finished. It has a 7-inch color LCD display, auto-dimming rearview mirror, sliding moonroof, and Qi-compatible wireless charger. Unlike the other LE and L models, the XLE only seats seven passengers. 2.4L 4-Cylinder Turbo Engine @ 265 HP Seating for 8 Fuel Efficiency 22 city/29 highway Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE For those who love the upgrades on the XLE model but desire a more fuel-efficient vehicle, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE is right up your alley. Apart from higher fuel economy, this model features a 10-way power adjustable seat with five useful USB ports. 2.5L Hybrid Engine @ 243 HP Seating for 8 Fuel Efficiency 36 city/35 highway Toyota Highlander XSE The Toyota Highlander XSE features 20-inch alloy wheels that are machine-faced to provide a sportier look. You'll love its twin-tip exhausts, black roof rails, chrome-finished lower spoiler, rear lower bumper, aggressive-looking mesh front grille, and sport-tuned independent MacPherson front strut suspension with a stabilizer bar. 2.4L 4-Cylinder Turbo Engine @ 265 HP Seating for 7 Fuel Efficiency 22 city/29 highway Toyota Highlander Bronze Edition If you want to stand out, the Toyota Highlander Bronze Edition can be the ideal choice. It features 18-inch alloy wheels that are bronze-colored. You'll love its SofTex-trimmed seating with bronze-colored stitching. This model also features a unique illuminated front door sill metal scuff plate with a bronze finish. 2.5L Hybrid Engine @ 243 HP Seating for 7 Fuel Efficiency 36 city/35 highway Toyota Highlander Limited The Toyota Highlander Limited comes standard with 11 JBL speakers with 1200W. With its premium radio setup alongside its sleek exterior, this ride is one that you'll love taking down the road. It features 20-inch chrome-finished wheels. 2.4L 4-Cylinder Turbo Engine @ 265 HP Seating for 8 Fuel Efficiency 22 city/29 highway Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited If you want to enjoy all the great features of the Highlander Limited, just with better fuel economy, then the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited is perfect for you. This model not only features better fuel efficiency, but it has leather-trimmed front seats that are both heated and ventilated. This model does feature a slightly lower towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. 2.5L Hybrid Engine @ 243 HP Seating for 7 Fuel Efficiency in 36 city/35 highway Toyota Highlander Platinum This top-of-the-line Toyota Highlander Platinum model features a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with a Bird's Eye View Camera with dynamic grids. Its power panoramic view moonroof, sunshade, and one-touch open and close capability will be sure to please. 2.4L 4-Cylinder Turbo Engine @ 265 HP Seating for 7 Fuel Efficiency 22 city/29 highway Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum The Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum has all the excellent features that come with the Platinum edition, just with better fuel economy. This model features 20-inch alloy wheels, a JBL audio system, and heated second-row captain's chairs. 2.5L Hybrid Engine @ 243 HP Seating for 7 Fuel Efficiency in 36 city/35 highway Visit Us at Newbold Toyota If you're interested in any of the Highlander models, it's time to stop by our dealership at Newbold Toyota. Let our helpful sales associates assist you in getting into the model of your dreams.