The 2023 Highlander is more fuel efficient, proving it to be the better choice for highway commuting purposes. The Highlander getting 29 highway MPG vs the 28 city/highway MPG on the Explorer - may seem marginal but fuel savings add up over time. With fuel at a national average of $3.49, this is one of the most important features in a vehicle and the Highlander wins. The Highlander is also available in Hybrid options, with the Explorer offering no electric alternatives.

The highest available trim option, the 2023 Highlander Platinum has a lower starting cost of $49,075 vs $53,820 for the Explorer Platinum - that is almost $4,000 more than the Highlander Platinum - for a smaller touchscreen display and fewer features and fewer miles per gallon.

ToyotaCare is also included on every single new 2023 Highlander, making it easy and affordable to properly maintain your new Toyota. The 2023 Explorer from Ford offers no free maintenance plan like ToyotaCare, making this the more expensive option in every way.

If you need AWD in your mid-size SUV, look no further than the 2023 Highlander. As an option, it is less costly to add AWD to the Highlander when compared to the Pilot. Toyotas intelligent AWD system is built with integrity and years of expertise. AWD is important for adverse weather conditions, and regions where this may be a more likely occurrence. If you need it, buy it with the 2023 Highlander.

The Highlander comes with ToyotaCare, a cost-free maintenance plan to keep your Toyota in top shape, along with 24 hour roadside assistance for 2 years. Hondas complimentary plan does not last as long, and offers no roadside assistance. Toyota builds an overall better value, with a long standing tradition in reliability. The 2023 Highlander is the choice to take over the Pilot for better fuel efficiency, a lower starting cost and lower price for important option additions like AWD.

Attractive styling of the 2023 Highlander sets itself apart from the 2023 Traverse, making it the best choice at first glance. Boasting a more modern and attractive design, one to surely age well over the years. A sculpted shape with contoured lines with a perfect balance between elegance and sharpness. The Highlander is also available in 6 colors vs the Traverse in 4 colors - the Toyota Highlander wins here with a wider range of customization options.

But one of the more important features about a vehicle, the fuel efficiency - stands out on the Highlander. Touting 22/29 city/highway MPG vs the 18/27 city/highway MPG on the Traverse. Over time, making the Highlander a better choice for the best fuel consumption. This is because of the 2.4L 4 cylinder Turbo engine in the Highlander vs a 3.6L V6 engine in the Traverse.

Maintaining a new 2023 Highlander will prove less costly with the ToyotaCare plan - covering your Toyota for 2 years or 25,000 miles, with 24 hour roadside assistance in case of emergencies. The 2023 Traverse offers nothing, apart from 1 maintenance visit within the first 12 months. The 2023 Highlander will be less costly to maintain, making it the more affordable option to maintain. This makes for a more reliable vehicle in the long run, helping the owner maintain value.