Compare | St. Louis, MO
Two three-row SUVs, one family schedule. Here is how the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander sort out on a real week of school runs, ball games and weekend trips.
Anyone cross-shopping a three-row SUV in St. Louis ends up looking at the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander sooner or later. They share a size class and a seating layout, but they ask different things of the person behind the wheel.
This comparison sticks to what you can check yourself on a test drive: how the third row works, how the cargo area folds, what winter looks like and what ownership costs you in time. Exact specs change by model year and trim, so confirm them with our team before you decide.
Quick answer: The Ford Explorer fits families who want a rear-drive-based platform, optional four-wheel drive and a roomy cabin. The Toyota Highlander fits those who already like Toyota ownership. Drive both with your own kids, car seats and gear before you choose.
Seating
Three rows for up to seven, depending on trim
Cargo test
Fold the seats with your own stroller or hockey bag
Winter test
Ask about drive modes and tires for St. Louis weather
In this post
How Much Room Do Three Rows Really Give a Family?
Both the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander seat up to seven, but the third row is where parents tend to notice differences. Climb in the way a kid would, from the curb side with a backpack, and see how easy the second row slides and tilts.
Bring the car seats. Ford Explorer buyers often find that checking latch points and buckle reach in person settles the question faster than any brochure. Do the same in the Toyota Highlander so you are comparing real installs, not photos.
Which SUV Handles Daily St. Louis Driving Better?
Daily driving here means a mix: I-64 at rush hour, a stop on Hampton Avenue, then a crawl through a school pickup line in Webster Groves. Look at steering feel, how quiet the cabin stays at highway speed and how easily you can see out of each vehicle.
The Ford Explorer comes in trims from a comfortable family setup up to the sportier Explorer ST. The Toyota Highlander lineup is also layered by trim. Drive the exact trims you are considering, because the ride changes with wheel size and tuning.
St. Louis tip: Test drive on a road you already know, such as your commute on I-270 or Manchester Road. Familiar bumps tell you more than a smooth dealer loop.
What About Towing, Winter Roads and Weekend Gear?
A lot of St. Louis families tow a small camper, a jet ski or a utility trailer to Lake of the Ozarks or Carlyle Lake. If that is you, look at the tow rating and the factory tow package on each Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander you consider, and keep the trailer weight comfortably below it.
For winter, ask about available four-wheel or all-wheel drive, drive modes and the tires fitted at the factory. Good tires matter more than the badge on the back. Our service team can talk through winter tire options when you pick up the SUV.
See New Ford Explorers
Value Your Trade
How Do the Cabins and Technology Compare?
Spend ten minutes just sitting in each one. Check where the charge ports are, how the center screen responds, and whether phone mirroring connects quickly. A system that annoys you in the dealer lot will annoy you every morning.
Ford offers available assistance features on the Explorer, including BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on approved roads with the right equipment and subscription. Ask what each SUV includes at the trim you want, since features vary by model year.
Which One Fits Your Family?
Neither answer is wrong. The point is matching the SUV to your routine, so here are two quick checklists.
The Ford Explorer fits you if
- You want the Explorer ST or Tremor trim as an option
- Your household tows or hauls most weekends
- You value a St. Louis Ford dealer close to home
The Toyota Highlander fits you if
- You already own a Toyota and like that service routine
- You want to compare a hybrid option from the Toyota side
- Your driving is mostly short school and commuter trips
- You plan to cross-shop at a Toyota store as well
What Does Ownership Look Like After the Sale?
Buying is one afternoon. Owning is years of oil changes, tires and the odd recall. Dave Sinclair Ford has been a Ford dealer in St. Louis since 1966, and our service lanes handle the Explorer every day. You can book a visit online through our service scheduler.
If a repair is needed, ask both stores how loaner cars and pickup options work. Our Ford Pickup and Delivery program picks up eligible vehicles and brings them back to the home or office, within the program’s distance limits.
Buy it with Warranty Forever
Dave Sinclair Ford is the home of Warranty Forever, powertrain coverage on qualifying vehicles. See the dealer for details.
Space and Seating Questions
Can adults sit in the third row of a Ford Explorer?
It depends on the adult and the trip. The third row works well for kids and shorter rides, so sit back there yourself during a test drive.
Do both SUVs seat seven?
Seating varies by trim and configuration for both the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander. Confirm the seat count on the exact trim you want.
How many car seats can I fit?
Plan for two across in the second row, and check the third row separately. Bringing your own seats to the dealer is the quickest way to know.
Towing and Weather Questions
Can the Ford Explorer tow a camper?
Many Explorers can tow a light trailer with the right package. Check the rating for the model year and trim, and ask our team before you hitch up.
Is four-wheel drive worth it in St. Louis?
Snow here is occasional, but ice shows up every winter. Four-wheel drive helps you get moving, and good tires help you stop.
Should I buy winter tires for an SUV?
Winter or all-weather tires are worth a look if you commute early or live on a hill. Our service team can walk through options.
Price and Trade Questions
How do I find out what my trade is worth?
Start with our online trade tool, then bring the vehicle in for an appraisal. It takes the guesswork out of your budget.
Can I compare payments before visiting?
Yes. Our payment calculators let you test terms from home so you arrive with a plan.
Does the Ford Explorer come in a performance trim?
Ford sells an Explorer ST and an off-road leaning Tremor in recent model years. Availability changes, so check current inventory.
Ownership Questions
How often does an Explorer need service?
Follow the schedule in your owner manual. Our service team can lay out what is due at each mileage.
Can someone pick up my SUV for service?
Eligible vehicles qualify for Ford Pickup and Delivery within the program limits. Ask when you book.
What is Warranty Forever?
It is powertrain coverage on qualifying vehicles bought here. Read the program page and see the dealer for details.
Shopping Questions
Should I drive both before deciding?
Yes. A twenty minute drive in each, on roads you know, tells you more than a spec sheet.
Does Dave Sinclair Ford sell Toyotas?
No. We sell Ford vehicles, so we focus on helping you understand the Explorer and what it would do for your family.
Where can I see Explorers in stock?
Browse our new Ford lineup online, then visit or call to set up a test drive.
