Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander
Which one costs less to own? Both priced at $30,000, 3 years old, with 20% down on a 60-month loan, 12,000 miles a year and US average costs. Only the car's own costs differ.
The short answer
The Toyota Highlander costs about $4,652 less to own over five years than the Ford Explorer. Mostly because it keeps more of its value.
Check the Explorer with your numbers Check the Highlander
Cost to own, side by side
| Explorer | Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Value kept after 5 years | 50% | 58% |
| Worth after 5 years | $15,000 | $17,400 |
| Fuel or charging per year | $1,643 | $1,575 |
| Insurance per year | $2,100 | $2,100 |
| Repairs and maintenance, 5 years | $5,292 | $3,383 |
| True monthly cost | $940 | $910 |
| 5-year cost after resale | $48,650 | $43,999 |
Which one is worth it at your income?
The highest price that still scores Worth it (70 or more), with the same loan and costs as above.
| Yearly income | Explorer | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $4,500 | $9,500 |
| $75,000 | $18,000 | $24,000 |
| $100,000 | $31,000 | $39,000 |
Real prices differ by trim, mileage and condition, and your insurance quote and loan rate matter a lot. Run your own numbers for the exact car you are looking at.
More on each car
Is a Ford Explorer worth it? · Is a Toyota Highlander worth it?
Figures are estimates from public averages (data as of 2026-10), not quotes or financial advice. Resale from iSeeCars, repair costs from CarEdge. See how we score.