2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs Explorer, Traverse
Which Three-Row SUV Delivers the Best Package for the Money?
This comparison breaks down how the Grand Highlander measures up to the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Chevrolet Traverse in key categories like space, technology, performance, and overall value. Each offers its own strengths, but when you look closely at what matters most for families and everyday drivers, one SUV rises to the top.
Luxurious Qualities
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is designed to be a premium ride from the first trim to the last. Even at the base level, material quality is above-class with a feeling of luxury. This sets it apart from the Chevrolet Traverse or Ford Explorer.
Ride quality is another differentiator. Built like a luxury liner, the Grand Highlander’s suspension delivers a smooth, quiet experience, while the Explorer leans toward a firmer, more performance-focused setup that may not suit all families.
The Traverse, on the other hand, can feel less composed, particularly over rougher surfaces. With either the Ford or Chevy, it’s likely your family will feel the bumps much more often than in the Grand Highlander.
Interior Space and Everyday Comfort
The Grand Highlander sets itself apart with a third row that accommodates adult passengers comfortably, which is not always a given in this class. Legroom and headroom are generous across all three rows. In fact, the Toyota 3-row SUV manages to provide the most third-row legroom of these three 3-row SUVs.
In contrast, the 2025 Ford Explorer’s third row is more suitable for children or shorter trips, as the available legroom is limited. The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offers decent passenger space, but the overall cabin design and material quality—especially in lower trims—can feel dated or utilitarian compared to the Toyota’s more refined layout.
Cargo Capacity
The Grand Highlander and Chevrolet Traverse manage more cargo room behind the third row than the Ford Explorer. When the seats are folded, these two continue to offer more space. With both rows folded, the Grand Highlander offers about 10 extra cubes compared to the 2025 Ford Explorer.
Extremely tough, the Grand Highlander iForce Max can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This keeps it competitive with the Explorer and Traverse. 
Technology and Infotainment
Inside the Grand Highlander, Toyota’s latest infotainment system features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen on most trims, with an interface that’s clean, responsive, and easy to navigate. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and higher trims offer additional technology like a panoramic camera system and a digital rearview mirror.
The Explorer’s infotainment experience can vary by trim. Some versions feature a vertical screen layout that may not appeal to all users, and the system’s responsiveness is inconsistent. The Traverse’s technology offering depends heavily on the trim level, with older interface designs that may feel behind the curve.
Powertrains and Efficiency
The Grand Highlander offers a rare level of choice in this segment with three available powertrains: a traditional gas engine, a fuel-efficient hybrid, and the Hybrid MAX, which provides higher performance without sacrificing efficiency. This range allows buyers to tailor the SUV to their driving preferences, whether that's prioritizing fuel economy or seeking stronger acceleration.
The Explorer has several turbocharged options, and performance is generally strong. However, ride comfort takes a hit as a result. Meanwhile, the Traverse sticks with a single V6 engine. It’s a capable powertrain, but the lack of a hybrid puts it at a disadvantage for buyers focused on long-term fuel costs or environmental impact. 
Safety and Family-Oriented Features
Toyota equips the Grand Highlander with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard across the lineup. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, and more. The cabin is designed with families in mind, offering multiple USB ports, ample cup holders, and useful extras like available sunshades and rear-seat climate controls. Find out more about Grand Highlander features in this 2025 review.
The Ford Explorer includes many of the same features, but some of them are only available on higher trims. The Chevrolet Traverse similarly holds back certain active safety features unless buyers move up the trim ladder. Neither offers quite the same level of family-focused convenience out of the box.
Value and Trim Strategy
The Grand Highlander is structured to provide a strong value at multiple price points. Lower trims come with a solid list of features and an above-class material quality. The upscale feel becomes more pronounced as you move up the range.
By contrast, the Explorer’s pricing strategy can be less straightforward. Some desirable features are locked behind expensive packages or trims, which can drive up the cost quickly. The Traverse tends to be priced more competitively, but that’s often reflected in the feature set and finish quality. 
Conclusion
Each of these SUVs brings something useful to the table. But for those who want a thoughtfully designed, spacious, and well-equipped three-row SUV that doesn’t ask for major compromises in comfort, technology, material quality, or efficiency, the Toyota Grand Highlander stands out.
If you’d like to experience the Grand Highlander for yourself, visit Earnhardt Toyota, proudly serving the Phoenix, AZ area. Our team is here to help you find the right trim and configuration to fit your needs.
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Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details.