Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer: The Best SUV for Life in Vernon, BC
When it comes to finding the perfect SUV for life in the North Okanagan, two names often top the list: the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer. Both offer three rows of seating, solid power, and modern safety features. But if you live in Vernon, BC and want a vehicle that balances capability, efficiency, and long-term value, the Toyota Highlander clearly comes out on top.
Let’s explore why the Highlander is a better fit for Vernon drivers and families who need a reliable, all-season SUV.
Winter-Ready and Summer-Adventure Approved
In a place like Vernon, where snowy winters give way to summers full of lakeside camping, wineries, and mountain hikes, you need a vehicle that can handle every season with ease. The Toyota Highlander offers available Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD and Multi-Terrain Select, which means it adapts effortlessly to snow, gravel, or rain-slicked roads—perfect for trips to SilverStar Mountain Resort, weekend escapes to Kalamalka Lake, or running errands downtown.
While the Ford Explorer also offers AWD, it doesn't deliver the same intuitive terrain control or smooth, confident handling that the Highlander is known for in Canadian conditions.
Save at the Pump: Highlander Hybrid Advantage
Fuel efficiency is more important than ever, especially if you're commuting from Vernon to Kelowna or taking road trips around the Okanagan. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers incredible fuel economy at just 6.7L/100km combined, making it one of the most efficient three-row SUVs in Canada.
The Ford Explorer Hybrid, on the other hand, doesn’t quite match the Highlander’s efficiency, and its gas-powered models are noticeably thirstier. For Vernon drivers who want to keep fuel costs down while still having room for the whole family, the Highlander Hybrid is the clear winner.
More Value, More Standard Features
Toyota is known for packing value into every vehicle, and the Highlander is no exception. Even the entry-level trims include premium features like:
- Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Heated front seats and tri-zone climate control
- Power liftgate
Many of these features are only available on higher trims of the Ford Explorer—meaning you’ll pay more to get what Toyota gives you standard.
Built to Last in BC
Whether you’re buying new or exploring certified used Highlanders at Vernon Toyota, you can count on Toyota’s reputation for long-term reliability and strong resale value. The Highlander is built to last—something that matters when you’re planning to keep your vehicle for years of road trips, hockey practices, and snowy morning drives.
The Ford Explorer, while still competitive, doesn’t match Toyota’s legendary reputation for dependability. And when it comes time to trade in or sell your Highlander down the road, you’ll appreciate the higher resale value that comes with the Toyota badge.
Ready for Your Next SUV?
From beach days at Okanagan Lake to ski weekends and everyday school runs, the Toyota Highlander is built to keep up with your busy Vernon lifestyle. With available hybrid power, cutting-edge safety, and Toyota's commitment to quality, it’s the SUV more Vernon families trust.
Stop by Vernon Toyota today to explore our selection of new and used Highlanders or contact us to reserve your 2025 Toyota Highlander today! Your next adventure starts here, in a Highlander built for the Okanagan.
