The Lemon Index

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Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: which has fewer problems?

Ford ExplorerToyota Highlander

Photos: Vauxford · Dietmar Rabich (Wikimedia Commons)

Winner

Toyota Highlander

About 67% fewer owner complaints per car sold than the Ford Explorer, and fewer in 16 of 23 model years both were sold.

Head to head

Lemon Index
100 = average, lower is better
178
58
Years with fewer complaints
2001–2024
7 of 23
16 of 23
Recalls
2001–2024
241
120
MPG
latest year
20–24
24–35
Crash test
best, latest year
★★★★★
★★★★★
Best year to buy

Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the government within 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average, lower is better. Green check = the better of the two on that line.

Year by year

Shorter bar = fewer complaints per car sold. Tap a year for its full report.

Every Ford Explorer year · Every Toyota Highlander year · How the index works