Shop Used Cars: http://www.northhollywoodtoyota.com/used-cars/ https://www.facebook.com/northhollywoodtoyota North Hollywood Toyota Address: 4606 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, California 91602 Phone: (818) 508-2967 http://instagram.com/nohotoyota# https://twitter.com/NoHoToyota https://plus.google.com/112791067755794874834/posts?hl=en North Hollywood Toyota dealer serves: Montrose Universal City Sherman Oaks Burbank La Crescenta Beverly Hills Studio City West Hollywood Encino North hills Pacoima Panorama City Sun Valley Sunland Toluca Lake Tujunga Valley Village Verdugo City Los Angeles Southern California

1. july 2011
Top Highlander SE Advantages
Over Explorer XLT
At one time, the Ford Explorer was the industry’s best-selling sport-utility vehicle. But a shift in
the marketplace toward more fuel-efficient crossovers led to a sharp decline in sales, making Ford
rethink its approach.
Its response? An all-new Explorer for 2011 that trades its old body-on-frame and rear-
wheel-drive configuration for a new more-car-like unibody platform and front-
wheel drive. Odds are, this will lead to a fundamental shift in cross-shopping.
In the past, 4Runner prospects would logically compare that Toyota with
Explorer. Now, Highlander is likely to be the competitive SUV of choice.
The good news is that Highlander has many advantages over Explorer,
as outlined in this Edge document.
Look inside for detailed info about this
summary, important safety information and
disclaimers, and walkaround advantages.
„„ clever configuration
Explorer is the bigger vehicle. But in many ways,
Highlander makes better use of its more compact and
efficient platform.
• More maneuverable
Highlander is shorter and narrower. This will be an
advantage when the going gets tight.
• Better power-to-weight ratio
Explorer boasts the more powerful engine, but
its higher curb weight cancels out that apparent
advantage.
• More cargo room
Perhaps the most dramatic example of Highlander’s
inspired space utilization is its maximum cargo room,
which is notably larger than Explorer’s.
„„ safety commitment
Highlander’s full complement of safety technologies
contribute to customer peace of mind.
• More select safety technologies
A driver’s knee airbag and active front headrests
are among the safety features that are standard on
Highlander and not available on Explorer.
• Star Safety SystemTM
Every new Toyota includes the Star Safety System, now
with Smart Stop Technology.
„„ EXCEPTIONAL VALUE
At a time when every dollar counts, Highlander
delivers—at the point of purchase and down the road.
• Comparable MSRP advantage
Highlander SE’s MSRP can be less than that of Explorer
XLT when you begin to balance the two vehicles’
features lists.
• More select features
Highlander includes several standard comfort and
convenience items that aren’t available on Explorer,
even as extra-cost options.
• Low cost of ownership
IntelliChoice ranked Highlander a far better value in the
mid size crossover class based on five-year ownership-
cost projections.
„„ versatile interior
Highlander takes into account the needs of all its
passsengers, no matter which row they’re seated in.
• More select passenger room
Highlander boasts more front-row leg room and third-
row shoulder and hip room than Explorer.
• Ingenious Center Stow™
seat
Meanwhile, rear-seat passengers can take advantage of
Highlander’s highly versatile Center Stow™
seat.
2012 Highlander vs. 2011 Ford Explorer
2011 Ford Explorer
2011 Highlander shown
Updated 7/29/11

2. 20I2 HIGHLANDER vs.
20I1 FORD EXPLORER
2
Ford offers the Explorer in three grades: Base, XLT and Limited.
Unlike Highlander, which offers the choice of four-cylinder, V6 and
hybrid engines, all Explorers share the same powertrain. Each grade is
available with either a two-wheel or four-wheel driveline.
At some point, however, Ford will offer Explorer with the 2.0-liter
version of its EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is
expected to deliver enhanced fuel economy.
Here’s a look at some of the major features offered on each grade.
Ford Explorer at a Glance
2011 Ford Explorer
Explorer
Engine
3.5-liter 24-valve V6
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Driveline
Front-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Standard Features
Driver and front-passenger advanced airbags
Front seat-mounted side airbags
Side curtain airbags
Anti-lock braking system
Brake-force distribution
Stability control
Traction control
Trailer sway control
Hill-start assistance
Remote keyless entry
Air conditioning
Rear air conditioning
4 12V powerpoints
Power windows
Power door locks
Tilt/telescoping steering column
Cruise control
AM/FM/CD/AUX audio system with 6 speakers
and steering-wheel-mounted controls
60/40 split-folding second-row seatbacks
50/50 split-folding third-row bench seat
LED taillights
Privacy glass
17-inch steel wheels
Compare to
Highlander grade
XLT
The XLT differs from the base grade by adding:
Standard Features
Keypad entry
Perimeter alarm
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Leather-trimmed shift knob
Sirius™
satellite radio
Automatic headlamps
Roof rails
Fog lamps
18-inch aluminum wheels
Compare to
Highlander SE
Limited
The Limited differs from the XLT by adding:
Standard Features
Dual-zone automatic climate control
MyFord Touch™
(2nd-generation Ford Sync®
)
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
110V power outlet
Push-button start
Remote start
Backup camera
Garage-door opener
Ambient lighting
Power-adjustable pedals
Sony audio system with HD radio
Media input via USB, SD card or RCA A/V cables
Leather-trimmed heated front bucket seats
Second-row center armrest
Power-folding outside mirrors with indicators
20-inch aluminum wheels
Compare to
Highlander SE, Highlander Limited

3. 3
20I2 HIGHLANDER vs.
20I1 FORD EXPLORER
Highlander Advantages
A Closer Look
„„ exceptional value
Comparable MSRP advantage
Explorer XLT has the lower base MSRP, but that apparent advantage disappears when you begin to add
features that are standard on Highlander SE but optional on Explorer XLT.
Highlander SE Explorer XLT Toyota Advantage
Base MSRP1
$34,660 $32,345 --
Power tilt/slide moonroof Standard $1595
Power liftgate Standard $495
Cargo cover Standard $135
Electrochromic rearview mirror Standard
Part of a $3795
package
Leather-trimmed seating Standard
Part of a $3795
package
Heated front seats Standard
Part of a $3795
package
Rearview camera Standard
Part of a $3795
package
Total $34,660 $38,365 $3,705
More select features
Highlander SE’s value story becomes even
more compelling when comparing features.
Here are some prominent examples.
Highlander SE Explorer XLT
Lift-up glass
hatch
Standard
Not
available
Windshield
wiper de-icer
Standard
Not
available
Full-size spare Standard
Not
available
Second-row
center console
Standard
Not
available
HomeLink®
transceiver
Standard
Not
available
CD changer Available
Not
available
Low cost of ownership
Highlander isn’t just the better value at the point of
sale. It might also be the better value over the long
haul, based on five-year cost of ownership projections
calculated by IntelliChoice2
. Highlander also won a
SmartChoice award for low maintenance costs. Explorer
didn’t do nearly as well, with a much higher predicted
cost and a “below average” value rating.
2011 Highlander SE 2011 Explorer XLT
IntelliChoice
5-yr estimated
ownership cost
$37,337 $42,590
IntelliChoice
value rating
Excellent Below average

4. 20I2 HIGHLANDER vs.
20I1 FORD EXPLORER
4
Highlander Advantages
A Closer Look
„„ clever configuration
More maneuverable
Ford aimed to make the unibody Explorer a
better fit for daily driving compared to the
prior body-on-frame model, but it’s still longer
and wider than Highlander. Those extra inches
can get in the way when negotiating a crowded
parking lot. At the same time, Highlander has
more ground clearance, making it the better
choice when off-road driving situations arise.
Highlander
4WD
Explorer
4WD
Toyota
Advantage
Length (in.) 188.4 197.1 8.7
Width (in.) 75.2 78.9 3.7
Ground clearance
(in.)
8.1 7.6 0.5
Higher power-to-weight ratio
Explorer’s engine does generate a bit more
power. But that advantage evaporates when
you factor in curb weight, giving Highlander
the better power-to-weight ratio.
Highlander
V6 4WD
Explorer
AWD
Toyota
Advantage
Horsepower@rpm 270@6200 290@6500 --
Curb weight (lbs.) 4266 4732 466
Power-to-weight
ratio (lbs. per
horsepower)
15.1 16.3 0.5
More cargo room
Explorer might be the bigger vehicle on the
outside, but Highlander is—in many ways—the
bigger vehicle on the inside. A dramatic case in
point is cargo room3
, with Highlander holding
a huge advantage when both the second- and
third-row seats are folded flat.
Highlander Explorer
Toyota
Advantage
Max. cargo
capacity
(cu.ft.)
95.4 80.7 14.7
Highlander Explorer

5. 5
20I2 HIGHLANDER vs.
20I1 FORD EXPLORER
„„ versatile interior
More select passenger room
Highlander’s clever design makes good use of
its available interior space, offering more front-
and third-row passenger room than Explorer in
several key measures.
Highlander Explorer
Toyota
Advantage
Front-row legroom
(in.)
43.2 40.6 2.6
Third-row shoulder
room (in.)
55.0 50.8 4.2
Third-row hip
room (in.)
42.3 40.7 1.6
Ingenious Center Stow™
seat
Second-row passengers benefit from
Highlander’s thoughtful design thanks to the
Center Stow™
seat. When this seat is in place, the
second row can accommodate three passengers.
When removed, two passengers can enjoy the
comfort of bucket seats with a center console.
Meanwhile, Explorer offers only a conventional
bench seat.
„„ safety commitment
Star Safety System
Like all new Toyota vehicles, Highlander comes
standard with the Star Safety System™
, including
Smart Stop Technology. Explorer doesn’t keep pace.
Highlander Explorer
Anti-lock brake
system
Standard Standard
Vehicle- stability
control
Standard Standard
Traction control Standard Standard
Electronic brake-
force distribution
Standard Not available
Brake assist Standard Not available
Driver's knee
airbag
Standard Not available
Active Front
headrests
Standard Not available
More select safety technologies
Highlander goes beyond Star Safety System to include
other technologies also not found on Explorer, such as
active front headrests and a driver’s knee airbag.
2011 Highlander
Highlander Advantages
A Closer Look

6. 20I2 HIGHLANDER vs.
20I1 FORD EXPLORER
6
Highlander Hybrid
Advantages
A Closer Look
Of course, Highlander with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) gets great fuel economy. Another benefit
of HSD is reduced emissions and a smaller carbon footprint, reflected in its superior emissions rating.
„„ hybrid efficiency
Highlander is unique among this class of vehicles for having such a wide range
of powertrains, including 4- and 6-cylinder gas engines and a model with Hybrid
Synergy Drive. The Highlander Hybrid is an intriguing option for shoppers and
families who want it all: They can get room, versatility, convenience and luxury
combined with exceptional fuel-economy and reduced emissions. Here’s a look
at how Highlander Hybrid compares to the competition.
Impressive fuel economy
Highlander Hybrid is EPA-rated at 28 mpg city and
28 mpg highway4
, significantly above Explorer’s
ratings. With gas prices as unpredictable as they
are, this could be a significant advantage.
Highlander
Hybrid
Explorer
Toyota
Advantage
EPA est. fuel
economy, city
(mpg)
28 17 11
EPA est. fuel
economy,
hwy (mpg)
28 23 5
Lower emissions
Because Highlander Hybrid burns less fuel, it has
fewer emissions. In fact, not only does Highlander
Hybrid outperform Explorer on EPA tests, it’s
so good it even outperforms some 4-cylinder
subcompact vehicles.
Highlander
Hybrid
Explorer
Toyota
Advantage
EPA Green-
house Gas
Score
7 3 4
EPA Air
Pollution
Score
7 5 2
(Scores range 1–10, 10 being best)
It may surprise you to learn that Highlander Hybrid is better equipped to tow larger loads than Explorer.
So not only is the Toyota more efficient, it’s also more capable5
. That’s a true win-win for the owner.
„„ better for towing
Higher tow capacity
Highlander Hybrid has a standard tow capacity
almost twice that of Explorer. Ford offers extra-
cost tow enhancements, but Toyota gives you extra
capacity at no additional cost.
Highlander
Hybrid
Explorer
Toyota
Advantage
Standard tow
capacity (lbs.)
3500 2000 1500
Standard tow prep
Highlander Hybrid is so complete it doesn’t need
a separate tow-prep package. On Explorer, it’s an
extra-cost item.
Highlander
Hybrid
Explorer
Tow prep Standard Available
Wiring harness Standard Available
The driver and front-seat passenger in Highlander Hybrid enjoy more fully featured seating than that in
Explorer. That may make for more comfortable days on the road.
„„ extra passenger comfort
Seating adjustments
The driver’s seat in Highlander Hybrid boasts
10-way adjustability, which is more than what
Explorer includes. Ford wants you to pay for the
“Luxury Seating Package” to match Highlander
Hybrid’s capability.
Highlander
Hybrid
Explorer Limited
Driver’s seat
10-way
adjustable
6-way adjustable
Front-passenger
seat
Power recline Manual recline

7. 7
20I2 HIGHLANDER vs.
20I1 FORD EXPLORERHighlander Walkaround
Compare Highlander to Explorer
Highlander has Toyota’s exclusive Center Stow seat.
Explorer’s second row doesn’t have a similar feature.
Highlander vs. Explorer
Highlander has a glass hatch
that opens separately. Explorer
has a fixed rear window.
Highlander
vs. Explorer
In Highlander, you fold the rear seats just by pulling
convenient handles in the cargo area. Explorer owners have
to run around to the side doors to release the seatbacks.
Highlander vs. Explorer
Highlander SE comes with standard leather-trimmed seating vs.
cloth for XLT. Leather for the Ford is part of a $3,795 package.
Highlander vs. Explorer
Highlander has a finished look with color-keyed mirrors.
Explorer mirrors are in basic black.
Highlander vs. Explorer

8. AD-10258-11
1 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) includes the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee of $760 for Cars, $810 for Small/Medium
Trucks (Sienna, RAV4, Highlander Gas, Highlander HV, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Tacoma and Land Cruiser), and $975 for Large Trucks (Tundra and
Sequoia). Excludes taxes, license, title and available or regionally required equipment. The Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee in AL, AR,
FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX will be higher. Actual dealer price will vary. 2 2011 IntelliChoice, www.IntelliChoice.com 3 Cargo and
load capacity limited by weight and distribution. 4 2011 EPA fuel-economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary. 5 Before towing, confirm
your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not
exceed any weight ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on the total weight of
any cargo, occupants and available equipment.
Competitive Comparison reflects most current information available for stated model year vehicle. Competitive vehicle data sourced
from Polk Price & Specifications Professional and from competitor Web sites May 2010. All information is believed to be correct at date of
printing and is subject to change without notice.
©2011 TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYING OR ANY OTHER REPRODUCTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A. IS STRICTLY
PROHIBITED.Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., by the publication and/or dissemination of this publication does not create any warranties, either expressed or implied, as to Toyota products.The information contained herein was up-to-
date at the time of publication, but may subsequently be changed or added to without notice and without incurring any obligation. Reliance on this information creates no
liability for Toyota. This publication is produced for use as an information sales aid. Toyota Motor Sales,
U.S.A., Inc., its employees, representatives, and/or agents shall not be held liable for any omission of data
or inclusion of erroneous data even where said omission is alleged to have been relied upon by a buyer
ofToyota Products.
366
Log onto www.Toyota-eShowroom.com,
then click “Resources.”

Select Edge Series. View and/or print this
document—as well as any Edge or Hot
Sheet from the University of Toyota.
For more information about Highlander,
check out the Highlander sections in
eSource and Pocket Source.
For hands-on feature
comparisons, be sure to
watch the Edge Live videos
on eShowroom.
Check out Toyota-eShowroom for access to this
Edge Competitive Comparison series and more...
