Switched from Toyota Highlander to Ford Explorer following two unsuccessful transmissions. Relieved to have left the chaotic journey behind.
The automotive world is a competitive one, and two popular choices among families are the 2017 Toyota Highlander and the 2025 Ford Explorer. While both SUVs offer strong performance and family-friendly interiors, a closer look at their reliability reveals some striking differences.
Sara Winchester, a car owner, recently made headlines when she switched brands from the Toyota Highlander to the Ford Explorer after experiencing repeated transmission failures in her 2017 Highlander. Her 2017 Highlander XLE transmission failed at 106,000 miles, and she was told it did not qualify for the customer satisfaction extended coverage recall by Toyota.
The 2017 Highlander is widely recognised for its durability and reliability, including a well-regarded transmission. However, it has been reported that certain models from this year experienced transmission issues, such as delayed or harsh shifting, fluid leaks, whining noises, hesitation when accelerating, unresponsive gears, and complete transmission failure. Consumer Reports found software issues in the 2017 Highlander's 8-speed transmission that caused the engine to rev before upshifting.
On the other hand, the 2025 Ford Explorer has mixed reliability reviews. Despite an overall good rating, users and reviewers note transmission feel as sometimes laggy or hesitant, which may indicate ongoing transmission refinement issues with the newer model. Maintenance costs for the Explorer average around $730 annually after warranty expiry.
Reviews of the 2025 Explorer praise its performance and safety but criticise its interior materials quality and transmission responsiveness, indicating a tradeoff in refinement and reliability. Ford Explorers, particularly newer generations, have been reported to experience some drivetrain and transmission concerns, affecting long-term durability perceptions.
In comparison, the 2017 Highlander's reputation for reliability and fewer transmission issues makes it a safer choice for long-term dependability in this comparison. Toyota has acknowledged transmission issues in certain 2017-2018 Highlander and Sienna models, offering a Customer Support Program for repairs. The recommended fix by Toyota dealerships for the transmission issues is often a complete transmission replacement.
While the 2025 Ford Explorer offers modern features and improved safety, its transmission is not universally praised and may have reliability concerns relative to the 2017 Toyota Highlander. Therefore, for transmission reliability specifically, the 2017 Highlander is likely more dependable.
[1] U.S. News & World Report: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/suvs/ford-explorer/2025 [2] Car and Driver: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2025-ford-explorer-first-drive-review [3] Edmunds: https://www.edmunds.com/suv/ford/explorer/2025/ [4] Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs-crossovers-vs/ford-explorer-vs-toyota-highlander-2021-models-compared-review/ [5] The Lemon Law Experts: https://www.lemonlawexperts.com/ford-explorer-recalls-problems/
- Sara Winchester's switch from the Toyota Highlander to the Ford Explorer, prompted by transmission failures in her 2017 Highlander, highlights the potential reliability issues in the automotive industry, specifically with certain models in the transportation sector.
- In the world of finance, the decision between the 2017 Toyota Highlander and the 2025 Ford Explorer could significantly impact lifestyle expenses, considering the higher maintenance costs associated with the latter after warranty expiry.
- The automotive industry's focus on safety and modern features, as seen in the 2025 Ford Explorer, often comes at the expense of reliability, notably impacting the long-term dependability of a vehicle, as demonstrated by the recurring transmission concerns reported in recent Ford Explorer models.
