2015 Ford Explorer vs 2015 Toyota Highlander
Two midsize SUVs, compared on what actually matters when you're buying used:
what breaks, when it breaks, and what it costs you.
2015 Ford
Explorer
5/10
The 2015 Explorer is fine transportation until it isn't — and when it isn't, it's the electric power steering or the transfer unit, and both hurt.
VS
2015 Toyota
Highlander
8/10
It's the appliance that never breaks: not exciting, but this generation Highlander is one of the most dependable family haulers Toyota has ever built.
Milo scores the 2015 Toyota Highlander higher — 8/10 against 5/10.
By the numbers
Green is the better number — higher on every score, lower on failures, complaints and recalls.
| Ford Explorer |
Toyota Highlander |
| Known failure points | 9 | 6 |
| NHTSA complaints | 1768 | 189 |
| Safety recalls | 9 | 2 |
| Service bulletins | 12 | 12 |
| Reliability | 55 | 86 |
| Cheap to own | 45 | 78 |
| Fun factor | 50 | 38 |
| Holds value | 55 | 80 |
| Enthusiast cred | 35 | 22 |
The most expensive thing that goes wrong
2015 Ford Explorer
6F55 6-speed automatic harsh shifts / solenoid pack issues
$300–$5,00090k–150k mi
2015 Toyota Highlander
Factory clear coat/paint delamination (especially Blizzard Pearl 070)
$1,500–$4,0000k–30k mi
If you buy one, buy this one
✅ 2015 Ford Explorer
2015 Explorer Sport with the 401A package, 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo, panoramic roof, and — critically — documented PTU fluid changes and completed toe-link recall work. Second choice: XLT 4WD with the 3.5L NA V6 (no turbos, no intercooler drama) and the tow package (adds trans cooler).
✅ 2015 Toyota Highlander
2015 Highlander XLE V6 AWD — full V6 power, the useful XLE equipment tier (power liftgate, tri-zone climate, blind spot monitor), and AWD for resale and capability, avoiding both the underpowered I4 and the overpriced Limited Platinum.
Narrowed it down? Get the full report
This comparison is model-level.
Milo's report goes car-level — the one you're actually looking at:
- A line-by-line negotiation script
- The pre-purchase inspection checklist
- VIN-specific open recalls
- What it's really worth right now
- Your next 15,000 miles, forecast
- Hidden features & money-savers
Run my free report →
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Scores and findings blend documented NHTSA recalls and complaints with
patterns synthesized from owner communities. Always inspect the specific vehicle and
verify open recalls by VIN before buying.