Car Prices Blogs

The Toyota Highlander is still a valid contender in the midsize SUV category. However, the Ford Flex dares to add a dose of style and advanced driving dynamics into the niche. Let us see how the Toyota Highlander fares against the Ford Flex.

Price

The Ford Flex starts at around $30,800 and the Toyota Highlander has a base price of $28,200. The Flex is more expensive, but it does have unique styling and an overall premium feel compared to the Highlander.

The base model Ford Flex also comes with additional equipment such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, parking sensors, and a power operated driver’s seat.

When it comes to cost, the Highlander wins because it has a more affordable base price. But if you don’t mind paying an additional $2,000 or more for more style and added features on the Ford Flex, then you will not be disappointed either.

Safety

Both the Ford Flex and the Toyota Highlander were named to the 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick in the midsize SUV category. Both vehicles come standard with anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and a host of airbags for better crash protection.

Power, Performance and Fuel Economy

Both vehicles were not designed for all-out performance, but engine power will determine how well the vehicle reacts to a slight push of the pedal, and will also affect fuel economy.

In this regard, the Ford Flex gains an advantage over the Toyota Highlander. The base model Ford Flex comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 285hp and 25 MPG highway. The base Highlander is powered by a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine with 187hp and 25 MPG highway. If you choose the more expensive Highlander with the V6 engine, you can only muster 270hp and 24 MPG highway.

Interior Space and Overall Comfort

The Ford Flex has a more unusual, unique, and premium exterior design over the Toyota Highlander, and this trend continues inside the interior. The Flex is incredibly roomy for seven adults, and the third row seat was designed to fit real human beings. The cabin is also wrapped in soft touch plastics that further enhance the premium feel.

The Toyota Highlander provides vast amounts of space in the front and in the back, but it lacks room in the third-row seats, making them only suitable for children or vertically-challenged adults.

The Ford Flex is comfortable to drive, and the suspension is able to soak up and muffle unnecessary road noise from entering the cabin. The Toyota Highlander is also comfortable to drive, but the Ford Flex has sharper steering that makes it totally fun to drive.

The Toyota Highlander is a solid choice if you are looking for a competent, versatile, and reliable family SUV. On the other hand, the Ford Flex is ideal if you are looking for something different and more fun to drive, without losing the capability to carry the entire family.

Find the lowest new car prices for the Ford Flex and the Toyota Highlander in under a minute, so you can instantly figure out which vehicle is better suited for your needs and budget.