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The three-row intermediate SUV market is more competitive than ever, and two models are particularly catching the attention of Quebec families: the 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. Both offer a spacious interior, a host of modern technologies, and the versatility sought by drivers who want to transport their family, sports equipment, or even a trailer.
For motorists in Saint-Jérôme, Mirabel, Blainville, Boisbriand, Prévost, Saint-Hippolyte, Sainte-Sophie, Saint-Sauveur, Sainte-Adèle, Lachute, or even Mont-Tremblant, choosing an SUV is about more than daily comfort. The Laurentian roads, harsh winters, trips to ski resorts, and numerous outdoor activities require a vehicle capable of offering power, confidence, and versatility.
The 2026 Ford Explorer meets these expectations precisely with its high-performance EcoBoost engines, a towing capacity of up to 2,267 kg (5,000 lb), an interior that can accommodate up to seven occupants, and technologies like Ford BlueCruise and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+.
Let’s discover how it compares to the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
| Feature | 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 7 | Up to 7 |
| Base Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost Turbo | 2.4L Turbo 4-cylinder |
| Performance Engine | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 2.4L Turbo Hybrid MAX |
| Max Horsepower | Up to 400 hp (ST) | Up to 362 hp (Hybrid MAX) |
| Transmission | 10-speed Automatic | Automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD available by trim | AWD available by trim |
| Max Towing Capacity | 2,267 kg (5,000 lb) | Up to approx. 2,268 kg (depending on trim) |
| Max Cargo Space | Up to 2,431 L | Competitive by configuration |
| Gas Engine Fuel Economy | Variable by engine | From 11.2/8.6 L/100 km (City/Hwy) |
| Hybrid Fuel Economy | Not available | From 6.6/7.4 L/100 km |
| BlueCruise | Yes | No |
| Safety Suite | Co-Pilot360 | Toyota Safety Sense |
| Trims | Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, ST | XLE, Limited, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid Limited, Platinum Hybrid MAX |
The two manufacturers take different approaches.
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander focuses on diversity with a 265-horsepower gas engine, a hybrid version developing 243 horsepower, and a Hybrid MAX version reaching 362 horsepower. This strategy favors drivers looking primarily for low fuel consumption.
The 2026 Ford Explorer, on the other hand, prioritizes turbocharged engines offering superior performance when it comes to acceleration, dynamic driving, or towing.
The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine offers an excellent balance of power and efficiency for daily use. The ST and Tremor trims can be equipped with the renowned 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6, developing up to 400 horsepower, which is more than the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX.
For drivers who regularly travel Highway 15 between Saint-Jérôme and Montreal or who enjoy the winding roads of the Laurentians, this power reserve provides faster overtaking and a more inspiring drive.
You can discover all the offered trims of the model by visiting the 2026 Ford Explorer page.
The Ford Explorer has long been recognized for its balanced road handling. Its 10-speed automatic transmission contributes to smooth acceleration while keeping the engine in its optimal performance range.
The arrival of the new 2026 Explorer Tremor version also adds an extra dimension for adventure lovers. Thanks to an off-road tuned suspension, skid plates, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, and increased ground clearance, this version is particularly interesting for accessing trails, cottages, or more rugged terrain in the Laurentians.
The Toyota Grand Highlander remains very comfortable on the road, but its orientation is focused more on family comfort than on performance or off-road capabilities.
In terms of consumption, Toyota maintains an advantage thanks to its hybrid powertrains.
The hybrid versions display a consumption of approximately 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 7.4 L/100 km on the highway, making them an excellent choice for drivers performing mainly urban commutes.
The Ford Explorer instead caters to the needs of buyers who prioritize power, towing, and performance. Its EcoBoost engine remains efficient for an SUV in this category, while offering more capability when the vehicle is loaded or towing a trailer.
For many Laurentian families who alternate between urban traffic, country roads, and long weekend getaways, this balance remains particularly attractive.
Owners of campers, utility trailers, personal watercraft, or boats will pay close attention to this category.
The 2026 Ford Explorer can tow up to 2,267 kg (5,000 lb) when properly equipped. This capacity allows for easily transporting several types of trailers to the many lakes in the Laurentians or during camping trips.
The Grand Highlander can also offer a similar capacity depending on the chosen engine, but Ford places more emphasis on this aspect through its EcoBoost engines and available towing packages.
For residents of Saint-Jérôme, Mirabel, or Lachute who spend their summers at the cottage, this advantage is far from negligible.
Both vehicles can accommodate up to seven passengers.
The Grand Highlander stands out with a very generous third row, particularly appreciated when adults must sit there regularly.
The Ford Explorer responds, however, with a maximum cargo volume reaching 2,431 litres, allowing for easy transport of luggage, strollers, sports equipment, or hockey bags.
Families who regularly visit the Saint-Sauveur ski centers, the P’tit Train du Nord bike paths, or the region’s campgrounds will appreciate this great versatility.
Ford has considerably modernized the Explorer.
Depending on the chosen version, features include BlueCruise, which allows for hands-free driving on compatible highways—a technology particularly valuable during long trips between the Laurentians and Montreal.
The Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system also offers several driver assists designed to increase driver confidence.
The Ford digital experience allows for modern connectivity with updates, content streaming, and increased personalization.
The Ford App facilitates remote starting, locking, unlocking, vehicle location, and status checking directly from a smartphone.
Toyota also offers a complete technological suite with Toyota Safety Sense and a high-performance multimedia system, but the integration of BlueCruise remains a distinctive element of the Ford Explorer.
Ford offers a particularly varied range.
The Active trim meets the needs of most families, while the ST-Line adds a sportier look.
The new Tremor targets outdoor enthusiasts with its increased off-road capabilities.
The Platinum focuses on luxury with heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, while the ST develops up to 400 horsepower to offer the best performance in the lineup.
You can view the models currently available in our 2026 Ford Explorer new inventory.
In a region like the Laurentians, a vehicle must be able to adapt to all seasons.
Between daily commutes on Highway 15, snowy roads leading to Sainte-Adèle, trips to Mont-Tremblant, or family outings in Saint-Sauveur, the Ford Explorer offers a very convincing combination of power, stability, and comfort.
Its towing capacity also facilitates cottage vacations or nautical activities in the region’s many bodies of water.
At Léveillé Ford in Saint-Jérôme, our team daily assists families from Mirabel, Blainville, Boisbriand, Sainte-Sophie, Prévost, Saint-Hippolyte, Lachute, and all over the Laurentians to help them choose the SUV that truly fits their needs.
If you also wish to compare with a pre-owned model, discover our pre-owned Ford Explorer inventory.
Do you have a vehicle to trade in? Get a quick estimate thanks to our trade-in vehicle evaluation service.
Our specialists can also present the different Ford financing options as well as the current promotions on the 2026 Ford Explorer.
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is an excellent choice for families looking above all for low fuel consumption thanks to its hybrid versions.
The 2026 Ford Explorer stands out, however, with its superior power, 10-speed transmission, towing capabilities, its new Tremor version, technologies like BlueCruise, and its more dynamic character.
For Laurentian drivers looking for an SUV capable of meeting both daily commuting needs and weekend adventures, the Ford Explorer represents a particularly complete solution.
To learn more or book a test drive, do not hesitate to contact the Léveillé Ford team or visit the full 2026 Ford Explorer page.
Yes. The Ford Explorer ST develops up to 400 horsepower thanks to its 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, while the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX offers up to 362 horsepower.
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid displays lower consumption thanks to its electrified powertrain, particularly advantageous in urban driving.
The Ford Explorer can tow up to 2,267 kg (5,000 lb) when properly equipped, making it an excellent choice for owners of campers, boats, or trailers.
The Ford Explorer is particularly well-suited to Laurentian conditions thanks to its EcoBoost engines, available AWD, its off-road oriented Tremor version, and its driver assistance technologies.
Yes. Certain versions of the 2026 Ford Explorer offer BlueCruise technology allowing for hands-free driving on compatible highways.
You can discover the 2026 Ford Explorer, get personalized advice, and take a test drive at Léveillé Ford in Saint-Jérôme, which also serves Mirabel, Blainville, Boisbriand, Sainte-Sophie, Prévost, Saint-Sauveur, Sainte-Adèle, Lachute, and the entire Laurentian region.
$150
weekly for 60 months
with a down payment of $0
Plus, get $750 In Loyalty Bonus for Eligible Ford Owners
Retail price
$50,915
* Photo for illustrative purposes only. Certain conditions apply.
$150
weekly for 60 months
with a down payment of $0
Plus, get $750 In Loyalty Bonus for Eligible Ford Owners
Retail price
$50,915
* Photo for illustrative purposes only. Certain conditions apply.
