2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

$40,050 · Crossover

$37,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade often comes down to balancing power against upfront cost and efficiency. Buyers looking for more punch under the hood will immediately notice the Explorer brings 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Palisade's 291 hp and 262 lb-ft. However, this performance comes at a premium, with the Explorer starting at $40,050 versus the Palisade's more approachable $37,200 MSRP. On the efficiency front, the Explorer nudges ahead with a 24 MPG combined rating versus the Palisade’s 22 MPG combined, which is a noticeable difference over long commutes. While both vehicles are substantial three-row crossovers, the Explorer is slightly larger, measuring 198.8 inches long. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you prioritize the Explorer's extra 3 MPG highway and robust power or the Palisade's lower entry price and FWD configuration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer's higher combined fuel economy of 24 MPG is more appealing for daily driving versus the Palisade's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade offers a lower starting MSRP of $37,200, saving families immediate cash compared to the Explorer's $40,050 base price.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer delivers superior raw performance with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, benefiting from its RWD architecture.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade provides nearly comparable size and output for $3,050 less than the base price of the Ford Explorer.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You need the highest available power output, evidenced by the Explorer's 300 hp rating.
You prefer the traditional handling dynamics offered by its standard Rear-Wheel Drive platform.
Maximizing fuel stops is key, as its 29 MPG highway beats the Palisade’s 26 MPG highway.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

Keeping the initial purchase price down is a priority, with its MSRP sitting at $37,200.
You are satisfied with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for most family duties.
You prefer a Front-Wheel Drive orientation for anticipated weather conditions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Hyundai Palisade
Length	198.8"	196.7"
Width	78.9"	77.8"
Height	69.9"	68.9"
Wheelbase	119.1"	114.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber)	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	3.8 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5500 rpm	291 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Transmission Type	10-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	19/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	357.2/488.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	18.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Infotainment Display	—	12.3 in

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	44.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	61.2 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	58.1 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	40.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	42.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	60.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	57.7 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/65R18	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Hyundai Palisade.

What is the main difference in power between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade?

The 2025 Ford Explorer leads significantly in performance, boasting 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is close behind with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.

How does the fuel efficiency compare between these two crossovers?

The Explorer has a slight edge in fuel economy, achieving 24 MPG combined (20 city/29 highway). The Palisade trails marginally with a combined rating of 22 MPG (19 city/26 highway).

Is the price difference substantial for budget-conscious buyers?

Yes, the Hyundai Palisade has a much more accessible starting MSRP of $37,200, while the Ford Explorer starts at $40,050. This represents a $3,050 difference right out of the gate.

Which vehicle has better utility or cargo space?

The dimensions are very similar; the Explorer is slightly larger overall at 198.8 inches long. However, their base cargo capacities are nearly identical, with the Explorer offering 18.2 cu ft versus the Palisade's 18 cu ft.

What is the significance of the different drive types?

The Explorer comes standard with Rear-Wheel Drive, which often appeals to enthusiasts for its balanced performance feel. The Palisade utilizes a Front-Wheel Drive standard setup, which is typically preferred by commuters prioritizing traction in slippery, low-speed conditions.

Do both models use regular unleaded fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline, which helps keep long-term running costs predictable for both models.