2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$40,050 · Crossover

$39,730 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) lies in fuel economy, with the Tucson PHEV achieving a combined 35 MPG versus the Explorer's 24 MPG. Furthermore, the Explorer boasts superior raw power, producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Tucson's 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Despite the performance difference, the Tucson PHEV has a significantly lower curb weight advantage, offering 31.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft in the rear area. Priced closely at $40,050 for the Explorer and $39,730 for the Tucson, the PHEV's efficiency offsets its lower power output, especially considering the Tucson's 32 miles of all-electric range and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability against the Explorer's standard Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson PHEV wins due to its superior combined 35 MPG fuel economy and 32 miles of all-electric range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson offers substantially more utility with 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft, alongside standard AWD.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer is the clear performance leader with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Tucson's 268 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson PHEV provides significant long-term savings via superior MPG and electric range for only $320 less in MSRP.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

Peak towing or acceleration is prioritized, evidenced by its 300 hp output.
You require a larger physical footprint, measuring 198.8 inches in length.
Rear-Wheel Drive configuration is preferred for driving dynamics or towing requirements.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, with a 35 MPG combined rating.
Daily driving relies primarily on electric power, utilizing its 32-mile range.
Maximum enclosed storage is necessary, offering 31.9 cu ft of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	198.8"	182.7"
Width	78.9"	73.4"
Height	69.9"	66.3"
Wheelbase	119.1"	108.5"

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	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5500 rpm	268 hp
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	258 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	16
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	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	80/73 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	77 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	32 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	44
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	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
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

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.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	54.5 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	53.9 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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/65R18	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

How much better is the fuel economy of the Tucson PHEV compared to the Explorer?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid achieves a combined 35 MPG, representing an 11 MPG advantage over the 2025 Ford Explorer's combined 24 MPG rating. This efficiency difference is substantial for consistent annual mileage.

Which vehicle offers more interior space for cargo?

The Hyundai Tucson PHEV provides significantly more usable cargo room, rated at 31.9 cubic feet, which is nearly 14 cubic feet more than the Ford Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet capacity.

Is the Ford Explorer significantly more powerful than the Tucson PHEV?

Yes, the Explorer produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Tucson PHEV's output of 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque by 32 horsepower.

What is the advantage of the Tucson's hybrid powertrain for daily driving?

The Tucson PHEV can cover 32 miles solely on electric power before engaging the gasoline engine, which is a major benefit for short, daily commutes using regular unleaded fuel.

How do the base drive types differ between these two crossovers?

The standard configuration for the 2025 Ford Explorer is Rear-Wheel Drive, while the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid comes equipped standard with All-Wheel Drive.

Are the base MSRPs close for these two models?

The pricing is very competitive, with the Hyundai Tucson PHEV listed at $39,730 and the Ford Explorer starting at $40,050, representing a narrow $320 difference.