2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade
Comparison Overview
The most significant measurable difference lies in power delivery, as the 2025 Ford Explorer boasts 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, substantially surpassing the 2026 Hyundai Palisade's 287 hp and 260 lb-ft. However, the Palisade undercuts the Explorer on entry price by $615, starting at $39,435 compared to the Explorer's $40,050 MSRP. Fuel economy slightly favors the RWD Explorer at 24 combined MPG versus the Palisade's 21 combined MPG. Dimensionally, the Palisade is slightly longer (199.2 inches vs 198.8 inches) but the Explorer offers less standard cargo space at 18.2 cubic feet compared to the Palisade's 19.1 cubic feet. The Explorer utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the Palisade uses an 8-speed unit, reflecting different powertrain approaches in these midsize crossovers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer wins due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 24 MPG versus the Palisade's 21 MPG.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade provides 19.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is marginally more usable space than the Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer offers a decisive advantage in performance metrics with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade secures the value metric by offering a lower starting MSRP of $39,435 against the Explorer's $40,050.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Peak performance is prioritized, evidenced by 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- A rear-wheel-drive architecture is preferred over front-wheel drive.
- The slight advantage in fuel efficiency, achieving 29 highway MPG, is critical.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- A lower initial outlay is necessary, as the Palisade starts $615 cheaper at $39,435.
- Maximum accessible cargo volume is needed, with 19.1 cubic feet available.
- The smoothness of an 8-speed automatic transmission is preferred over the Explorer's 10-speed unit.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 199.2" |
| Width | 78.9" | 78.0" |
| Height | 69.9" | 69.5" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 116.9" |
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 | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 287 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 5000 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 | 19/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 361.0/475.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 19.0 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
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 |
| 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. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 44.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 61.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 58.8 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 | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 61.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 56.7 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 | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | 235/65R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.0 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
What is the performance gap between the two crossovers based on their engines?
The 2025 Ford Explorer holds a distinct performance edge, delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque through its powertrain. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade produces 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
How do the MSRPs compare for the base models?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade presents a lower entry point into ownership, starting at $39,435. The 2025 Ford Explorer has a slightly higher base MSRP of $40,050.
Is there a noticeable difference in fuel consumption between the two vehicles?
Yes, the Explorer offers better overall efficiency with 24 combined MPG (20 City/29 Highway) compared to the Palisade's 21 combined MPG (19 City/25 Highway).
Which vehicle offers more practical hauling capacity?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is marginally superior for cargo, providing 19.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Ford Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet in the same configuration.
Does the drive type (FWD vs RWD) affect purchasing decisions?
The Explorer comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive, which some drivers prefer for balance or towing dynamics. The Palisade utilizes a Front Wheel Drive base configuration.
Are the exterior dimensions close enough to affect garage fit?
The vehicles are nearly identical in size; the Palisade is marginally longer at 199.2 inches compared to the Explorer's 198.8 inches, while the Explorer is slightly wider at 78.9 inches versus the Palisade's 78.0 inches.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool