2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Ford Bronco
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade enters the arena promising refined, three-row utility, led by its accessible $37,200 MSRP and respectable 291 hp. It’s the smooth operator, boasting a 22 MPG combined fuel economy, perfect for the long haul with its FWD platform. Contrasting sharply is the rugged 2026 Ford Bronco, an enthusiast's dream starting at $40,495, that brings superior capability with 300 hp and a massive 325 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco, however, sacrifices efficiency for grit, delivering only 19 MPG combined while demanding premium fuel. While the Palisade stretches 196.7 inches long for family space, the squat, taller Bronco prioritizes off-road stance, offering slightly more cargo room at 20.6 cu ft despite its shorter 173.7-inch length. These vehicles target vastly different drivers, one favoring serene commuting and the other demanding visceral, manual engagement.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade is the clear commuter choice due to its significantly better 22 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Bronco's 19 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade is the preferred family hauler, offering a more practical FWD setup and a lower entry price of $37,200.
2026 Ford Bronco
The Bronco excites driving purists with its segment-leading 325 lb-ft of torque and engaging 7-speed manual transmission.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade offers better overall fuel efficiency and a lower starting price by $3,295 compared to the Bronco.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You prioritize fuel economy and need the superior 26 MPG highway rating.
- Your budget requires an entry price under $40,000, starting at just $37,200.
- You prefer the predictable handling and easy maintenance of a front-wheel-drive platform.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You demand maximum pulling power, delivered by the Bronco's 325 lb-ft of torque.
- You insist on controlling the vehicle yourself via the standard 7-speed manual transmission.
- You need superior ground clearance and capability associated with a standard four-wheel-drive SUV.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Palisade | Ford Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.7" | 173.7" |
| Width | 77.8" | 75.9" |
| Height | 68.9" | 71.9" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.8 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | — | Part Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Hi-Lo |
| Locking Hubs | — | Automatic |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.2/488.8 mi. | 304.2/354.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 16.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls 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 | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 7 |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.1 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.1 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.1 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 51.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.7 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 255/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Outside Rear Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 16 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Ford Bronco.
Which SUV has better off-road capability between the 2025 Palisade and 2026 Bronco?
The 2026 Ford Bronco is designed for off-road mastery, featuring standard four-wheel drive and a taller height of 71.9 inches compared to the Palisade's FWD layout. While the Palisade is a comfortable crossover, the Bronco is built to tackle rugged terrain.
How significant is the performance difference between the 291 hp Palisade and the 300 hp Bronco?
While the horsepower is close, the Bronco's massive torque advantage of 325 lb-ft (versus the Palisade's 262 lb-ft) means the Bronco will feel significantly stronger during acceleration and towing maneuvers.
Is the price difference of $3,295 justified for the Bronco's features?
The $40,495 Bronco includes standard 4WD and the manual transmission, justifying the premium over the $37,200 Palisade if those features are essential for your driving style.
Which vehicle is more efficient for daily driving distances?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is notably more efficient, achieving 22 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel. The 2026 Bronco only returns 19 MPG combined and requires premium unleaded for optimal performance.
Does the shorter length of the Bronco impact cargo space?
Surprisingly, no; despite being significantly shorter in length at 173.7 inches compared to the Palisade's 196.7 inches, the Bronco offers slightly more cargo room at 20.6 cu ft.
What is the major implication of the transmission differences?
The Palisade uses a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, ideal for consistent highway cruising, whereas the Bronco offers a rare 7-speed manual transmission that provides direct driver control but requires more engagement.
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