2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Comparison Overview
Choosing between a true family hauler like the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and a smaller, rugged-styled crossover such as the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport often boils down to size versus savings. If maximizing passenger space is critical, the Palisade offers substantial heft at 196.7 inches long, positioning it as the superior three-row contender. However, the Bronco Sport strikes back with a significant $5,355 lower MSRP, starting at $31,845 compared to the Palisade's $37,200. Power delivery is dramatically different; the Palisade boasts 291 hp, easily overpowering the Bronco Sport's 181 hp. Conversely, efficiency favors the smaller Ford, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Hyundai's 22 combined MPG. While the Palisade offers more traditional SUV presence, the Bronco Sport packs more usable cargo space upfront at 32.5 cu ft against the Palisade's 18 cu ft behind the third row, making the tradeoff between seating capacity and everyday utility very clear.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is the better choice for commuters due to its superior 27 combined MPG fuel economy.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade wins for families needing maximum passenger volume, despite having less initial cargo space at 18 cu ft behind the rear seats.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
Enthusiasts seeking quicker acceleration will prefer the Palisade's significantly higher 291 hp output.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport offers better value by providing standard All-Wheel Drive at a $5,355 lower starting price point.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You frequently need to carry more than five passengers comfortably.
- You prefer a vehicle with significantly more power, boasting 291 horsepower.
- You value a longer frame (196.7 inches) for a more traditional, commanding road presence.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Your budget is tighter, as the Bronco Sport saves you $5,355 off the starting price.
- You prioritize fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG versus 22 MPG.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive and better utility for tighter maneuvering, evident in its smaller overall dimensions.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Palisade | Ford Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.7" | 172.7" |
| Width | 77.8" | 74.3" |
| Height | 68.9" | 70.2" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 105.1" |
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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.8 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 12 |
| 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 25/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.2/488.8 mi. | 400.0/480.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 16.0 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 | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 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 | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.1 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.1 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.1 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.7 in. | 53.4 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 | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Sport.
Why is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport more fuel efficient than the 2025 Hyundai Palisade?
The Bronco Sport is significantly lighter and less powerful, resulting in better mileage. It achieves 27 combined MPG compared to the Palisade's 22 combined MPG, primarily due to the 110 horsepower difference.
Which vehicle offers more usable hauling space for gear?
Surprisingly, the smaller 2026 Ford Bronco Sport provides more dedicated cargo room at 32.5 cu ft, while the 2025 Hyundai Palisade lists only 18 cu ft, though this spec for the Palisade likely reflects space behind its standard third row.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Palisade worth the extra $5,355?
It is if you need more power and a larger cabin. The Palisade offers 291 hp and a much larger overall footprint, justifying the higher MSRP for buyers needing three rows or higher performance.
Do both crossovers use the same type of transmission?
Yes, both the 2025 Palisade and the 2026 Bronco Sport are equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
How do the standard drivetrains compare between these two vehicles?
The Palisade comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), whereas the Bronco Sport includes All Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment, which is a significant advantage in slick conditions.
Which car handles highway driving power better, given the horsepower gap?
With 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, the Palisade will feel much more comfortable when merging at highway speeds, easily outclassing the Bronco Sport's 181 hp.
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