2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
Trying to choose between the refreshed 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the redesigned 2026 Ford Explorer? It's a classic debate between value and slightly superior performance. The Palisade starts lower at $37,200 compared to the Explorer's $38,330 MSRP, offering immediate savings. However, the new Explorer nudges ahead in the specs sheet, boasting 300 horsepower and a strong 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Palisade's 291 hp and 262 lb-ft. Fuel economy is another split decision; the Explorer achieves better EPA estimates at 24 combined MPG (20 city/29 highway), beating the Palisade's 22 combined MPG (19 city/26 highway). While the Palisade offers slightly more storage at 18 cu ft versus the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft, the Explorer’s standard rear-wheel drive setup hints at a different driving dynamic.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 24 combined MPG compared to the Palisade's 22 combined MPG.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offers slightly more usable space with 18 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 16.3 cubic feet.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer is the enthusiast choice, delivering higher output with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade wins on entry price, starting $1,130 cheaper at $37,200.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You prioritize a lower initial outlay, as the Palisade starts at $37,200.
- You need marginally more maximum cargo space, as it offers 18 cu ft versus the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft.
- You prefer the familiarity and ease of front-wheel drive paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for typical city driving.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You want punchier performance, highlighted by the Explorer's 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Maximizing efficiency is key, given the Explorer’s 24 combined MPG rating.
- You desire the handling characteristics typically associated with a standard rear-wheel drive platform and a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Palisade | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.7" | 198.8" |
| Width | 77.8" | 78.9" |
| Height | 68.9" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 119.1" |
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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.2/488.8 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 17.9 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 | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 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 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.1 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.1 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.1 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.7 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
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 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 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 Explorer.
Is there a significant difference in fuel efficiency between the 2025 Palisade and the 2026 Explorer?
Yes, the 2026 Ford Explorer leads slightly with 24 combined MPG, while the 2025 Hyundai Palisade is rated at 22 combined MPG. This difference translates to about two extra highway miles per gallon for the Explorer (29 MPG vs. 26 MPG).
Which vehicle is more powerful in terms of engine output?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is the more powerful option, producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offers a respectable 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
How does the base MSRP compare between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offers a lower entry point at $37,200. The 2026 Ford Explorer is priced slightly higher at $38,330 for the base trim.
Which model provides better standard cargo capacity for family trips?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is better equipped for hauling gear, offering 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. The 2026 Ford Explorer has 16.3 cubic feet in the same configuration.
What is the key difference in their standard drivetrain layouts?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD). Conversely, the 2026 Ford Explorer switches to a standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration, which often appeals to those prioritizing different handling dynamics.
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