2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade

$38,330 · Crossover

$39,435 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the freshly updated 2026 Ford Explorer and the established 2026 Hyundai Palisade often boils down to balancing power versus pure utility. Buyers frequently wonder if superior horsepower justifies slightly lower fuel economy. The Explorer steps up with a robust 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the Palisade's 287 hp and 260 lb-ft. However, this performance comes at a cost: the Explorer achieves 24 MPG combined, while the Palisade trails slightly at 21 MPG combined. Dimensionally, they are very close, with the Explorer being marginally shorter in length at 198.8 inches versus the Palisade's 199.2 inches. Despite its power advantage, the Explorer offers a smaller initial cargo space at 16.3 cu ft compared to the Palisade's larger 19.1 cu ft, making initial storage a trade-off against driving dynamics.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Explorer

The 2026 Ford Explorer's better combined fuel economy of 24 MPG makes it more efficient for daily driving than the Palisade's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers superior practicality with 19.1 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Explorer

The Explorer is the clear choice for driving engagement, boasting 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Palisade's 287 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Ford Explorer

The 2026 Ford Explorer has a lower starting MSRP of $38,330 compared to the Palisade's $39,435, offering more horsepower for less initial investment.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You prioritize brisk acceleration, thanks to its 300 hp engine.
You want the best daily efficiency, achieving 29 MPG on the highway.
You prefer the dynamics associated with a Rear Wheel Drive platform.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You need maximum hauling capability, as it offers 19.1 cu ft of cargo room.
You want the slightly wider vehicle body at 78.0 inches for better shoulder room.
You prefer the standard traction benefit of a Front Wheel Drive setup.

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	6-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 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.

Which crossover is quicker off the line?

The 2026 Ford Explorer will generally feel quicker, packing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This is slightly more muscle than the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, which puts out 287 hp and 260 lb-ft.

How much difference is there in fuel cost between these two?

The difference is notable over the long run; the Explorer gets 24 MPG combined on regular unleaded, while the Palisade is rated at 21 MPG combined. If you commute heavily, the Explorer saves on fuel.

Is the size difference meaningful for parking?

Not significantly; the vehicles are very close in physical footprint. The Explorer measures 198.8 inches long, whereas the Palisade is 199.2 inches long, meaning parking maneuvers will feel nearly identical.

Which vehicle provides better utility for road trips?

For luggage and gear storage, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade wins easily, offering 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, compared to only 16.3 cubic feet in the Explorer.

Are the base prices vastly different?

The starting prices are quite close, reflecting their shared crossover segment positioning. The Ford Explorer starts at $38,330, slightly undercutting the Hyundai Palisade's $39,435 MSRP.

Does the difference in drive type matter for snow or bad weather?

Yes, the Explorer uses a Rear Wheel Drive configuration, which some drivers prefer for handling balance, while the Palisade comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, often giving slightly better traction in light snow conditions.