2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$38,330 · Crossover

$40,075 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid lies in fuel efficiency, with the Tucson PHEV achieving a combined 35 MPG versus the Explorer’s 24 MPG. This 11 MPG advantage is critical for high-mileage drivers. Power delivery favors the Explorer, delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Tucson's 268 hp and 271 lb-ft. However, the Tucson offers substantial utility advantages, featuring nearly double the cargo capacity at 31.9 cu ft versus the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft, despite being 16.1 inches shorter in length (182.7 vs. 198.8 inches). Priced closely, the Explorer starts at $38,330 while the Tucson PHEV is listed at $40,075, making the Tucson a higher initial investment for its efficiency and utility gains.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV wins due to its 35 combined MPG and 32 miles of pure electric range, offering substantial daily fuel savings over the Explorer's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson PHEV provides 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more space than the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft, better accommodating family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Explorer

The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers superior raw performance with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Tucson's 268 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a slightly higher MSRP of $40,075, the Tucson PHEV's significantly lower operational costs driven by 35 MPG offset the initial $1,745 price difference from the Explorer.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You prioritize maximum acceleration, evidenced by its 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
You require a longer vehicle footprint, measuring 198.8 inches, for potential third-row accommodation or ride comfort.
You prefer the inherent traction advantages of standard rear-wheel drive.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

Minimizing fuel consumption is the top priority, due to its 35 combined MPG rating.
You need the largest available storage space, with 31.9 cu ft available for cargo.
Your daily commute under 32 miles can be completed purely on electric power.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	198.8"	182.7"
Width	78.9"	73.4"
Height	69.9"	66.3"
Wheelbase	119.1"	108.5"

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	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5500 rpm	268 hp
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	271 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	16
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	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	80/73 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	77 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	32 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	44
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	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.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	54.5 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	53.9 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	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

How much larger is the cargo area in the Tucson PHEV compared to the Ford Explorer?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity. This is nearly double the 16.3 cu ft provided by the 2026 Ford Explorer, making the Tucson significantly more versatile for hauling gear.

Which vehicle offers better overall power output for acceleration?

The 2026 Ford Explorer is the more powerful vehicle, producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This substantially exceeds the 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque generated by the Tucson PHEV.

What is the electric-only driving capability of the Tucson PHEV?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is capable of traveling 32 miles solely on electric power before switching to hybrid operation. The Ford Explorer uses only regular unleaded fuel and has no electric range.

How significant is the difference in fuel economy ratings?

The difference is significant: the Tucson PHEV achieves 35 combined MPG, whereas the Explorer is rated at 24 combined MPG, resulting in an 11 MPG advantage for the Hyundai.

Does the drivetrain setup differ between these two crossovers?

Yes, the 2026 Ford Explorer utilizes a rear-wheel drive configuration paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the Tucson PHEV comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed shiftable automatic.

What is the starting price gap between the two models?

The 2026 Ford Explorer has a lower starting MSRP of $38,330, while the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid begins at $40,075, representing a difference of $1,745 at the base level.