VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
187hp @ 6100
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
178lb-ft @ 4000
Towing
5000lbs
2750lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140cc
2.5 L/152cc
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Hyundai Tucson is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the Hyundai Tucson produces 187hp @ 6100. Pricing starts at $38,465 for the Explorer and $39,175 for the Tucson. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
187hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
178lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140cc
2.5 L/152cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
33 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
14.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
182.7in
Width (in)
78.9in
73.4in
Height (in)
69.6in
65.6in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
108.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
3657lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
2750lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Explorer
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Explorer
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Lower starting price ($38,465)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Hyundai Tucson
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Explorer or Tucson?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Tucson delivers 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Tucson?
The Explorer starts from $38,465 and the Tucson from $39,175. The Explorer is cheaper by $710 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Tucson?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Tucson can tow 2750lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Tucson?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.