VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
268hp @ 5500
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
271lb-ft @ 1500
Fuel
24 mpg est.
35 MPG Combined / 33 Range
Towing
5000lbs
2000lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
1.6 L/98ci
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Hyundai Tucson Plug In Hybrid is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the Hyundai Tucson Plug In Hybrid produces 268hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Explorer returns 24 mpg est. while the Tucson Plug In Hybrid uses 35 MPG Combined / 33 Range — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $50,965 for the Explorer and $40,675 for the Tucson Plug In Hybrid. 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.
Specification
Ford ExplorerPlatinum RWD 2026 - From $50,965
Hyundai Tucson Plug In HybridLimited AWD 2026 - From $40,675
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
268hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
271lb-ft @ 1500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
1.6 L/98ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Plug-In Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
35 MPG Combined / 33 Range
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
11.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
182.7in
Width (in)
78.9in
73.4in
Height (in)
69.6in
66.3in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
108.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
4266lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
2000lbs
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
✓ 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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Tucson Plug In Hybrid
Value
Tucson Plug In Hybrid
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher starting price
Hyundai Tucson Plug In Hybrid
Lower starting price ($40,675)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Tucson Plug In Hybrid?
The Explorer gets 24 mpg est. and the Tucson Plug In Hybrid gets 35 MPG Combined / 33 Range on the combined cycle. The Tucson Plug In Hybrid is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Explorer or Tucson Plug In Hybrid?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Tucson Plug In Hybrid delivers 268hp @ 5500 and 271lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Tucson Plug In Hybrid?
The Explorer starts from $50,965 and the Tucson Plug In Hybrid from $40,675. The Tucson Plug In Hybrid is cheaper by $10,290 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Tucson Plug In Hybrid?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Tucson Plug In Hybrid can tow 2000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Tucson Plug In Hybrid?
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.