At a Glance
Power
400hp @ 5500
187hp @ 6100
Torque
415lb-ft @ 3500
178lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
22 mpg est.
27 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
2750lbs
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.5 L/152ci
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 400hp @ 5500 while the Hyundai Tucson produces 187hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Explorer returns 22 mpg est. while the Tucson uses 27 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $56,905 for the Explorer and $30,700 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)
400hp @ 5500
187hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
415lb-ft @ 3500
178lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.5 L/152ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
27 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (2025)mpg
24 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
30 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
20.2gal
14.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
182.7in
Width (in)
78.9in
73.4in
Height (in)
69.8in
66.3in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
108.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4766lbs
3572lbs
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
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ 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
Value
Tucson
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Hyundai Tucson
Better fuel economy (27 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($30,700)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Tucson?
The Explorer gets 22 mpg est. and the Tucson gets 27 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Tucson 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?
The Explorer produces 400hp @ 5500 and 415lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Tucson delivers 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Tucson?
The Explorer starts from $56,905 and the Tucson from $30,700. The Tucson is cheaper by $26,205 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.