VS
At a Glance
Power
400hp @ 5500
287hp @ 6400
Torque
415lb-ft @ 3500
260lb-ft @ 5000
Towing
5000lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.0 L/183cc
3.5 L/212cc
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Hyundai Palisade is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 400hp @ 5500 while the Hyundai Palisade produces 287hp @ 6400. Pricing starts at $54,905 for the Explorer and $45,370 for the Palisade. 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
287hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
415lb-ft @ 3500
260lb-ft @ 5000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183cc
3.5 L/212cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (2025)mpg
18mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
24mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
20.2gal
19gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
199.2in
Width (in)
78.9in
78in
Height (in)
69.6in
69.5in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
116.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4670lbs
4575lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
5000lbs
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
Hyundai Palisade
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Palisade
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Hyundai Palisade
Lower starting price ($45,370)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Explorer or Palisade?
The Explorer produces 400hp @ 5500 and 415lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Palisade delivers 287hp @ 6400 and 260lb-ft @ 5000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Palisade?
The Explorer starts from $54,905 and the Palisade from $45,370. The Palisade is cheaper by $9,535 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Palisade?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Palisade can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Palisade?
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.