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2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

2025 Ford Explorer — File:2020 Ford Explorer (sixth generation) 2.jpg — Commons year/body reference; exact trim and market may differ.
Benespit · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo details

Body reference — model year may differ; market and trim may differ · File:2020 Ford Explorer (sixth generation) 2.jpg — Commons year/body reference; exact trim and market may differ. · Original photograph

2025 Ford Explorer

2.3 L, 4 cylinders, 10-speed automatic, Rear-wheel drive, Gasoline

Specs & safety →

Key differences

  • Explorer returns 24 mpg combined versus 21 mpg for Palisade AWD — 3 mpg higher combined economy.
  • Explorer has an estimated primary-fuel bill 400 USD/year lower than Palisade AWD. That is about 33 USD less per month at 15,000 miles a year.

Specifications side by side

Engine & performance

Engine & performance
Specification2025 Ford Explorer2025 Hyundai Palisade AWD
Power300 hpNot available
Engine displacement2.3 LNot available
DrivetrainRear-wheel driveAll-Wheel Drive
Transmission10-speed automaticAutomatic (S8)

Fuel economy & energy

Fuel economy & energy
Specification2025 Ford Explorer2025 Hyundai Palisade AWD
Combined fuel economy24 mpg Advantage 21 mpg
Fuel tank17.9 galNot available
FuelGasolineRegular

Dimensions & practicality

Dimensions & practicality
Specification2025 Ford Explorer2025 Hyundai Palisade AWD
Cargo — all seats in use16.3 cu ft19.1 cu ft
Cargo — behind front seats85.8 cu ftNot available
Passenger volume152.9 cu ftNot available
Towing capacity5,000 lbNot available
Ground clearance7.6 in7.4 in
Base / estimated curb weight4,303 lbNot available
Front track66.9 in67.7 in
Rear track66.9 in68.2 in
Drag coefficient (Cd)Not available0.31
Turning circleNot available39 ft
Length198.7 in199.2 in
Width78.9 in78 in
Height69.6 in69.5 in
Wheelbase119.1 in116.9 in
Seating options6 or 7, depending on second-row seatingNot available

Price & running costs

Price & running costs
Specification2025 Ford Explorer2025 Hyundai Palisade AWD
Annual primary-fuel cost2,800 USD/year Advantage 3,200 USD/year

EPA fuel costs assume 15,000 mi a year and 55% city driving. Prices are original MSRP.

Safety

2025 Ford Explorer

Top Safety Pick + — only vehicles built after June 2025

3 tests: Good
Test results & tested models
Small overlap front
Good
Moderate overlap front — updated test
Good
Side — updated test
Good

The award applies only to vehicles built after June 2025; model year alone does not establish eligibility. Small overlap applies to 2020-2026 vehicles built after May 2020 and used a 2020 XLT 4WD. Updated moderate overlap applies to 2022-2026 and used a 2022 XLT 4WD. Updated side applies to 2020-2026 and used a 2022 XLT 4WD. Headlight ratings vary by equipment and are excluded.

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