2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade: 3-Row SUV Comparison
The 2026 Ford Explorer produces 300 hp and returns 29 MPG highway, topping the Palisade on both counts. The Explorer adds a 13.2-inch SYNC touchscreen and standard BlueCruise on ST and Platinum trims. This page breaks down every key spec so you can compare both SUVs and check Explorer inventory at Koons Ford.
The Short Answer
The 2026 Explorer is the right pick for buyers who want more power, better highway fuel economy, and hands-free highway driving capability. The 2026 Palisade makes sense for buyers who need an eighth seat and want the longer powertrain warranty as a priority.
2026 Ford Explorer trims and features
Specs Head-to-Head
| Spec | 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Turbo | 3.5L GDI V6 Naturally Aspirated |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 287 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| EPA City MPG | 20 | 19 |
| EPA Hwy MPG | 29 | 25 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 24 | 21 |
| Seating | 7 | 8 |
| Cargo (behind 3rd row) | 16.3 cu ft | 19.1 cu ft |
| Cargo (behind 2nd row) | 46.0 cu ft | 46.3 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 85.8 cu ft | 86.7 cu ft |
| Towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | 7.6 in (base); 8.7 in (Tremor) | 8.4 in |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | Not provided | 10 yr / 100,000 mi |
EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2026 Ford Explorer
Performance and Powertrain
The Explorer's 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic. Buyers who want more output can step up to the 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 on Tremor, Platinum, and ST trims, which delivers 385 hp and 415 lb-ft. Both Explorer engines pair with that same 10-speed gearbox.
The Palisade runs a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 rated at 287 hp and 260 lb-ft through an 8-speed automatic. The Explorer's base engine outpulls the Palisade's V6 by 13 hp and a substantial 50 lb-ft of torque, giving it a real-world advantage in passing, merging, and towing confidence.
On fuel economy, the Explorer's 29 MPG highway figure beats the Palisade's 25 MPG highway rating by four mpg. For Maryland commuters running routes between Annapolis and the Washington, DC metro area, that difference adds up across a full ownership cycle.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
The Palisade seats eight as standard, giving it a one-seat advantage over the Explorer's seven-passenger layout. For families who regularly fill all three rows, that extra seat matters.
The Explorer counters with a roomier first and second row for most trims. First-row headroom measures 40.7 inches and front legroom reaches 43 inches. Second-row legroom is 37.5 inches on Active and ST-Line trims. The Palisade does not publish comparable interior dimension data in the provided brief, so a side-by-side measurement comparison is not available here.
On cargo, the two SUVs are nearly identical when the third row is folded. The Explorer offers 85.8 cu ft maximum, the Palisade 86.7 cu ft. Behind the third row, the Palisade leads with 19.1 cu ft vs the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft, a meaningful difference for families who keep all seats occupied on road trips.
The Explorer's Tremor trim raises ground clearance to 8.7 inches, exceeding the Palisade's 8.4 inches, making it the better choice for buyers in rural Maryland who encounter unimproved roads or light trail use.
2026 Explorer interior dimensions and cargo
Technology and Safety
Both SUVs offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Explorer runs a 13.2-inch SYNC touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Palisade uses dual 12.3-inch screens, one for the gauge cluster and one for infotainment.
The Explorer's standout tech advantage is Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving system. It is standard on the ST and Platinum trims and available on ST-Line and Tremor. The Palisade does not offer a comparable hands-free highway driving feature in its current specification.
On audio, the Explorer includes a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen system standard on ST-Line, with an available 980-watt 14-speaker B&O system on upper trims. The Palisade brief does not specify a comparable premium audio configuration.
Both SUVs cover the core safety suite. The Explorer includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-centering steering, blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, emergency steering assist, road-sign recognition, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams, all standard. The Explorer also includes AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Trailer Sway Control as standard equipment.
The Palisade includes forward collision warning with AEB, lane keeping assistance, lane centering, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear automatic braking, safe exit warning, driver attention warning, and front and rear parking sensors. The Palisade adds safe exit warning, which is not listed among the Explorer's standard features.
The Palisade's 360-degree surround-view camera comes standard on SEL Premium trims and above. The Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 with a 360-degree camera standard on ST-Line and above.
Value and Ownership
The Palisade holds a clear warranty advantage: 5 years / 60,000 miles basic coverage and 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain. The Explorer's basic warranty is 3 years / 36,000 miles, and the brief does not provide a powertrain warranty figure to compare. For buyers who prioritize ownership cost predictability, the Palisade's longer coverage is a genuine differentiator.
The Explorer's fuel economy lead works in the other direction. At 24 MPG combined vs the Palisade's 21 MPG combined, Explorer owners use less fuel across every mile driven. Buyers who put significant annual mileage on a family SUV will recover a meaningful amount at the pump over several years of ownership.
The Explorer also carries a broader trim range, from the trail-capable Tremor with Intelligent 4WD to the performance-focused ST with 385 hp, giving buyers more ways to configure the vehicle to their specific use case. The Palisade spans 13 trim variants across FWD and AWD configurations, offering its own range of entry points.
Standard content depth favors the Explorer at the ST-Line level and above, where BlueCruise, the B&O audio system, and the 360-degree camera arrive without requiring buyers to climb to the highest trims.
Ford warranty and ownership information
Which One Should You Buy
Choose the 2026 Ford Explorer if: You want more horsepower and torque from the base engine, better highway fuel economy, hands-free highway driving on mid-to-upper trims, a performance variant (ST at 385 hp), or a trail-focused option (Tremor). The Explorer also suits buyers who want a larger touchscreen or a premium B&O audio system without going to the top trim.
Choose the 2026 Hyundai Palisade if: You need to seat eight passengers regularly, you want the longest powertrain warranty in the segment, or you prioritize the safe exit warning feature for families with young children. The Palisade's 19.1 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row also gives it a day-to-day practicality edge for families who keep all rows occupied.
See the 2026 Ford Explorer at Koons Ford in Annapolis
Koons Ford serves buyers across Annapolis and the broader Maryland market, with 2026 Explorer inventory available across multiple trim levels. Whether you're deciding between the fuel-efficient Active, the sport-tuned ST-Line, the Tremor's off-road package, or the BlueCruise-equipped Platinum, the full lineup is in stock. Check current Explorer inventory, get a trade-in value, or schedule a test drive using the links below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Ford Explorer get better gas mileage than the Hyundai Palisade?
Yes. The Explorer earns 29 MPG highway and 24 MPG combined. The Palisade earns 25 MPG highway and 21 MPG combined, making the Explorer the more fuel-efficient choice.
Which has more cargo space, the Explorer or the Palisade?
The Palisade leads slightly in maximum cargo (86.7 cu ft vs 85.8 cu ft) and behind the third row (19.1 cu ft vs 16.3 cu ft). Both vehicles offer nearly identical cargo room behind the second row, at 46.3 and 46.0 cu ft respectively.
Does the Explorer have more horsepower than the Palisade?
Yes. The Explorer's base 2.3L EcoBoost produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Palisade's 3.5L V6 produces 287 hp and 260 lb-ft. The Explorer ST trim upgrades to 385 hp and 415 lb-ft.
Which SUV has the better warranty?
The Palisade has a longer warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles basic and 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain. The Explorer's basic warranty is 3 years / 36,000 miles.
Does the 2026 Ford Explorer have hands-free driving?
Yes. Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is standard on the Explorer ST and Platinum trims and available on ST-Line and Tremor. The Palisade does not offer a comparable hands-free highway system.
How many people does each SUV seat?
The Explorer seats 7. The Palisade seats 8, giving it a one-passenger advantage for large families.
Can the 2026 Ford Explorer go off-road?
The Tremor trim offers Intelligent 4WD, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a Terrain Management System with up to 6 drive modes including Trail/Off-Road. The base Explorer is RWD with available Intelligent 4WD.
Where can I find 2026 Ford Explorer inventory near Annapolis?
Koons Ford carries 2026 Explorer inventory. Use the inventory link on this page to filter by trim and check current availability.
