2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued its sleek design evolution, maintaining the rear-wheel-drive platform that enhanced its balanced proportions. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more rugged appearance. New LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added to its modern look. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in materials and design, making it competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, with prices ranging from $39,755 to $55,505.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold design, especially after a 2023 refresh that introduced a more angular look. The Palisade's upscale appearance made it seem like a bargain at its price point. Inside, even the base trim offered a modern and premium feel, with higher trims featuring luxury materials like premium leather and metal speaker grilles. The Palisade was available in seven trims, with prices from $37,200 to $54,500.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive optional. The Explorer's driving modes included Eco, Normal, and Sport, among others. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg, while the Platinum with the V6 achieved 22.9 mpg. The Explorer excelled in handling and ride comfort, especially with the ST-Line Street Package.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Palisade's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and it averaged 22 mpg in combined driving. The ride was firm at lower speeds but smoother on highways. The Palisade's powertrain was praised for its smoothness and sound, though it was less fuel-efficient, recording 16.9 mpg in city driving. The steering and suspension provided a reasonable road feel, and the brakes were well-calibrated.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured comfortable front seats with heating and massage functions, while the second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort. The third row was less comfortable for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 85.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of seats, accommodating adults comfortably. The Calligraphy trim featured Nappa leather, massaging front seats, and heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. The third row was also heated, a rarity in the segment. Storage solutions were thoughtful, with adjustable cupholders and dedicated device storage. Cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86.4 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience with a 12.3-inch digital panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, and wireless smartphone connectivity. The B&O sound system varied by trim, with the ST-Line offering 10 speakers and higher trims featuring 14 speakers. The system was user-friendly, though some features like semi-autonomous parking were absent.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's tech was functional, with a 12.3-inch digital display and touchscreen. It required a cable for smartphone connectivity but included features like Bluetooth support, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system was impressive, and the Harman Kardon audio system delivered quality sound. Additional features included a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360+, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. Higher trims included BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving system. The Explorer had not been fully rated by NHTSA, but it earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover ratings.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade featured Hyundai SmartSense, with standard safety features like forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added advanced features like a surround-view camera and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Palisade earned a five-star frontal impact rating from NHTSA but did not receive a Top Safety Pick from IIHS in 2025 due to a Poor rating in a new test.