DecodedCarsFord Explorer vs Hyundai Palisade
2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Hyundai Palisade is more fuel-efficient: 34 vs 24 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $850 a year less in fuel for the Hyundai Palisade (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Hyundai Palisade has had fewer recall campaigns (16 vs 105).
The two cars
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive. It measures about 199 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,458 lb (4dr SUV).
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl turbo and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (33 city / 35 highway), 57% better than the 2026 standard SUV average of 21.7 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.
Buying used? The 2024 Explorer and the 2022 Palisade have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Explorer.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Ford Explorer if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Hyundai Palisade on any measure we track.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if…
- You want lower fuel bills (34 vs 24 MPG)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
- You put reliability history first (16 vs 105 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Ford Explorer
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- 15 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 57% better than the average 2026 standard SUV (21.7 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Ford Explorer specs →Full 2026 Hyundai Palisade specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →