The 2025 Ford Explorer comes into this model year with sharper tech and more polish. The Hyundai Palisade? It’s sticking with what already works. If you’ve been bouncing between these two three-row SUVs trying to figure out which one’s a better fit, our comparison lays it all out.
Key Takeaways
- The Explorer starts at $41,380 and ranges up to $55,835. The Palisade’s pricing runs from $38,675 to $55,975. Prices effective June 12, 2025.
- Ford focused on upgrading interior tech and making the lineup easier to shop. Hyundai kept most things the same, with just a few trim-level tweaks.
- The Explorer does a little better on fuel economy than the Palisade.
Changes and Trim Price Comparisons in the 2025 Ford Explorer vs. Hyundai Palisade
For 2025, Ford didn’t do a full redesign of the Explorer, but the updates it did make are actually pretty meaningful. Most fall under the tech umbrella; BlueCruise hands-free driving is now standard, and Ford’s new Digital Experience system adds Google Assistant, built-in streaming, and smarter navigation. There are also some small design refreshes, like new lighting and an updated grille, that give it a more modern feel without changing the Explorer’s core identity.
Here’s the 2025 Explorer price lineup:
- Active: $41,380
- ST-Line: $46,190
- Tremor (late availability): est. $52,000
- Platinum: $53,695
- ST: $55,835
Changes for the 2025 Palisade are minimal. One new midrange trim, the SEL Premium, sits between the XRT and Limited trims. It replaces the old Premium package. You’ll also get a standard parking distance warning and surround-view camera on the XRT trim. Other than that, Hyundai is keeping things steady this year.
Here’s how Palisade pricing shakes out:
- SE: $38,675
- SEL: $41,425
- XRT: $44,525
- SEL Premium: $46,025
- Limited: $50,075
- Calligraphy: $52,475
- Calligraphy Night Edition: $55,975
Which SUV Packs More Punch Under the Hood?
The Explorer gives you two engine options to choose from, both paired with a ten-speed automatic. Most trims come with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The ST and Platinum trims offer even more muscle with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 cranking out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. You can get either engine with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The Palisade sticks with one engine across all trims: a 3.8-liter V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic. It puts out 291 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard across most trims, with all-wheel drive available on the SE, SEL, XRT, SEL Premium, Limited, and Calligraphy trims. All-wheel drive is standard on the Calligraphy Night Edition.
Which Model Goes Farther on a Tank? 2025 Explorer vs Palisade Fuel Efficiency
The Explorer’s base four-cylinder engine gives it a slight edge in fuel economy, particularly in city driving.
- 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder: 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway
- 3.0L turbocharged V6: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway
The Palisade’s fuel economy depends on your drivetrain of choice:
- Front-wheel drive: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway
- All-wheel drive: 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway
So, if mileage matters to you, the Explorer has the advantage, particularly with its smaller engine.
Which SUV Feels Better Inside?
Both SUVs lean toward comfort, so this category depends on your preferences. The 2025 Explorer’s materials feel more upscale, and new color palettes give it a more premium vibe. The front passenger area feels more open and roomy. Getting into the third row is easier now, too—just press a button, and the second-row seats slide forward.
The Palisade aims for a more refined, luxurious look and feel. Soft-touch materials, a clean layout, and thoughtful storage spots are all part of the package. It comes standard with eight-passenger seating thanks to bench seats in the second row, but most trims offer captain’s chairs instead if you’d prefer a seven-seater. There’s a handy button that moves the second row forward for easier access to the third row.
Which SUV Should You Pick?
If you’re looking for more powertrain flexibility and greater fuel economy, the 2025 Ford Explorer is the SUV to pick. Come take one for a test drive—you’ll see what we mean!