2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Ford Explorer

Within its segment, the Hyundai Palisade is a terrific family hauler, checking nearly all of the right boxes. Plus, it has a distinctive design, upscale materials, and thoughtful amenities after a refresh for the 2023 model year.

Verdict: Stylish and safe, powerful and enjoyable to drive, and roomy for people and cargo, the 2024 Hyundai Palisade is a winner. Choosing a Hyundai Palisade is both a logical and an emotional decision.

Thanks to numerous changes for 2025, the Ford Explorer is a more appealing alternative to the seemingly countless choices in the midsize three-row SUV segment. Highlights include sophisticated new infotainment and safety technologies, improved interior quality, bolder styling, and a simplified lineup offering Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trim levels. Also, as the prices of rivals have risen, the 2025 Ford Explorer seems properly priced in comparison.

Verdict: Ford’s updates to the Explorer for the 2025 model year have a positive effect on the SUV’s desirability. It looks tougher, it feels nicer inside, and the family-friendly SUV leaps forward technologically. Turbocharged power and a rear-drive platform add driving enjoyment. All that’s missing is a more comfortable third-row seat, an electrified powertrain option, and an off-road trim level.