Ford Bronco vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2025 Ford Bronco successfully captured the essence of its 1960s predecessor while avoiding an overly retro design. Its boxy shape was modernized with rounded corners, and the front view was dominated by a wide rectangular grille flanked by round headlamps. The Bronco offered multiple top options, including soft, hard, or both, which could be removed along with the doors for an open-air experience. The Sasquatch package added 17-inch aluminum wheels with 35-inch all-terrain tires, a HOSS 2.0 suspension, and electronic-locking axles, enhancing its off-road capabilities and giving it a menacing look. With seven versions available, including the high-performance Bronco Raptor, the Bronco catered to a wide range of buyers. The Big Bend model, equipped with the Sasquatch package and finished in Velocity Blue Metallic, was particularly appealing.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was available in two trims: Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy. It integrated seamlessly into the gas-only Palisade lineup, maintaining style and presence across all trims. The base Luxury trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille with LED projector headlights. The Palisade's profile included body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities. The rear view was marked by wide-spaced letters and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade impressed with its organic design and thoughtful storage solutions. The interior featured H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heating elements. Higher trims offered Nappa leather upholstery and additional comfort features. The Palisade's interior craftsmanship stood out compared to other non-luxury crossovers.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered two engine options, with the Bronco Raptor featuring a unique, more powerful engine. The base 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for city and highway driving. The optional 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 engine increased output to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's maximum tow rating was 1,587 kilograms, with the Raptor capable of towing up to 2,040 kilograms. The standard seven-speed manual transmission included a low gear for off-road crawling, while a 10-speed automatic was optional or standard on certain trims. The Sasquatch package enhanced off-road capabilities with locking differentials and large tires. All Bronco models featured four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, and some trims offered an advanced 4WD system with Automatic mode.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid defied the stereotype of slow hybrids with its impressive performance. It featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The Palisade Hybrid's eight-speed automatic transmission and advanced hybrid system optimized power distribution and fuel efficiency. The hybrid system eliminated the starter motor and auxiliary belts, relying on a more capable electric motor. The Palisade's cabin was remarkably quiet, with noise-absorbing carpet and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp, and the pedals had a soft feel. Overall, the Palisade Hybrid offered a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2025 Ford Bronco's two-door model provided ample space for two passengers, while the four-door version offered more room and easier access. The Sasquatch package's big tires and suspension resulted in a high step up into the cabin, with optional steps available. The two-door Bronco had 634 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,509 litres with the rear seats folded. The four-door model offered 1,084 litres of cargo space with the seats up and 2,350 litres with the seats folded. The Bronco featured numerous storage cubbies, including armrest compartments, door pockets, and MOLLE mounting points. The four-door model had dedicated air conditioning vents for rear passengers and additional insulation for reduced road noise.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others. The battery's position under the front passenger seat slightly reduced second-row legroom, but it remained competitive. The third row offered less legroom and headroom compared to some rivals. The Palisade's cabin was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control, seven USB-C power outlets, and a second-row bench seat with seating for eight. Captain's chairs were available on higher trims. The Palisade featured numerous storage cubbies, including a centre console with a rubberized cargo space and a small shelf ahead of the front passenger seat.

The 2025 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 infotainment software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a seven-speaker audio system. An upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. A second 12-inch screen served as a digital gauge cluster, customizable with various modes. The Bronco featured five G.O.A.T. modes, with additional modes available on certain trims. Each mode had its own animation on the digital gauge cluster.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a matching digital instrument cluster. It supported HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. A 14-speaker Bose stereo was available on higher trims. The Palisade featured a 15-watt wireless charging pad and a built-in dashcam on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The "Stay Mode" allowed the climate control and infotainment system to run while the gas engine was off.

The 2025 Ford Bronco did not come standard with the Co-Pilot360 safety suite, but it was available on higher trims. Standard features included post-collision braking, hill start assist, and hill descent control. Optional safety features included a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The Bronco received top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in several crash tests but had a "Marginal" headlight rating. The NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal crash safety and three stars for rollover testing.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came standard with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims. The Palisade featured a safe-exit alert indicator on the rear doors. The 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, but the 2026 model had not yet been crash-tested.