Ford Explorer vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2026 Ford Explorer retained much of its previous design, having undergone a facelift in 2025 that gave it a more rugged, truck-like appearance. This design was particularly emphasized in the Tremor model, which featured all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a raised ride height, and off-road lights in the grille. The Electric Spice colour added a distinctive touch, reminiscent of Subaru's Wilderness models. The Tremor boasted 22 centimetres of ground clearance, surpassing competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse Z71 and Honda Pilot TrailSport. Inside, the Explorer's design remained largely unchanged from its 2025 overhaul, with a new infotainment system and a variety of options ranging from basic cloth seats to luxurious leather upholstery in the Platinum model.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was available in two trims: Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy, both integrating seamlessly into the gas-only Palisade lineup. The base Luxury trim came with 20-inch alloy wheels and a prominent grille flanked by LED projector headlights. The Palisade's profile featured body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities in the Luxury Hybrid. The rear design was equally striking, with wide-spaced letters and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade impressed with its thoughtful design and high-quality materials, offering features like H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery and Nappa leather in higher trims. The interior was crafted with care, providing a richer feel compared to other non-luxury crossovers.

The 2026 Ford Explorer offered two powertrain options: a standard 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 available on the Tremor and standard on the Explorer ST, delivering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Tremor model featured a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, off-road drive mode, and steel skid plates. Despite its size, the Explorer handled confidently on highways and technical roads, with the twin-turbo V6 providing ample power for passing. The 10-speed automatic transmission was praised for its quick shifts and ability to keep the engine in its powerband.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid defied the stereotype of sluggish hybrids with its 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery. The turbo-four engine alone produced 258 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but combined with the electric motors, the Palisade delivered a total of 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and next-generation hybrid system contributed to its impressive performance. The Palisade's powertrain was optimized for efficiency, with the ability to adjust power distribution for load leveling. Inside, the cabin was remarkably quiet, thanks to noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp, though the pedal feel was softer, creating a slight disconnect in driver inputs.

The 2026 Ford Explorer could seat up to seven passengers across its three rows, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs. While it offered reasonable space, it had slightly less headroom in the third row compared to some competitors. The Explorer provided 461 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 1,302 litres with the rear seats folded and 2,415 litres with the second row down. Although it lacked features like underfloor storage, it offered ample storage solutions for smaller items. The Explorer's towing capacity was up to 2,268 kilograms, which was average for its class.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others like the Ford Explorer. The battery's position under the front passenger seat slightly reduced second-row legroom, but the Palisade still provided ample space. The third row offered less legroom and headroom compared to some rivals. The Palisade's cabin was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C power outlets, and available captain’s chairs. It featured numerous storage cubbies, including a rubberized cargo space in the centre console and a small shelf ahead of the front passenger seat.

The 2026 Ford Explorer came standard with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Maps, and SiriusXM with a free trial. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the climate control icons could be more intuitive. The Explorer offered a 360-degree camera system, useful for off-road adventures, and a range of audio options, including a 14-speaker B&O system.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, supporting HD and Sirius XM radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Bose stereo and a built-in dashcam. The Palisade introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the use of climate control and infotainment while the engine was off, provided the battery had sufficient charge.

The 2026 Ford Explorer featured the CoPilot 360+ suite, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and more. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving with automated lane change capability. The Explorer received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring excellent crash protection.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came standard with 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, and the rear doors featured a safe-exit alert. While the 2026 model hadn't been crash-tested at the time of writing, the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.