Head-to-head · vehicle level

Ford Explorer vs. Hyundai Palisade

Ford Explorer 76Hyundai Palisade 79on the MotiveGrid ScoreHyundai Palisade about $1,648 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,648 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Explorer counters with better mileage (24 vs 21 mpg combined).

Go with the Hyundai Palisade for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Explorer if you prioritize better gas mileage.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Ford Explorer vs. Hyundai Palisade

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Explorer versus 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
MetricFord ExplorerHyundai Palisade
MotiveGrid Score7679
Cost of Ownership6872
Powertrain6748
Driver Assistance4332
Livability4071
Safety99100
5-Year Cost to Own$59,668$58,021
Depreciation (5-yr)$22,387$20,112
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$14,034$16,036
Insurance (5-yr)$11,755$10,790
Maintenance (5-yr)$2,490$1,915
Tires (5-yr)$2,150$2,150
Financing (5-yr)$5,787$5,933
Registration (5-yr)$1,065$1,085
Starting Price$38,465$39,435
Horsepower300 hp287 hp
MPG (combined)24 mpg21 mpg
Cargo volume18.2 cu ft19.1 cu ft
Seating68
Towing capacity5,300 lbs
DrivetrainRWDFWD
Gas
2026$38,465
2026 Ford Explorer in Carbonized Gray front three-quarter view
MSRP
$38,465
Mo · 5yr
$994
$59,668 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
Gas
2026$39,435
   in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$39,435
Mo · 5yr
$967
$58,021 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score

Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.

Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →

Hyundai Palisade scores higher overall.

Ford Explorer
0
/ 100
Hyundai Palisade
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Explorer
68
Palisade
72
Winner: Palisade
$1,648 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Explorer
67
Palisade
48
Winner: Explorer
+19 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Explorer
43
Palisade
32
Winner: Explorer
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Explorer
40
Palisade
71
Winner: Palisade
+31 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Explorer
99
Palisade
100
Winner: Palisade
+1 pts
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Hyundai Palisade is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,648 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Ford Explorer still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.

Daily commuter
Ford Explorer
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai Palisade
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai Palisade
Marginally more cargo space with more seats
Highway driver
Ford Explorer
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai Palisade
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03

Cost of Ownership

Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation

State

Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Ford Explorer
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$994
$59,668 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$994/mo
Hyundai Palisade
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$967
$58,021 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$967/mo
04

Frequently asked questions

Hyundai Palisade comes out about $1,648 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

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