2027 Hyundai Palisade vs Ford Explorer
The 2027 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid and 2027 Ford Explorer offer two different approaches to three-row family transportation. The Palisade Hybrid combines 329 combined horsepower, seating for seven or available seating for eight, up to an EPA-estimated 34 MPG combined in SEL and SEL Premium FWD configurations, and Hyundai’s long-term warranty coverage. The Explorer offers a lower starting price, a standard 300-horsepower EcoBoost® engine, available Intelligent 4WD, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability.
Which SUV Offers the Best Value for Delray Beach Families: 2027 Hyundai Palisade or 2027 Ford Explorer?
For families prioritizing fuel economy, passenger space, and warranty coverage, the 2027 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid presents a strong value proposition. The Hybrid SEL and SEL Premium FWD produce 329 combined horsepower while earning an EPA-estimated 33 city / 35 highway / 34 combined MPG.
Hyundai lists the 2027 Palisade Hybrid SEL from $44,560 MSRP and the Hybrid SEL Premium from $47,920 MSRP. Both are available with front-wheel drive or HTRAC All-Wheel Drive, and Hyundai offers seven-passenger seating as standard with an available second-row bench for up to eight passengers.
Ford currently lists the 2027 Explorer Active from $38,680 MSRP. Its standard 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 300 horsepower, and buyers can choose rear-wheel drive or available Intelligent 4WD. The Explorer therefore enters at a lower price, while the Palisade Hybrid offers substantially higher EPA fuel economy in its most efficient FWD configurations.
Shoppers preparing for their next SUV can begin through our secure online financing application.
Pricing
| 2027 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid | Starting MSRP | 2027 Ford Explorer | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid SEL | $44,560 | Active | $38,680 |
| Hybrid SEL Premium | $47,920 | ST-Line | See current Ford pricing |
MSRP excludes applicable freight or destination charges, tax, title, license, registration, dealer fees, options, accessories, and other charges unless otherwise stated. Manufacturer pricing and trim availability may change.
Pricing and Trim Options That Match Family Budgets and Lifestyles
The 2027 Palisade Hybrid lineup gives buyers several levels of equipment above the $44,560 Hybrid SEL. The Hybrid SEL Premium starts at $47,920, while Limited and Calligraphy models add increasingly premium comfort, technology, and appearance features.
The Hybrid SEL can be configured for seven passengers with second-row captain’s chairs or up to eight with the available bench seat. The SEL Premium adds equipment including heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats, Surround View Monitor, and a heated steering wheel.
The 2027 Ford Explorer Active starts at a lower MSRP and includes its 300-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost engine, 13.2-inch center display, heated front seats, wireless smartphone integration, and Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assistance technology.
| Feature | Palisade Hybrid SEL | Palisade Hybrid SEL Premium | Explorer Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $44,560 | $47,920 | $38,680 |
| Maximum Seating | Up to 8 | Up to 8 depending on configuration | Up to 7 |
| Standard Powertrain | 2.5L Turbo Hybrid, 329 hp | 2.5L Turbo Hybrid, 329 hp | 2.3L EcoBoost, 300 hp |
Buyers interested in adding protection, cargo, or convenience accessories can visit our genuine OEM parts department.
Passenger Comfort and Cargo Space for Weekend Beach Trips and Art Events
Passenger and cargo space are major strengths of the 2027 Palisade Hybrid. Hyundai lists 44.2 inches of front legroom, 41.4 inches in the second row, and 32.1 inches in the third row.
Cargo capacity measures 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.
The Explorer Active provides 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. Ford lists 43.0 inches of front legroom, 37.5 inches in the second row, and 31.8 inches in the third row for the Active.
Ford also offers seating for up to seven when equipped with the available second-row bench. Standard second-row captain’s chairs create a six-passenger layout.
| Measurement / Capacity | 2027 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid | 2027 Ford Explorer Active |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Seating | Up to 8 | Up to 7 |
| Front Legroom | 44.2 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Second-Row Legroom | 41.4 in. | 37.5 in. |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 19.1 cu. ft. | 16.3 cu. ft. |
| Maximum Cargo | 86.7 cu. ft. | 85.8 cu. ft. |
| Maximum Towing | 4,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
Performance and Fuel Efficiency Tailored for Coastal Roads and Errands
The 2027 Palisade Hybrid combines a 2.5L turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine with hybrid assistance for 329 combined horsepower. It uses a six-speed automatic transmission and is available with front-wheel drive or HTRAC All-Wheel Drive.
Hybrid SEL and SEL Premium FWD models are EPA-estimated at 33 city / 35 highway / 34 combined MPG. AWD versions of those trims are rated at 29 city / 31 highway / 30 combined MPG. Higher Limited and Calligraphy FWD configurations are rated at 31 city / 32 highway / 31 combined MPG.
Hyundai also publishes an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 619 miles for Hybrid SEL and SEL Premium FWD models, so this page does not need to rely on a manually calculated fuel-tank range.
The Explorer Active uses a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with Intelligent 4WD available.
The Explorer retains an advantage in towing, with Ford rating properly equipped 2027 Explorer models for up to 5,000 pounds. Hyundai rates the Palisade Hybrid for up to 4,000 pounds with trailer brakes.
Engine & Performance
| Specification | 2027 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid | 2027 Ford Explorer Active |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L turbo hybrid I4 | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 |
| Horsepower | 329 combined hp | 300 hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or available HTRAC AWD | RWD or available Intelligent 4WD |
Fuel Economy
| Configuration | EPA-Estimated MPG |
|---|---|
| Palisade Hybrid SEL / SEL Premium FWD | 33 city / 35 highway / 34 combined |
| Palisade Hybrid SEL / SEL Premium AWD | 29 city / 31 highway / 30 combined |
Technology Features That Keep Drivers Connected and Entertained
The 2027 Palisade Hybrid features a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and a broad range of connected and convenience technology.
Higher trims add equipment such as Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, premium audio, heated and ventilated seating, Digital Key functionality, and other comfort and technology upgrades depending on configuration.
The 2027 Explorer Active uses a 13.2-inch center display with Ford Digital Experience, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, connected Google services, a 5G modem, and Ford app compatibility.
Both SUVs therefore provide modern large-screen infotainment rather than the original source’s implication that the Ford system is substantially less capable.
Safety Systems Designed to Protect Families on Busy Coastal Drives
The 2027 Palisade Hybrid includes Hyundai SmartSense driver-assistance technology such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control, and Highway Driving Assist depending on trim and configuration.
Higher trims add additional camera, parking, and highway-driving assistance features. These systems are designed to supplement an attentive driver rather than replace driver judgment.
The 2027 Explorer Active includes Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assistance features such as Pre-Collision Assist, BLIS®, lane-support technology, adaptive cruise control, and other systems.
Exact 2027 IIHS and NHTSA ratings have not been carried over from earlier model years. NHTSA only recently announced its 2027 test program, so model-year-specific crash ratings should be confirmed once completed results are published.
Warranty Coverage and Maintenance Services Supporting Long-Term Ownership
Hyundai backs the 2027 Palisade Hybrid with a 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, subject to Hyundai’s complete eligibility rules and exclusions.
Palisade Hybrid models also include a 10-year/100,000-mile Hybrid/Electric Battery Warranty, 7 years/unlimited miles of anti-perforation coverage, and 5 years/unlimited miles of 24/7 Roadside Assistance.
Ford provides the Explorer with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance.
Hyundai Roadside Assistance can be reached at 1-800-243-7766.
Dimensions & Capacity
Key capacity figures for the compared configurations.
| Specification | 2027 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid | 2027 Ford Explorer Active |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 19.1 cu. ft. | 16.3 cu. ft. |
| Maximum Cargo | 86.7 cu. ft. | 85.8 cu. ft. |
| Towing | Up to 4,000 lbs | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Maximum Seating | Up to 8 | Up to 7 |
Common Buyer Questions Comparing the 2027 Hyundai Palisade and 2027 Ford Explorer
Which SUV offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The most efficient 2027 Palisade Hybrid configurations are the SEL and SEL Premium FWD, rated at 33 city / 35 highway / 34 combined MPG. Hyundai also publishes an EPA-estimated range of up to 619 miles for those configurations.
Does the 2027 Hyundai Palisade have more passenger space than the Ford Explorer?
The Palisade Hybrid provides more second-row legroom in this comparison, with 41.4 inches compared with 37.5 inches in the Explorer Active. The Palisade can also seat up to eight, while the Explorer seats up to seven.
How do the towing capabilities compare?
The Explorer has the higher maximum tow rating at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Hyundai rates the Palisade Hybrid for up to 4,000 pounds with trailer brakes.
Is the 2027 Hyundai Palisade worth the higher starting price?
That depends on the buyer’s priorities. The Explorer Active has the lower starting MSRP, while the Palisade Hybrid SEL includes a 329-horsepower hybrid powertrain, substantially higher EPA fuel economy, available eight-passenger seating, and longer factory warranty coverage. You can browse our current new Hyundai Palisade inventory online.
What warranty advantages does the Hyundai Palisade offer over the Explorer?
Hyundai provides a 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty under applicable terms. Ford provides 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage.
Explore the 2027 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid at Delray Hyundai
The 2027 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid brings together efficient hybrid performance, three-row passenger comfort, available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive, and advanced technology for families throughout Delray Beach and South Florida.
Explore available Hyundai Palisade models, compare trims and features, or start your financing application online before visiting Delray Hyundai.
Vehicle information, pricing, MSRP, fuel economy, driving range, horsepower, passenger capacity, cargo capacity, towing capability, technology, connected services, warranty coverage, and safety equipment are provided for informational purposes only and may vary by trim, drivetrain, package, configuration, build date, inventory, region, and official manufacturer updates. MSRP excludes applicable freight or destination charges, taxes, title, license, registration, dealer fees, options, accessories, and other charges unless otherwise stated. EPA fuel-economy and range estimates are for comparison purposes only; actual mileage and range will vary. Towing requires proper vehicle and trailer equipment and may be reduced by passengers, cargo, accessories, trailer configuration, and other factors. Driver-assistance systems are supplemental and do not replace attentive driving. See Delray Hyundai and official manufacturer documentation for complete details, and confirm current pricing, equipment, warranty terms, open recalls, service campaigns, and required updates before purchase.