2026 Explorer vs 2026 Palisade in San Antonio

Three-Row SUV Comparison: 2026 Explorer vs 2026 Palisade

The 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Hyundai Palisade both give families three rows of seating, modern technology, and strong everyday usability, but they bring different personalities to the driveway. The Palisade focuses on upscale comfort and a spacious cabin, while the Explorer adds stronger available performance, confident towing capability, and a more engaging driving experience.

At Red McCombs Ford in San Antonio, TX, the 2026 Ford Explorer stands out for drivers who want a family SUV that still feels capable, responsive, and ready for busy Texas life. It gives you the room you need for passengers and gear, plus the power and versatility to make weekend plans feel easier.

Interior Comparison

2026 Ford Explorer	2026 Hyundai Palisade
Rows: Three Max Seating: Seven Max Cargo Capacity: 85.8 cubic feet Upholstery Options: Cloth, durable cloth with red stitching, leather inserts, and available Platinum-branded leather seating surfaces, depending on trim	Rows: Three Max Seating: Eight Max Cargo Capacity: 86.7 cubic feet Upholstery Options: Cloth, H-Tex-trimmed seating surfaces, Leather-trimmed seating surfaces, and Premium Nappa leather-trimmed seating surfaces

Why This Matters

The Explorer gives families the three-row flexibility they need without feeling oversized or dull to drive. Its cabin is easy to use, comfortable for daily routines, and flexible enough for sports gear, luggage, groceries, and weekend plans. The Palisade offers more total passenger volume and an available eight-passenger layout, but the Explorer feels more balanced for shoppers who want family space with stronger driving confidence.

Exterior Comparison

2026 Ford Explorer

2026 Hyundai Palisade

Ground Clearance: Up to 8.7 inches on Tremor® Approach/Departure Angles: Approach Angle: Up to 24.1 degrees on Tremor® Departure Angle: Up to 23.7 degrees on Tremor® Wheel/Tire Options: Tremor® model with off-road-focused hardware 18-inch Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels 21-inch painted or machined aluminum wheel options 18-inch Ebony Black-painted aluminum wheels 20-inch painted aluminum wheel options Exterior Lighting and Utility: Available Intelligent 4WD Available power liftgate Available Torsen® limited-slip rear axle on Tremor® Available panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade Available underbody protection on Tremor®

Ground Clearance: Up to 8.4 inches on XRT PRO Approach/Departure Angles: Approach Angle: Up to 20.5 degrees on XRT PRO Departure Angle: Up to 22.4 degrees on XRT PRO Wheel/Tire Options: Available all-terrain tires on XRT PRO 18-inch alloy wheels XRT PRO 18-inch wheels 20-inch alloy wheels 21-inch alloy wheels Exterior Lighting and Utility: Available HTRAC All Wheel Drive Height-adjustable hands-free smart liftgate with auto-open Available factory-installed tow hitch on select trims Automatic on/off headlights LED taillights High Beam Assist LED daytime running lights

Why This Matters

The Explorer gives drivers a broader range of personalities depending on the trim they choose. The ST and ST-Line models bring a sportier appearance, while the Tremor® adds a more adventurous look that fits active Texas lifestyles. The Palisade has a modern, upscale design, especially in higher trims, but the Explorer feels more versatile because it can shift from a refined family SUV to sporty or trail-ready depending on what the driver wants.

Power and Performance

2026 Ford Explorer	2026 Hyundai Palisade
Maximum Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds	Maximum Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
Base Engine: 2.3-liter EcoBoost® Inline-four Horsepower: 300 Torque: 310 lb-ft Transmission: 10-speed automatic EPA estimates fuel economy: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined	Base Engine: 3.5-liter six-cylinder Horsepower: 287 Torque: 260 lb-ft Transmission: Eight-speed automatic EPA estimates fuel economy: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined
Engine: 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 Horsepower: 385 Torque: 415 lb-ft Transmission: 10-speed automatic EPA-estimated fuel economy: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined

Why This Matters

The Explorer has the edge for drivers who want their three-row SUV to feel more responsive. Its standard turbocharged powertrain already brings strong output, while the available EcoBoost® V6 gives the Explorer a clear performance advantage for shoppers who want more confidence merging, passing, or loading up for a road trip. The Palisade is smooth and comfortable, but the Explorer delivers a more energetic driving experience.

Tech and Entertainment

2026 Ford Explorer

2026 Hyundai Palisade

Infotainment Screen Options: Ford Digital Experience Ford Connectivity Package Available 12.3-inch cluster display 13.2-inch center display Audio System Options: Available 10-speaker B&O® system including subwoofer Voice and app-based connected features Streaming capability through the available Ford Connectivity Package Standard audio system Other Standard Tech Features: Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility Remote keyless entry Available Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving Wi-Fi® hotspot capability USB charging and connectivity ports Selectable drive modes Power windows and power door locks Available wireless charging pad Available Ford connected services and app integration

Infotainment Screen Options: 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on select trims Available full-display digital rearview mirror Available Head-Up Display 12.3-inch navigation system with Over-the-Air software updates Audio System Options: Standard HD Radio Available Bose® premium audio with 14 speakers on upper trims Standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio Other Standard Tech Features: Alexa Built-in Tri-zone automatic temperature control and auto-defogging windshield Column-mounted Shift-by-Wire gear selector with paddle shifters Wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® Wi-Fi + Streaming Leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go Bluelink+ Connected Car System 100W USB-C ports: front, second row, and third row Proximity Key with push-button start

Why This Matters

The Explorer gives drivers a modern technology experience that feels especially easy to use during everyday driving. Its large display setup, connected features, and available hands-free highway driving technology help the cabin feel advanced without becoming overwhelming. The Palisade offers a long list of impressive technology features, but the Explorer delivers the stronger balance of convenience, connectivity, and driver-focused usability for many San Antonio families.

Safety Features

2026 Ford Explorer

2026 Hyundai Palisade

Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ Electronic Power-Assisted Steering Available advanced parking support features, depending on trim Power 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System Adaptive Cruise Control Available Intelligent 4WD Available exterior camera views Class III Trailer Tow Package Available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving Available Torsen® limited-slip rear axle on Tremor® Selectable drive modes Available 360-Degree Camera

Hyundai SmartSense Parking Distance Warning - Reverse/Forward Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection, Junction Turning Detection, and Direct Oncoming Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist Lane Keeping Assist Rear Occupant Alert Automatic on/off headlights and High Beam Assist Safe Exit Assist Lane Following Assist Forward Attention Warning Rear camera washer Trailer Sway Control Driver Attention Warning Electronic Parking Brake with Automatic Vehicle Hold

Why This Matters

Both SUVs include impressive safety suites, with the Explorer offering Ford Co-Pilot360® technologies and the Palisade offering Hyundai SmartSense. The Explorer stands out because its driver-assist features pair well with its confident performance and towing capability, giving San Antonio drivers support in traffic, on highways, and during busy family schedules. The Palisade offers a long list of safety features, but the Explorer feels more confident overall when capability and driver assistance are considered together.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose the 2026 Ford Explorer if you want:

• A three-row SUV with stronger available performance.
• Confident towing capability for family gear, trailers, and weekend plans.
• A modern tech setup with available hands-free highway driving.
• A family SUV that feels responsive and engaging.
• Available trims range from practical to sporty to off-road-ready.

Considering the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?

• It may fit shoppers who prioritize maximum passenger volume.
• It offers an available eight-passenger seating layout.
• It includes a strong list of standard comfort and safety technologies.
• It has upscale interior materials available.
• The Explorer still feels like the better fit for drivers who want performance, capability, and everyday versatility in one SUV.

Why More Drivers Choose the Explorer

The Explorer is a strong choice because it does more than move people from place to place. It gives families real three-row practicality, but it also brings the power, towing strength, and confident road feel that make daily driving more enjoyable. That matters in a city like San Antonio, where one SUV may need to handle school drop-offs, downtown traffic, Hill Country drives, and weekend travel.

The Palisade is comfortable and spacious, but the Explorer feels more dynamic and flexible. Its available high-output engine, strong towing rating, modern technology, and broad trim lineup give shoppers more ways to match their SUV to their lifestyle. For drivers who want a three-row SUV with family comfort and genuine capability, the Explorer is the stronger all-around pick.

Test Drive the 2026 Ford Explorer Today

The 2026 Ford Explorer is ready for San Antonio drivers who want three-row space, confident power, and smart technology in one family-friendly SUV. Visit Red McCombs Ford in San Antonio, TX to compare Explorer trims, value your trade, review current offers, and schedule a test drive. You can also ask the team about other Ford options, including electrified models, if you want to compare more choices during your visit.

* All fuel economy mpg listings in the content above are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary.

*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.