2025 Ford Explorer vs. the Competition
2025 Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse & Hyundai Palisade
The midsize SUV market is as competitive as ever, with compelling choices everywhere you look. Which is best for you? We’ll try and help you figure that out. We’ll compare the 2025 Ford Explorer to two other popular names on the market: the 2025 Chevy Traverse and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade. We’ll do our best to point out the highs and lows of each vehicle, pointing out where one elevates itself from the class or where others might fall short. At the end of the day, we are a Ford dealership, so naturally, we have a preference for the Explorer – but the Hyundai and Chevy both have plenty of appeal as well. We’ll compare powertrains, interiors, technology, and features to see which model offers the best value for Oklahoma drivers. If you’d like to make your own comparisons, visit Bob Moore Ford in Oklahoma City today!
Comparing Powertrains & Performance
The Ford Explorer offers two engines, while the Hyundai Palisade and Chevy Traverse both offer a single powertrain. We’ve compiled some of the key stats for each powertrain below:
| Model: | Engine: | Horsepower: | Max Towing Capacity (lbs): | MPG City/Highway: | Transmission: |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | Turbo 2.3-Liter Four-Cylinder | 300 | 5,000 | 21/28 | 10-Speed Automatic RWD/AWD |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | 3.0-Liter V-6 | 400 | 5,000 | 20/27 | 10-Speed Automatic RWD/AWD |
| 2025 Hyundai Palisade | 3.8-Liter V-6 | 291 | 5,000 | 19/26 | 8-speed Automatic AWD |
| 2025 Chevy Traverse | Turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder | 328 | 5,000 | 20/27 | 8-Speed Automatic FWD/AWD |
You’ll notice similar numbers between each model right off the bat. The Hyundai lags a little in terms of power with the standard V-6, but that’s helped by standard AWD. Towing and fuel efficiency are neck and neck, and three of the engines are within the same tier in terms of horsepower. Folks who value a V-6 will opt for the Palisade or Explorer, while folks who want the extra kick of horsepower will choose the V-6 on the Explorer. We’d give the Ford the edge because you have options and the most powerful engine, but if you just compare the base-level engines, they’re all within range of each other. Let’s see how things stack up when comparing MSRPs.
Comparing Pricing
For this chart, we compared the starting MSRP on each model and the most specced out model from each brand. Please note that at the time of this writing, Chevy has yet to release pricing for 2025. Their estimates are based on their 2024 pricing.
| Model: | Starting MSRP: | Most Expensive MSRP: |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | $39,755 | $54,160 |
| 2025 Hyundai Palisade | $36,800 | $50,600 |
| 2025 Chevy Traverse | $41,000 (est) | $58,000 (est) |
The Palisade wins out in terms of price, offering lower MSRPs across the board. Suprisingly, the Traverse is the most expensive of the bunch, especially considering its engine is so much less powerful than the top-end Explorer’s. Speaking of the Ford, it sits comfortably in the middle of the pack. It is competitive with the Palisade when comparing the base powertrain, but we think it starts to pull away with the 400-horsepower engine. With starting MSRPs in the same range, but a 100+ horsepower difference, the Ford Explorer offers clear value.
Cargo Space & Designs
Each SUV offers three rows of seating capacity, with the Chevy and Hyundai offering room for up to eight and the Explorer offering room for up to seven. Let’s compare the cargo space across each model:
| Model: | Trunk Cargo Space cubic feet (ftÂł): | Room Behind 2nd Row cubic feet (ftÂł): | Room Behind 1st Row cubic feet (ftÂł): |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | 18.2 | 47.9 | 87.8 |
| 2025 Hyundai Palisade | 18 | 45.8 | 86.4 |
| 2025 Chevy Traverse | 23 | 57.8 | 98.2 |
Here’s where the Traverse starts to add value compared to its MSRP, as it offers a significant improvement in cargo space when compared to the Ford and Hyundai. Each model is competitive for the class, but the Traverse is best in class in this metric. It’s a bit more difficult to gauge interior quality, as each model has base-level models that lack amenities and high-end trims that offer all the modern quality-of-life features you want, with elevated materials like leather, wood, and carbon fiber. To determine which cabin you prefer, you’ll want to compare them in person. Discover the 2025 Ford Explorer Cargo Space for yourself with Bob Moore Ford.
2025 Ford Explorer Technology vs. the Competition
Each model has the basic tech and safety features you expect from a new SUV. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board, and safety features like emergency braking and pedestrian detection are also standard. The Ford and Hyundai both have standard safety suites that outclass the Chevy. Features like lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control are standard on each model except the Traverse. The Fords also feature Ford BlueCruise on all but the base model, enabling hands-free highway driving on 97% of highways in the US and Canada. We think this gives Ford the edge, especially on longer road trips. Try BlueCruise on the 2025 Ford Explorer for sale today!
Measure the 2025 Ford Explorer vs. Competition with Bob Moore Ford
Each model offers something different. If cabin space matters most to you, we’d opt for the Traverse. The Palisade is a compelling choice if you’re looking for the most affordable of the bunch. However, we think the Ford Explorer makes the most sense for the most people, thanks to multiple powertrain options and better technology. Is the Ford Explorer right for you? Visit Bob Moore Ford to see for yourself.