When it comes to finding the perfect midsize SUV in Akron, OH, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Ford Explorer stand out as top contenders. Both vehicles offer three rows of seating, advanced technology, and robust performance, but only one SUV delivers the best combination of comfort, safety, and overall value-the Hyundai Palisade. The 2025 Palisade is designed for modern families, offering a refined interior, smooth ride quality, and cutting-edge technology at an unbeatable value. It boasts premium seating materials, an expansive cabin, and an intuitive infotainment system, making every drive a first-class experience. Meanwhile, the 2025 Explorer, while a capable SUV, falls short in key areas like ride comfort, standard features, and warranty coverage. Beyond its luxurious feel, the Palisade offers an efficient powertrain, intelligent all-wheel drive, and class-leading safety technology, ensuring a stress-free drive in all conditions. Whether you're navigating the busy streets of Akron or embarking on a long-distance road trip, the Palisade delivers a smoother, more enjoyable ride compared to the Explorer's firmer suspension. In this head-to-head comparison, we will evaluate the design, comfort, performance, safety, and overall value of these SUVs to help you make an informed decision. If you seek a high-quality, reliable, and tech-savvy midsize SUV, the Hyundai Palisade emerges as the top choice for Akron drivers. Let's explore why it stands above the competition.
2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Palisade boasts a bold and sophisticated design, featuring a cascading front grille, sharp LED lighting, and a sculpted body that exudes elegance. With standard 20-inch alloy wheels and available dual sunroof, it delivers a premium look that turns heads on the streets of Akron. The 2025 Explorer, on the other hand, takes a more traditional SUV approach with a boxier shape and a rugged stance. While it offers LED lighting and a power liftgate, it lacks the modern, high-end aesthetic of the Palisade. Hyundai's meticulous attention to detail ensures the Palisade looks just as luxurious as SUVs in a much higher price range.
2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Comfort & Technology
Inside, the 2025 Palisade outshines the Explorer in comfort and convenience. It features premium quilted leather seating, a spacious three-row layout with available second-row captain's chairs, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. With an ultra-quiet cabin and tri-zone automatic climate control, passengers enjoy a serene ride. While the 2025 Explorer offers decent interior space, its cabin materials feel less refined compared to the Palisade. The infotainment system in the Explorer is functional but lacks the seamless integration and high-end feel of Hyundai's intuitive 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 Palisade is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that ensures smooth shifts and responsive acceleration. Its refined suspension system provides a comfortable, composed ride on highways and city streets alike. The 2025 Explorer offers a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine as standard, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. While it has slightly more power, the ride quality is harsher, with a firmer suspension that can feel less refined over bumps. Additionally, the Palisade's available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system ensures confidence-inspiring handling in all weather conditions.
2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Safety
The 2025 Palisade comes with an extensive suite of Hyundai SmartSense driver assistance features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Palisade has received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The 2025 Explorer also includes safety features such as Pre-Collision Assist and Blind-Spot Monitoring, but it lacks Hyundai's advanced Highway Driving Assist system, which enhances driver confidence on long road trips. Additionally, the Explorer's safety ratings, while strong, do not surpass the Palisade's superior crash test performance.
2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Ford Explorer: Overall Value
When it comes to overall value, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade emerges as the clear winner. With a starting price lower than the Ford Explorer, it includes more standard luxury features, a smoother ride, and an unbeatable 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty-twice as long as the Explorer's coverage. While the Explorer may appeal to those looking for sportier performance, the Palisade excels in everyday comfort, advanced technology, and premium craftsmanship at a better price. Visit Ron Marhofer Hyundai of Green in Akron, OH, today to experience the Palisade's unmatched quality for yourself!
 | 2025 Hyundai Palisade | 2025 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 3.8-liter V6r | 2.3-liter Turbocharged |
| Standard Horsepower | 291 | 300 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 262 | 310 |
| Standard Wheels | 18-inch Alloy | 18-inch Aluminum |
| Standard Headlights | LED | LED |
| Heated Front Seats | Available | Available |
| Wireless Charging | Available | Available |
| Bluetooth® | Standard | Standard |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Standard Fuel Economy (MPG) | 19 City/26 Highway | 21 City/28 Highway |
