
The 2026 Ford Explorer earns our overall recommendation over the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Chevrolet competitors due to its superior 5,000 lbs maximum towing capacity, versatile rear-wheel-drive architecture, lower starting price of $40,465 MSRP, and powerful 300 hp 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine. While the Palisade offers strong hybrid fuel economy, the Explorer delivers greater practical capability, higher payload strength, and lower initial entry costs for active multi-passenger travel.








