The 2027 Ford Explorer produces 300 hp and hauls up to 85.8 cu ft of cargo with its standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine. That outpowers the Palisade’s 287 hp V6 while matching its towing rating and near-identical footprint. This page breaks down every key spec side by side so you can shop current Explorer inventory at Chesrown Ford of Sidney.
The 2027 Explorer is the sharper pick for buyers who want a performance upgrade path, a larger touchscreen, and a Tremor off-road variant. The Palisade earns the nod for shoppers who prioritize an 8-passenger option, a longer powertrain warranty, and a hybrid powertrain in the lineup. Neither truck will leave you short on space or towing muscle.
| Spec | 2027 Ford Explorer | 2027 Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, std / 3.0L V6, avail | 3.5L GDI V6 |
| Horsepower | 300 hp, std / up to 400 hp, V6, fed | 287 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft, std | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD std / AWD avail | FWD std / AWD avail |
| EPA MPG, combined | 24 combined | 22 combined, FWD |
| Seating | 7 | 7 or 8 |
| Cargo, behind 3rd row | 16.3 cu ft | 19.1 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 85.8 cu ft | 86.7 cu ft |
| Towing | 5,300 lbs | 5,000 lbs, w/ trailer brakes |
| Length | 198.7 in | 199.2 in |
| Height | 69.6 in, Active/ST-Line | 69.5 in |
| Ground Clearance | 7.6 in, Active/ST-Line / 8.7 in, Tremor | 7.4 in |
| Touchscreen | 13.2 in | 12.3 in |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 10 yr / 100,000 mi |
The Explorer’s standard 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, routed through a 10-speed automatic. That already clears the Palisade’s 287 hp V6 by 13 hp and beats it by 50 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer goes further with an available 3.0L twin-turbo V6 on the ST, Tremor, and Platinum trims, rated at 400 hp in federal-states configurations.
The Palisade answers with a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 making 287 hp and 260 lb-ft, paired to an 8-speed automatic. It gets the job done smoothly for family driving but cannot match the Explorer’s output range, from the base four-cylinder through to the 400 hp V6.
On towing, the Explorer edges ahead at 5,300 lbs versus the Palisade’s 5,000 lbs, with trailer brakes.
The Explorer Tremor adds standard intelligent AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the highest figure in either lineup. The Palisade has no equivalent off-road trim in its gas lineup, though the XRT PRO does offer standard AWD with all-terrain tires.
For fuel efficiency, the Explorer returns 24 combined MPG on the standard engine. The Palisade FWD gas model returns 22 combined, making the Explorer the more efficient choice despite its higher output.
Both SUVs seat 7 as standard, but the Palisade offers an 8-passenger configuration through a second-row bench on select trims. The Explorer does not offer an 8-seat layout.
The Palisade holds a measurable edge behind the third row at 19.1 cu ft versus the Explorer’s 16.3 cu ft, a practical difference when the third row is occupied. With all rear seats folded, the gap narrows to 86.7 cu ft for the Palisade versus 85.8 for the Explorer.
For leg room, the Palisade’s front row offers 44.2 inches versus the Explorer’s 43.0 inches. Third-row leg room is comparable: 32.1 inches for the Palisade, 31.8 for the Explorer.
Inside, the Explorer runs a 13.2-inch center touchscreen on all trims, a full inch wider than the Palisade’s 12.3-inch unit. Both pair that screen with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on most trims.
The Explorer Tremor carries an 8.7-inch ground clearance figure, which riders who frequently cross rough central-Ohio terrain near Sidney will notice on unpaved back roads.
Compare Explorer trims and features
The Explorer ships standard with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Maps native navigation, Google Assistant voice controls, a 5G modem, and a Wi-Fi hotspot serving up to 10 devices at up to 50 feet. Ford Co-Pilot360 comes standard and includes adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera across all trims.
The Palisade’s 12.3-inch touchscreen leads its tech suite. It also carries wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, onboard navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Calligraphy trim adds a built-in front and rear dash cam, which the Explorer does not offer as a production option. The Palisade’s Calligraphy also includes a head-up display and Highway Driving Assist II, which the Explorer’s Co-Pilot360 suite does not specifically match by that designation.
For audio upgrades, the Explorer offers a B&O Bang and Olufsen system with 10 speakers standard and an available 14-speaker 980W upgrade. The Palisade counters with an available 14-speaker Bose system on Limited, XRT PRO, and Calligraphy trims.
Both offer standard 360-degree camera views. The Explorer includes a key-fob-operated power liftgate. The Palisade adds a hands-free smart liftgate on SEL and above.
The Explorer’s Ford Connectivity Package adds streaming, karaoke, and parked-vehicle games for the first year. The Palisade integrates Alexa Built-In, Hyundai Pay, and a 3-year Bluelink connected services trial.
Ford Co-Pilot360 technology explained
The Palisade’s warranty structure is the most significant ownership advantage it holds. It backs the vehicle with a 5-year / 60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Explorer’s coverage runs 3 years / 36,000 miles basic and 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain. Buyers who plan to keep a vehicle for eight or more years will feel that gap.
On efficiency, the Explorer’s 24 combined MPG on the standard engine is the higher number, despite producing more power. The Palisade gas model returns 22 combined on FWD. The Explorer also adds a 5G modem and Google-native navigation as standard features, which carry value for buyers who rely on in-car connectivity.
The Explorer’s five-trim lineup, Active, ST-Line, Tremor, ST, Platinum, provides clear separation between the everyday family buyer, the sport-appearance buyer, the off-road buyer, and the luxury buyer. The Palisade’s gas lineup runs from SE through Calligraphy with similar coverage.
Neither vehicle requires a discussion of dollar prices here. Chesrown Ford of Sidney serves buyers across the Sidney area and can walk you through current Explorer configuration options.
For most families choosing between these two, the Explorer wins on power, tech screen size, towing, and efficiency. The Palisade wins on warranty depth and maximum seating. Both are well-matched in overall space.
If your comparison is settled and the Explorer is the right SUV for your family, Chesrown Ford of Sidney has current inventory across all five trims. Buyers in Sidney and surrounding communities can get behind the wheel the same day. Browse stock online or get your trade valued before you arrive.
Yes. The Explorer’s standard 2.3L EcoBoost produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, versus the Palisade’s 287 hp and 260 lb-ft from a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6. The Explorer’s available 3.0L V6 raises output to 400 hp on federal-state vehicles.
The Palisade holds a small edge behind the third row at 19.1 cu ft versus the Explorer’s 16.3 cu ft. With all seats folded, the gap closes: 86.7 cu ft for the Palisade, 85.8 cu ft for the Explorer.
No. The Palisade’s warranty is significantly stronger, covering 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain. The Explorer covers 5 years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain and 3 years or 36,000 miles for the basic warranty.
Yes. The Explorer is rated at 5,300 lbs. The Palisade is rated at 5,000 lbs with trailer brakes.
Yes. The Explorer’s standard touchscreen measures 13.2 inches. The Palisade’s is 12.3 inches across all trims.
The Explorer returns 24 combined MPG on the standard 2.3L engine. The Palisade gas FWD model returns 22 combined MPG. The Explorer is the more efficient choice on the standard powertrain.
No. The Explorer seats 7. The Palisade offers an optional 8-passenger configuration through a second-row bench seat on select trims.
Chesrown Ford of Sidney carries the 2027 Explorer across all available trims. Visit the inventory link above to check current stock and schedule a test drive.
