More for Your Money: 2026 Ford Explorer Active 100A vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE

Choosing the ideal three-row SUV can sometimes come down to which model offers you more for your money. After all, upfront pricing is the first thing any commuter notices when they’re out shopping. For economically minded drivers, a base trim on any vehicle that offers more for a lower upfront cost is ideal.

Case in point: the 2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade. Both vehicles offer the three rows of seating, performance, and technology that many drivers look for. So let’s examine the base trim of each to determine which is the better buy.

Pricing

Both the 2026 Explorer Active 100A and the 2026 Palisade SE trims are economically priced. How much you pay upfront goes a long way in determining insurance premiums and additional fees such as taxes and licensing.

The Palisade’s base trim has a starting MSRP of $39,435. This price is considered average for three-row SUVs. In contrast, the Explorer’s Active 100A sells for $38,465.^[a] It might be a slight difference, but when it comes to saving when buying a vehicle, a little bit goes a long way.

Capability and Performance

Drivers who are looking at a base trim for any vehicle are likely mindful of cost. A three-row SUV like the Palisade or Explorer requires a capable powertrain to facilitate transporting passengers and cargo. But in addition to capability and performance, these drivers also look for engines that are fairly fuel-efficient.

Hyundai Palisade SE

The Palisade’s base trim is equipped with a 3.5L V6 that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. As we’ll see, the sole engine is a little dated, so fuel consumption is less of a priority.

• Performance: Hyundai’s V6 produces 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s performance is certainly capable of facilitating recreational activities, especially with available all-wheel drive and a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
• Fuel Economy: While Hyundai’s engine delivers reliable performance, it’s less than favorable in terms of fuel economy. The Palisade SE achieves an estimated 19 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and 21 MPG combined. In an age when three-row SUVs are becoming more economical, the Paliade seems stuck in the past.
• Recreation: Many commuters enjoy SUVs for their capability to facilitate recreational activities. front-wheel drive Palisade models in the base trim have three driving modes. (Eco, Sport, and My Drive). all-wheel drive models feature additional driving modes for adventurous driving (Mud, Snow, and Sand).

Ford Explorer Active 100A

The Ford Explorer is a trusted member of the three-row SUV world. In production since the early 1990s, Ford has consistently made changes to meet the growing needs of commuters. The Active 100A trim comes equipped with a modern turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine that balances both performance and economy.

• Performance: The Explorer’s four-cylinder engine outperforms the Palisade’s older V6, producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated with a ten-speed automatic transmission, which greatly enhances performance. It also matches the Palisade’s 5,000-lb tow rating.
• Fuel Economy: Not only does the Explorer’s engine outperform the Palisade’s, but it can also go farther between fill-ups. Rear-wheel drive models achieve an estimated 20 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway, and 24 MPG combined.
• Recreation: Like the Palisade, the Explorer can be utilized for recreational purposes. Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models both come with Ford’s advanced Terrain Management System, which allows the SUV to adapt to various environments.

Verdict

The base trims of the Explorer and Palisade offer performance and capability. However, you get much more with the Active 100A than you do with the SE. Ford offers better performance, fuel economy, and the ability for commuters to engage in more recreational activities.

Comfort and Connectivity

Both the Palisade and Explorer are highly practical vehicles. Both SUVs offer three rows of seating and ample cargo room, which many commuters have always enjoyed. However, the modern SUV owner seeks much more than just practical items that the vehicle class is known for. They also seek first-class comfort with features that ensure connectivity.

Seating Arrangements and Comfort

As both vehicles are three-row SUVs, they both offer plenty of seating for growing families and facilitat road trips. Having the right seating arrangement makes all the difference, depending on what you use your SUV for.

The Hyundai Palisade SE trim comes with a second-row bench seat, allowing the vehicle to accommodate eight passengers. The Palisade’s upper trims offer second-row captain’s chairs for a more refined commute. However, they’re not available on the SE.

It’s a completely different story for the Explorer’s base trim. The Active 100A comes standard with captain’s chairs, seating six passengers. Drivers can also opt for a second-row bench seat for more passenger room.

Both SUVs come with tri-zone climate control, ensuring that passengers and drivers alike have a comfortable commute, regardless of where their travels take them.

Connectivity Features

In addition to comfortable, spacious seating, many SUV owners seek a way to stay connected to apps and other technologies. The base trims of both the Palisade and Explorer come with intuitive infotainment systems that ensure connectivity.

Hyundai Palisade SE

The 2026 Palisade SE comes equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment system. The interface covers many of the bases that drivers look for regarding infotainment and connectivity.

• Wireless Connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• HD Radio
• SiriusXM
• Navigation
• Over-The-Air System Updates

The Palisade SE also features six USB ports for charging your electronic devices. Wireless phone charging, while standard on most Palisade trims, is absent on the SE.

Ford Explorer Active 100

You can always rely on Ford to bring tech-savvy innovation to its drivers. All Explorer models feature a 13.2-inch infotainment screen. In addition to having a larger screen than the Palisade, Ford also offers a revolutionary software suite called the Ford Digital Experience.

The Ford Digital Experience, which replaces the SYNC software, features many advanced features that keep drivers informed and entertained while on the road.

• Integration With Google (Provides access to music, maps, and live traffic updates for navigation)
• Connectivity Featuring a 5G Wi-Fi Hotspot
• The Ability to Stream Multiple Platforms, Such as YouTube
• Advanced Voice Recognition
• Wireless Connectivity With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Personalized Layout

Verdict

The base trim of the Hyundai Palisade is just that—basic. The lack of additional seating and basic infotainment makes it pale in comparison to the comfort and connectivity of the Explorer. The Active 100A offers a variety of seating options and one of the most advanced infotainment systems you can find.

The 2026 Ford Explorer Active 100A Gives You More for Your Money

When it comes to the ideal three-row SUV, the Explorer continues to stand out from the competition. Under the hood, the Active 100A base trim offers drivers performance, fuel economy, and the capability to pursue recreational activities.

Behind the wheel, multiple seating arrangements and an advanced infotainment system suit the needs of the modern commuter. You can find the Active 100A trim of the 2026 Explorer here at DePaula Ford. Visit us today and experience a base trim that’s the farthest thing from basic imaginable!

_[a] MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge, and accessories. MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.