What To Know
- The Ford Explorer and Hyundai Tucson come loaded with a variety of features and technology to keep you entertained and connected on the road.
- The Explorer has a slight edge in terms of standard features, with a power liftgate, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof included on all models.
- The Explorer has a more powerful engine and a more upscale interior, while the Tucson is more fuel-efficient and has a lower starting price.
The Ford Explorer and Hyundai Tucson are two of the most popular SUVs on the market, and for good reason. Both offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and a comfortable ride. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Tucson head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Power: A Tale of Two Engines
The Ford Explorer offers two engine options: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine that generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 190 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque is available as an upgrade.
In terms of performance, the Ford Explorer has a clear advantage. The EcoBoost V6 engine provides plenty of power for quick acceleration and effortless overtaking, while the EcoBoost four-cylinder engine offers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The Hyundai Tucson’s standard engine is adequate for most driving situations, but the turbocharged engine is a better choice if you’re looking for more power.
Fuel Efficiency: Which SUV Sips Less Gas?
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Ford Explorer trails behind the Hyundai Tucson. The Explorer’s EcoBoost V6 engine returns an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway, while the EcoBoost four-cylinder engine gets 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway. The Hyundai Tucson, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the standard engine and 24 mpg city/29 mpg highway with the turbocharged engine.
Interior Space and Comfort: Room for the Whole Family
Both the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Tucson offer spacious interiors with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Explorer has a slight edge in terms of overall passenger space, with 100.3 cubic feet compared to the Tucson’s 99.7 cubic feet. However, the Tucson offers more cargo space behind the second row of seats, with 38.7 cubic feet compared to the Explorer’s 18.2 cubic feet.
In terms of comfort, both SUVs offer supportive seats and a quiet ride. The Explorer’s interior is more upscale, with higher-quality materials and a more refined design. However, the Tucson’s interior is still very comfortable and well-equipped.
Features and Technology: A Battle of Gadgets and Gizmos
The Ford Explorer and Hyundai Tucson come loaded with a variety of features and technology to keep you entertained and connected on the road. Both SUVs offer a large touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium audio system. The Explorer has a slight edge in terms of standard features, with a power liftgate, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof included on all models. The Tucson, on the other hand, offers more advanced safety features as standard, such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
Safety: Which SUV Keeps You Safer?
Both the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Tucson have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Explorer earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The Tucson also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.
Price: Which SUV Offers the Best Value for Money?
The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $36,670, while the Hyundai Tucson starts at $26,135. The Explorer comes standard with more features than the Tucson, but the Tucson offers a more affordable price point. Ultimately, the best value for money will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
In a nutshell: The Verdict
The Ford Explorer and Hyundai Tucson are both excellent SUVs that offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and a comfortable ride. The Explorer has a more powerful engine and a more upscale interior, while the Tucson is more fuel-efficient and has a lower starting price. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
What You Need to Know
- Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Hyundai Tucson has more cargo space behind the second row of seats, with 38.7 cubic feet compared to the Ford Explorer‘s 18.2 cubic feet.
- Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Hyundai Tucson is more fuel-efficient than the Ford Explorer, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway compared to the Explorer’s 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway.
- Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Ford Explorer has a more powerful engine, with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque compared to the Hyundai Tucson‘s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque.