Families shopping for a three-row SUV around Danville, Madison and Southern West Virginia often end up comparing three popular choices: the Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Highlander.
All three provide family-friendly seating and available all-weather capability, but differences in performance, cargo space and drivetrain design can matter when your everyday driving includes winding roads, steep grades and changing Appalachian weather.
Explorer vs. Palisade vs. Highlander: Quick Comparison
| SUV | Maximum Seating | Max Cargo Space | All-Weather Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Explorer | Up to 7 | Up to 85.3 cu. ft. | Available Intelligent 4WD |
| 2026 Hyundai Palisade | Up to 8 | Up to 86.7 cu. ft. | Available HTRAC AWD |
| 2026 Toyota Highlander | Up to 8 | Up to 84.3 cu. ft. | AWD standard on gas models |
Which SUV Is Best for West Virginia Mountain Roads?
The 2026 Ford Explorer stands out because of its rear-wheel-drive-based architecture and available Intelligent 4WD. Its Terrain Management System offers selectable modes designed to help drivers adapt to different surfaces and conditions.
Explorer Active, ST-Line and Platinum models use a turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost engine producing around 300 horsepower, while the available 3.0L EcoBoost V6 in performance-oriented models can deliver substantially more power.
The Palisade offers available HTRAC AWD and a 287-horsepower 3.5L V6. The Highlander gas lineup uses a 265-horsepower turbocharged engine, with AWD standard for 2026.
Which Has the Most Cargo Room?
The differences are relatively small at maximum capacity. Palisade leads this comparison at up to 86.7 cubic feet, followed closely by Explorer at about 85.3 cubic feet and Highlander at 84.3 cubic feet.
For West Virginia families carrying camping gear, sports equipment, luggage or supplies for a weekend outdoors, all three provide useful flexibility.
Which SUV Seats the Most People?
Palisade and Highlander can offer seating for up to eight depending on configuration. Explorer provides seating for up to seven, with available captain's chairs providing a six-passenger configuration on certain trims.
Families should consider more than the maximum passenger count. If the third row will be used frequently, test access, seating comfort and cargo room with all three rows upright.
What About Safety Technology?
All three SUVs offer extensive driver-assistance technology. Ford equips Explorer with Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, Hyundai offers its SmartSense suite and Toyota provides Toyota Safety Sense.
Features vary by trim, but technologies designed to assist with forward collisions, lane positioning, blind zones and highway driving can be particularly helpful on busy or winding roads. They do not replace an attentive driver.
Which 3-Row SUV Is Best for Southern WV?
The Palisade makes a strong case for shoppers prioritizing maximum passenger and cargo space. Highlander appeals to buyers looking for up to eight seats and standard AWD on current gas models.
The Explorer is especially compelling for drivers who want a three-row family SUV with available Intelligent 4WD, strong turbocharged performance and a drivetrain designed to balance family travel with more demanding road conditions.
Test Drive a Ford Explorer in Danville, WV
Explore the 2026 Ford Explorer at Stephens Ford, browse new Ford inventory, or compare pre-owned SUVs.
Visit Stephens Ford at 104 Stephens Drive in Danville, WV or call (304) 222-4776 to schedule a test drive.
