2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy vs 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
This is not a spec comparison. It is a decision about whether you need a midsize SUV or a sports car. Key numbers: $10,080 price gap, 291 vs 500 hp, 21 vs 19 MPG.
The Palisade Calligraphy leads on $10,080 less, 2 MPG better. The Mustang Dark Horse leads on 209 more hp, 156 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy | 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $53,000 | $63,080 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 5.0L V8 |
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 500 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 418 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 16 |
| Highway MPG | 24 | 24 |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 19 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.8 gal | 16.0 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,100/yr | $2,300/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,506 lbs | No published data |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 107.0" |
| Length | 196.7" | 189.7" |
| Width | 77.8" | 75.5" |
| Height | 68.9" | 55.2" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | No published data | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy and 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy starts at $53,000, $10,080 less than the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse at $63,080. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $178/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is the stronger pick when you want to keep $10,080 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $211/year less on fuel; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Who should choose the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse?
The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is the stronger pick when you want the 209 hp advantage on backroads and highway on-ramps; your priority is driving engagement.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy or 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy rates 21 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy or 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse?
The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse produces 500 hp, 209 more than the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy at 291 hp. The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse also leads in torque at 418 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy runs a 3.8L V6; the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse uses a 5.0L V8. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, RWD on the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy bigger than the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse?
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is 7.0″ longer at 196.7″ vs 189.7″. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy has a 7.2″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom. Keep in mind these are different vehicle types (midsize SUV vs sports car), so interior layout and cargo access are fundamentally different.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy and 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy comes with AWD, while the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse uses RWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
Can I cross-shop a midsize SUV against a sports car?
Yes, and many buyers do. A midsize SUV and a sports car solve different problems, so the comparison is less about specs and more about lifestyle. Think about what you need most: cargo room and passenger space. The spec table above helps you compare the numbers, but a test drive is where you will feel the difference in daily use.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Palisade comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Ford Mustang offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Palisade trims, Ford trims, Ford Mustang trims
The Palisade–Mustang Decision
Comparing a midsize SUV to a sports car means asking what you actually need from your next vehicle. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy ($53,000) and 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse ($63,080) answer that question differently. The $10,080 gap adds up to $178/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy runs a 3.8L V6; the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse uses a 5.0L V8. The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse has 209 more hp (500 vs 291). That is a significant performance gap that changes the character of the car. The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse adds 156 more lb-ft of torque (418 vs 262), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy comes with AWD; the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse uses RWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
The Ownership Math
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy saves roughly $211/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,055. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
Living With the Palisade vs the Mustang
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is designed around passenger space, cargo flexibility, and a higher seating position. The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is tuned for driving engagement over practicality. These are fundamentally different vehicles, so the comparison comes down to what job you need done, not which one is objectively better. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy has a 7.2″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy when you want to keep $10,080 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse when you want the 209 hp advantage on backroads and highway on-ramps. At $178/month more, the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Ford or any dealership.