If you are thinking of getting a midsize SUV, you’ll find plenty of options to pick from. Two popular options within this segment are the 2023 Ford Explorer and the 2023 Hyundai Palisade. To determine which one is the best choice for you, let’s check out the features for each SUV.
Key Takeaways
- The Explorer comes with a sporty design while the Palisade comes with a modern look.
- The Palisade offers more technological features than the Explorer.
- The Explorer has more engine options to choose from than the Palisade.
- The Explorer’s market price is about $38,000 and the Palisade’s market price is about $37,000.
Exterior Style
The Explorer shows off its sporty look for those who seek to be adventurous and daring. The explorer has an athletic grille, sleek LED headlights, and eye-catching body lines. To compete with other midsize SUVs, Ford has multiple trim levels for the Explorer to create a unique style that matches your level of confidence and adventure.
The Palisade offers a new look with its large grille, LED headlights, new bumper, and various wheel designs. It has a well-sculpted body that offers an adventurous but family-friendly feeling. However, some either love or do not love the new look.
Both vehicles have a strong presence on the road, but the Explorer's athletic look appeals to those seeking an adventure while the Palisade appeals to those who want to be modern.
Interior and Technology
The Explorer offers generous legroom in the front and second rows; however, the third row can be a bit compact. With the generous legroom, the Explorer still comes with 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which is great for a midsized SUV. As for technology, the Explorer comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To add on, the Explorer also comes with voice-command navigation, rear-seat entertainment system, and a 12-speaker system. A bigger touchscreen (10.1 inches) and other features are available for the higher-level trims of the Explorer.
The Hyundai Palisade doesn't disappoint either because of a well-appointed cabin with spacious seating and soft-touch surfaces. The Palisade offers eight seats with a full second row bench or seven seats with two captain chairs instead of row. The Palisade offers 18 cubic feet of cargo space. For technology, the Palisade, with all its models, comes with a 12.0-inch touchscreen that comes with user-friendly features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, satellite radio, in-dash navigation, and Bluetooth.
Performance
It’s hard to beat the Explorer's three powertrain options. The first powertrain is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, and Limited trims come with this powertrain. For those improved power, the second powertrain is a hybrid 3.3-liter V6 that produces 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. The Limited Hybrid and Platinum Hybrid trims come with this powertrain. The last powertrain is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. The Platinum trim produces 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque while the ST trim produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque with this engine. The average fuel efficiency, capacity, and transmission for this model is 21 city/28 hwy MPG with a 17.9-gallon tank and a 10-speed transmission. With all of these options, you should be able to find the right set up for you.
The Hyundai Palisade offers a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy is 19 city/26 hwy MPG in front-wheel drive or 19 city/24 hwy MPG in all-wheel drive. It provides acceptable power for most driving scenarios with its eight-speed transmission. While both vehicles offer capable powertrains, the Explorer's wider engine options and higher horsepower make it the winner in terms of performance versatility.
Safety
Both the Explorer and Palisade make safety a priority by being equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems. Receiving five-star reviews from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), both SUVs come with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. However, Ford's Co-Pilot360 system provides enhanced safety and convenience features.
Pricing
The Explorer’s starting price is about $38,000 with an MSRP range of about $37,000 – $56,000. The Palisade’s starting price is about $ 37,000 with an MSRP range of about $36,000 – $52,000. Though both SUVs have the same starting price, the Explorer is a little more expensive than the Palisade. However, you would get more features and powertrain options with the higher prices of the Explorer than you would with the Palisade.
Overview
Both the Explorer and the Palisade are great options for a midsize SUV. The Explorer stands out with its athletic look and powertrain options. However, the Palisade focuses on a family-friendly vibe that won’t break your bank account. The SUV of your choice will come down to your preferences and the amount you are willing to spend.