When it comes to the 2023 Ford Explorer vs. the 2023 Hyundai Palisade, you have two powerful SUVs that are also spacious for any family. However, a strong argument can be made that the Explorer is still the better choice for nearly the same price as the Palisade. We'll show you why that's what we recommend the Explorer, with the help of our detailed comparison guide.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Explorer has more trailering capacity than the Palisade.
- Less cargo volume overall in the Palisade.
- The Explorer continues to be one SUV with a lot of power. More than most others on the market.
- Better gas mileage in the Explorer, but only slightly.
- Palisade can seat up to eight, while the Explorer stops at seven.
POWER AND TOWING: 2023 FORD EXPLORER
The Explorer is representing the power of Ford with three different engine options compared to the Palisade's singular engine. Every Palisade is going to come with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine giving drivers up to 291 horsepower. This isn't bad for a full-sized SUV, and most drivers would be perfectly happy given that the Palisade comes with some other technology perks. For others, the benefits of the Epxlorer's multiple powertrain options, all of which outweigh the Palisade's, are going to offer more utility over time with what jobs the Explorer can accomplish.
The Explorer's powertrains are as follows:
- 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 with 300 horsepower
- 3.3-liter V-6 hybrid with 318 horsepower
- 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 with 400 horsepower
The powerful engine in the Explorer proves more fuel efficient as well when compared to the Palisade. The average estimate on an Explorer gets drivers around 24 mpg combined, while the gas-powered gets drivers up to 27 mpg. The Palisade on the other hand only gets around 22 combined. This is another reason why we love Explorer, the second-tier hybrid engine that keeps the gas budget in mind. The Explorer isn't going to just save you money while you're on the lot, but long after you drive it off.
DOES THE EXPLORER PERFORM BETTER THAN THE PALLISADE?
The short answer is yes. The Explorer gives drivers much more utility in towing power, cargo space, and off-road capabilities when put up against the Palisade. The Explorer can tow about 600 pounds more than the Palisade, maxing out at around 5,600 pounds. It has a higher ground clearance of nearly one whole inch, which doesn't seem like much. But for drivers that like to take the more scenic routes - it's got a whole inch more peace of mind while on rugged terrain that the Palisade doesn't offer. On top of that, the Explorer sports a more efficient drivetrain for off-roading. The four-wheel drive system is more suited for difficult roads compared to the all-wheel drive system the Palisade sports. As far as cargo space, in each of the three rows, the Explorer averages about an inch more to just less of an inch more of space than the three rows in the Palisade.
FEATURES: THE PALISADE SHINES
The Explorer is going to offer more utility for everyday use and off-roading, and because of that, it only includes the necessary features in its standard trim to get the job done well. Where the Palisade shines is the number of tech features that are included in its base model. If you're looking for all the latest gadgets all in one, then the Palisade is for you. Both SUVs include auto headlights, a backup camera, cruise control, remote engine start, and rear parking aids as part of the perks and safety equipment. However, the Palisade comes with a few more standard features such as a keyless start option, heated mirrors, and adaptive cruise control. These are available on the Explorer in higher trims. The Palisade also offers a unique feature that allows you to unlock the driver's side door by attaching a remote key to your Apple Wallet, which is great if you ever get locked out.
THE BETTER CHOICE
There are undoubtedly some great tech features that come with the Palisade, and any driver would feel the luxury that comes from driving in one. But both the Palisade and the Explorer are going to cost you around $36,000, nearly the same price for either car. We recommend the Explorer as the better SUV in this matchup. For its standard trim, you're getting all the safety features and equipment you need to make for a comfortable drive that is going to give you Ford's power both on and off the road while saving you gas money the entire way.