Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Hyundai Palisade can be a tough decision for anyone in the market for a three-row SUV. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, advanced technology, and a reputation for comfort and reliability. While the Ford Explorer is known for its athletic performance and American heritage, the Hyundai Palisade stands out with its luxurious interior, value-packed pricing, and family-focused features. As SUV buyers become more discerning, comparing these two models side by side becomes essential to finding the perfect fit for your driving needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Design and Exterior Styling
Ford Explorer Exterior
The Ford Explorer has a bold and rugged appearance, clearly designed to appeal to buyers who want a sporty and capable SUV. Its front grille is wide and aggressive, and the body lines give it a muscular, confident stance. With available options like 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and roof rails, the Explorer looks every bit the adventure-ready vehicle that drivers expect from the brand.
Hyundai Palisade Exterior
The Hyundai Palisade leans more toward elegance and refinement. It features a sophisticated design with a cascading grille, vertically stacked LED lighting, and a smoother silhouette. While it’s less rugged in appearance than the Explorer, it has a premium feel that appeals to families and drivers who prioritize a refined look. Chrome accents and stylish wheel designs give the Palisade a modern edge.
Interior Space and Comfort
Explorer Cabin Experience
Inside the Ford Explorer, you’ll find a functional and straightforward cabin layout. It offers ample room for up to seven passengers, with optional second-row captain’s chairs for easier third-row access. The materials used in lower trims are decent, while higher trims like the Limited and Platinum add leather seating and premium accents. The cargo space is generous, especially when the third row is folded down, making the Explorer ideal for long road trips and active lifestyles.
Palisade Cabin Experience
The Hyundai Palisade arguably offers one of the best interiors in its class. It comfortably seats up to eight passengers, though seven-passenger configurations are also available. The materials, even in the base trim, are high quality, and higher trims like the Calligraphy feel downright luxurious. Features such as quilted leather seats, ambient lighting, and an intuitive dashboard design make the Palisade stand out for comfort and upscale appeal.
Technology and Infotainment
Ford Explorer Tech
The Explorer is equipped with Ford’s SYNC infotainment system, available with an 8-inch touchscreen or an optional 10.1-inch vertical screen on higher trims. It includes standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports. Optional upgrades include a premium B&O sound system, wireless charging pad, and a fully digital instrument cluster.
Hyundai Palisade Tech
The Palisade features a user-friendly infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen standard on most trims. It also includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth as standard. Hyundai’s system is known for being fast and responsive, with excellent graphics. Other tech highlights include a head-up display, surround-view monitor, in-car intercom system, and multiple USB ports in all three rows perfect for families on the go.
Performance and Driving Experience
Explorer Powertrain and Handling
The Ford Explorer offers several engine options. The base model comes with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower. A more powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower is available in higher trims, along with a hybrid option. This variety allows buyers to choose based on their power and fuel economy preferences. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Explorer’s handling is sporty for its size, with responsive steering and a confident road feel.
Palisade Power and Ride Comfort
All Hyundai Palisade models come equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower. It delivers smooth acceleration and a quiet, composed ride, ideal for everyday commuting and long-distance travel. The Palisade may not offer as much excitement behind the wheel as the Explorer, but it makes up for it with superior ride comfort and refinement. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available across trims.
Fuel Efficiency and Economy
Fuel economy can play a big role in choosing an SUV, especially if you plan to use it for regular travel or commuting.
- Ford Explorer: EPA estimates vary depending on engine and drivetrain but range from about 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway for the base model to slightly less for the V6 or hybrid variants.
- Hyundai Palisade: Offers consistent fuel economy at around 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway, which is respectable for its size and standard V6 engine.
The Explorer offers slightly better fuel efficiency on its base model, while the Palisade maintains predictable mileage across the lineup.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Both vehicles prioritize safety and come with a full suite of driver assistance technologies.
Explorer Safety Features
Standard safety features include Ford Co-Pilot360, which offers blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a 360-degree camera system.
Palisade Safety Features
Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite includes similar features like forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot view monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Palisade also earns high crash-test ratings and includes rear occupant alert an especially family-friendly addition.
Pricing and Value
Pricing can be the deciding factor for many buyers comparing the Ford Explorer vs Hyundai Palisade.
- Ford Explorer: Starting MSRP around $36,000, with high-end trims exceeding $55,000. The price can rise quickly depending on engine choice and optional features.
- Hyundai Palisade: Starts at around $37,000, with top trims like the Calligraphy priced close to $52,000. Despite the similar pricing, the Palisade often includes more features standard.
While both vehicles are similarly priced, the Palisade tends to offer better value in terms of standard equipment and interior quality. However, the Explorer’s range of engine options and sporty performance may justify the higher price for some buyers.
Warranty and Ownership Costs
Hyundai is well-known for its industry-leading warranty coverage, which includes:
- 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
In comparison, Ford offers:
- 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty
- 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
The Hyundai Palisade clearly wins in this category, offering long-term peace of mind that may reduce ownership costs down the road.
The decision between the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Palisade ultimately depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for more powertrain options, sportier driving dynamics, and towing capacity, the Explorer may be the better fit. However, if your focus is on premium interior quality, standard technology, family-friendly features, and long-term value, the Hyundai Palisade stands out as the more well-rounded choice.
Both SUVs bring a lot to the table in terms of style, performance, and safety, making them strong contenders in the competitive midsize SUV segment. Before making a final decision, it’s recommended to test drive both vehicles and compare their features firsthand based on your needs and preferences.