What are you looking for in your next new SUV? Power? Luxury? Space? It could be several things, but in 2023 there's a lot more to offer when you compare the Ford Explorer to the Hyundai Palisade. A strong argument for the Explorer is that it doesn't provide just one, but all three of those benefits. Our comparison guide will show you why the Explorer is one of the best SUVs you could drive off the lot with.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Palisade is not going to give as much cargo space as the Explorer does, while also having the less powerful of the two standard engines.
- The Explorer comes with three powertrain options, including a gasoline/hybrid.
- Better gas mileage in the Explorer in both gasoline and hybrid engine.
- Palisade can seat up to eight, while the Explorer stops at seven.
POWER AND TOWING: 2023 FORD EXPLORER
The Palisade does not compete with the strength of the Explorer across all levels of the Explorer's engine. This is one of the defining factors of the Explorer in general. It can put out great amounts of horsepower for its size. (Which incidentally is larger than the Palisade in length and width by two inches.) The Palisade offers one engine across every trim;
a 3.8-liter V-6 engine giving drivers up to 291 horsepower.
The Explorer offers three powertrains options:
- 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
What the Explorer already dominates in horsepower it continues to be superior with its gas mileage. Thanks to its option for a hybrid engine, you can get all the benefits of a more powerful SUV, while still saving you gas money in the long run with its estimated average of 27 mpg. Even when comparing standard engines, the Explorer is going to get you 24 mpg combined compared to the Palisade's 22 mpg.
PERFORMANCE: EXPLORE VS. PALISADE
Thanks to the Explorer's engine, you're going to see a bit more out of daily utility in towing capacity and off-roading capabilities than you would with the Palisade. The Explorer can tow about 600 pounds more than the Palisade, maxing out at around 5,600 pounds. That extra 600 pounds may not seem like much, but if you only need to make one trip to haul gardening or home improvement supplies, you're going to be happy you have it. Not to mention it could mean an extra jet ski for playing as well.
As far as off-roading is concerned, the Explorer rides a whole inch higher off the ground than the Palisade. Again, the extra inch makes a difference depending on how far off the beaten path you want to travel. It also comes equipped with a more capable four-wheel drivetrain. The Explorer averages about an inch more cargo space in each of its three rows than the three rows in the Palisade.
THE PALISADE HAS MORE FEATURES
The Palisade starts to distinguish itself with how many base technology and safety features come included right off the lot. This is the only place we could find where the Palisade has the edge over the Explorer, but the question is whether it is worth sacrificing the rest of the utility the Explorer offers. The Explorer has tons of features that are meant to enhance what it is already doing well such as auto headlights, a backup camera, cruise control, and rear parking aids. The Palisade comes with all this as well. It also offers a keyless start, heated mirrors, adaptive cruise control, and the ability to unlock the driver's side door by using your phone.
WHICH SUV IS THE BETTER CHOICE?
Our pick goes to the 2023 Ford Explorer for its superior ability to be a well-rounded SUV for any family. If you know that your max capacity is never going to exceed seven passengers, then the extra space, power, and comfort the Explorer offers is a better choice over the Palisade. While yes, the Palisade does come with some standard tech features the Explorer doesn't have, for nearly the same price at $36,000 for either vehicle, you're going to get a lot more for your money with the Explorer. Schedule a visit today and take a test drive in a new 2023 Ford Explorer and see the difference a Ford can make.