Are you in the market for a new SUV and looking for a comparison between the Hyundai Palisade and Ford Explorer? These two vehicles are among the most popular SUVs on the market, making it a challenge to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we’ll compare the Palisade and Explorer across several categories to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design
When it comes to exterior design, the Hyundai Palisade and Ford Explorer have distinct differences. The Palisade features a bold and modern design with a large front grille and sleek lines that create a refined look. On the other hand, the Ford Explorer has a sportier design with a more aggressive front grille and sculpted lines that give it a commanding presence on the road.
In terms of size, the Palisade is slightly longer and taller than the Explorer, while the Explorer is wider. Both vehicles offer plenty of ground clearance, making them capable of handling rough terrain. The Palisade comes with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Explorer comes with standard 18-inch steel wheels.
Overall, the Palisade’s design is more modern and refined, while the Explorer’s design is sportier and more aggressive. Which one you prefer will depend on your personal taste.
Interior Features and Space
One of the most critical factors in choosing an SUV is interior space and features. The Palisade and Explorer both offer spacious and comfortable cabins, but there are some differences to consider.
The Palisade can seat up to eight people across three rows, while the Explorer can seat up to seven people. Both vehicles come with standard cloth upholstery, with the Palisade offering available leather upholstery and the Explorer offering available leather-trimmed upholstery.
In terms of cargo space, the Palisade offers up to 86.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down, while the Explorer offers up to 87.8 cubic feet of space. However, the Palisade has more storage space for small items, with 16 cupholders and several storage compartments throughout the cabin.
Both SUVs come with a range of technology features, including touchscreen infotainment systems, smartphone integration, and a range of driver assistance features. However, the Palisade has a more modern and user-friendly infotainment system, while the Explorer offers a more advanced suite of driver assistance features.
Performance and Engine Options
When it comes to performance and engine options, the Hyundai Palisade and Ford Explorer both offer reliable and capable powertrains. However, there are some notable differences between the two.
The Palisade comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Palisade offers a smooth and comfortable ride, with responsive handling and good fuel efficiency for its class.
The Explorer, on the other hand, offers a range of engine options, including a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid powertrain that delivers 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and come standard with rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims.
The Explorer offers a more powerful and dynamic driving experience, with strong acceleration and responsive handling. However, its fuel efficiency is slightly lower than the Palisade, especially with the V6 engine.
Overall, both SUVs offer reliable and capable powertrains, but the Explorer offers more engine options and a more dynamic driving experience.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for most SUV buyers, and the Palisade and Explorer both offer a range of advanced safety features to protect you and your passengers on the road.
The Palisade comes with a suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview camera. Higher trims also offer blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera.
The Explorer also comes with a suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and a rearview camera. Higher trims offer additional features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, evasive steering assist, and a 360-degree camera system.
Both SUVs have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the Explorer has a slight edge in terms of advanced safety features, making it a good choice for buyers who prioritize safety.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for anyone in the market for a new SUV. The Palisade and Explorer both come with a range of advanced safety features to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
The Palisade comes standard with several safety features, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a driver attention monitor. It also offers available features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view parking camera system.
The Explorer also comes with a suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. It also offers available features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a rearview camera with a washer.
Both SUVs have earned high marks in crash tests, with the Palisade earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Explorer earning a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Price and Value
The Palisade and Explorer are both priced competitively within the midsize SUV segment, but there are some differences to consider when it comes to value.
The Palisade has a starting price of $34,545, while the Explorer starts at $32,225. However, the Palisade comes with more standard features than the Explorer, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and a range of advanced safety features.
When it comes to available options, the Palisade offers more luxury and convenience features than the Explorer. For example, the Palisade offers available features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a hands-free liftgate. The Explorer, on the other hand, offers more off-road-oriented features like a terrain management system and a towing package.
Overall, both the Palisade and Explorer offer excellent value for their respective price points. The Palisade offers more standard features and luxury options, while the Explorer offers more off-road capabilities. Your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hyundai Palisade and Ford Explorer are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a range of features and capabilities. The Palisade has a more modern and refined design, a more user-friendly infotainment system, and more standard features, while the Explorer has a sportier design, more advanced driver assistance features, and more off-road capabilities.
When it comes to safety, both SUVs have earned high marks in crash tests and offer a range of advanced safety features. And in terms of value, both SUVs are priced competitively within the midsize SUV segment, with the Palisade offering more luxury options and the Explorer offering more off-road capabilities.
Ultimately, your choice between the Palisade and Explorer will depend on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this comparison has helped you make an informed decision.
