Introduction
For families seeking a spacious and capable SUV, two of the top options on the market are the 2023 Ford Explorer and the 2023 Hyundai Palisade. Both of these midsize SUVs offer three rows of seating, powerful V6 engines, and a long list of technology and safety features. However, there are some key differences that set them apart.
In this in-depth comparison study, we will examine how the Explorer and Palisade stack up against each other in terms of exterior design, interior space, engine performance, tech features, safety ratings, and overall value. Whether you're looking for an SUV with sporty styling, maximum cargo capacity, or the latest infotainment tech, this guide will help you decide which of these family-friendly SUVs is the better fit for your needs and budget.
By taking a close look at the specs, test drives, expert reviews, and pricing for both models, we aim to provide an impartial analysis to help consumers make an informed decision. From towing capability to third-row legroom to standard driver assist features, we will compare every major aspect of these two popular SUVs. Read on to find out whether the Explorer or Palisade comes out on top!
Exterior Design & Interior Comfort
When it comes to full-size SUVs, both the 2023 Ford Explorer and the 2023 Hyundai Palisade stand out as frontrunners in the market, each offering a unique blend of exterior design and interior comfort. Across various trim levels, these vehicles aim to provide a holistic driving experience, seamlessly combining aesthetics with functionality. Whether you prioritize off-road capabilities, cutting-edge technology, or spacious interiors for family outings, both models have something to offer. This section will detail how each trim level of the Explorer and Palisade balances exterior design with interior amenities to create a complete package for potential buyers.
2023 Ford Explorer: Exterior and Interior Features
The 2023 Ford Explorer is a full-size SUV that marries functionality with luxury. Its modern exterior design does more than just turn heads—it complements a well-thought-out interior, aimed at offering a complete driving experience. From the base model to the top-of-the-line Platinum, the Explorer provides a spectrum of choices, each with its unique set of features. Let’s take a closer look at how each trim level contributes to this harmony of exterior and interior features.
The interior showcased in this Ford 360 virtual tour represents the specific trim package 2023 Ford Explorer Limited SUV and may not accurately depict the interior of the compared model. Please refer to individual model specifications and trim options for a precise representation of each vehicle's interior features and design.
Base Trim
Starting with the foundational Base trim, the Explorer makes a statement. Its exterior boasts a bold grille and angular lines, along with practical rear parking sensors. The inside echoes this robustness, offering a well-designed space adorned with quality materials. A spacious cabin pairs well with tech features like FordPass® Connect® 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability, meeting both connectivity and roominess requirements.
XLT Trim
Moving to the XLT, both exterior and interior elements come together more elegantly. The exterior is enhanced with functional additions like roof rails, while the inside takes a luxurious turn with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats. This trim finds a balance between added comfort and practical features, making it suitable for various activities from family outings to weekend trips.
ST-Line
The ST-Line focuses on a youthful and sporty exterior featuring 20-inch aluminum wheels. Once inside, drivers are met with an equally modern setting that includes a wireless charging pad and rain-sensing wipers. This interior prioritizes form and function, offering comfort in the first two rows while maintaining a user-friendly environment.
Timberline
If off-roading is a priority, the Timberline trim has it covered. The exterior is rugged with steel skid plates and higher ground clearance. Inside, the cabin is similarly tailored for adventurous endeavors with an easily accessible third row. This trim offers a functional design aimed at those who want to venture off the beaten path.
Limited
For a more refined experience, the Limited trim offers a mix of elegance and high-quality features. The exterior is equipped with a remote start function, and the inside complements this with a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The interior finishes are luxurious, offering an ideal space for enjoying premium audio and comfort.
ST
Driving enthusiasts may find the ST trim to be particularly engaging. The exterior features a sport-tuned suspension and 20-inch wheels, promising a lively driving experience. This promise is fulfilled inside with leather-trimmed seats that provide a touch of luxury to a sport-oriented environment.
King Ranch
The King Ranch offers a slice of American luxury, featuring a four-wheel-drive exterior and an interior that spares no details. The cabin is meticulously crafted with Del Rio leather and lasso-perforated inserts, providing an elegant and detailed atmosphere that complements its exterior.
Platinum
At the pinnacle is the Platinum trim. Its exterior, adorned with a Satin aluminum grille and 21-inch wheels, is a statement of luxury and capability. Once inside, the world of luxurious leather finishes awaits, elevating every drive to an occasion. The cabin also offers practical storage solutions, accommodating up to 31 bags or four carry-on suitcases behind the third row, making it not just a vehicle but a lifestyle choice.
2023 Hyundai Palisade: Exterior and Interior Features
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV that offers a variety of trims to suit different needs and budgets. While each trim offers a unique set of features, it's important to weigh these options carefully, depending on what you're looking for in a vehicle. From basic utility to added comforts and advanced features, the Palisade aims to provide choices for a range of consumers. Below is a more neutral look at how the exterior and interior features stack up across different trims.
SE Trim
Starting with the base SE trim, the Palisade offers standard safety and tech features. It has an exterior that meets basic needs without too many extras. Inside, the cabin is designed to be functional, providing seating for up to eight passengers. While it covers the essentials, don't expect luxurious features at this level.
SEL Trim
The SEL trim adds a few more amenities to the base offerings. On the exterior, it doesn't change dramatically but offers some comfort enhancements like heated front seats. The interior follows suit with a slightly larger touchscreen and more adjustable seating options, making it a step up from the base trim for those looking for a few additional comforts.
XRT Package
If aesthetics are important to you, the XRT package might catch your eye. The exterior gets 20-inch alloy wheels and darker accents, giving the vehicle a somewhat distinct look. The interior remains largely the same in terms of space and utility but adds some unique trim elements to match the exterior.
Limited Trim
The Limited trim leans toward the upper-end in terms of features. The exterior includes rain-sensing wipers and additional driving assist technologies. Inside, the vehicle starts to offer higher-end amenities like a better sound system and leather upholstery. These features are aimed at enhancing the driving experience but are by no means extravagant.
Calligraphy Trim
Finally, the Calligraphy trim sits at the top of the Palisade’s offering. The exterior is further refined with additions like all-wheel drive and some rear accent lighting. Inside, the focus shifts noticeably toward a more upscale experience, featuring elements like quilted leather seats and an advanced infotainment system.
Exterior Design
The 2023 Ford Explorer has a sleek and sophisticated design that is highlighted by its angular lines and bold grille. It is available in several different trim levels and wheel sizes, allowing you to personalize its appearance to suit your unique preferences.
2023 Explorer Exterior Details
The 2023 Ford Explorer is available in eight different trims, each offering distinct features to meet individual needs and preferences. The Base trim comes with rear parking sensors, an 10.1-inch touchscreen, a power liftgate, a FordPass® Connect® 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability, and a terrain management system.
The XLT trim includes additional features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, first-row heated seats, and roof rails.
The ST-Line trim comes with a wireless charging pad, rain-sensing wiper blades, 20-inch aluminum wheels, and a unique appearance.
The Timberline trim is designed for off-road adventures, featuring steel skid plates, 8.66 inches of ground clearance, and front tow hooks.
The Limited trim includes remote start, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
The ST trim comes with a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch wheels, and leather-trimmed seats.
The King Ranch trim is intended for luxury, featuring four-wheel drive, Del Rio leather with lasso-perforated inserts, and rain-sensing wipers.
The Platinum trim includes a Satin aluminum grille, 21-inch aluminum wheels, and luxurious leather finishes.
2023 Palisade Exterior Details
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade has a more rounded and modern look that is characterized by its large grille and sleek headlamps. It is also available in several different trim levels and wheel sizes, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your style.
The base SE trim is a great choice, offering several safety and tech features. The SEL package adds convenient features like a wireless phone charger, heated front seats, and second-row captain's chairs.
The XRT package includes a power sunroof, 20-inch alloy wheels, and sleek dark exterior accents.
The Limited package adds advanced features such as rain-sensing wipers, heated second-row seats, a heads-up display, and Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist tech.
For those seeking a fully-loaded trim, the Palisade Calligraphy offers all the features of the Limited package plus all-wheel drive, rear-accent lighting, 20-inch wheels, and puddle lamps for slightly better visibility.
Engine and Performance
When examining the 2023 Ford Explorer and the 2023 Hyundai Palisade, their engine and performance options become critical factors for potential buyers. These two full-size SUVs take different approaches to power, fuel-efficiency, and drivability, offering an array of options to fit varied driving styles and needs. The Explorer comes with multiple engine configurations across its trim levels, including a hybrid option, while the Palisade maintains a single-engine choice with a focus on smooth operation and comfort. Both SUVs offer multiple drivetrain options and towing capabilities, essential features for those who seek versatility in their vehicle. This section will delve into the intricate details of how each model performs under the hood, including engine specifications, transmission types, and overall driving experience.
Explorer Engine & Performance Details
The 2023 Ford Explorer comes in three trims, namely Base, XLT, and Limited, which all come with a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine provides reasonable acceleration for the SUV. A Timberline that we tested with this engine reached 60-mph in 6.0 seconds. The King Ranch, Platinum, and ST models, on the other hand, are powered by a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that's ideal for drivers who prefer a faster ride.
In addition to the gasoline engines, the 2023 Explorer also has a hybrid powertrain that pairs a 3.3-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 318 horsepower. Limited and Platinum models also offer a hybrid powertrain configuration, which makes sense for people who drive down to Detroit or in suburban areas as well. However, the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine is sufficiently powerful and more fuel-efficient on the highway.
The Explorer uses a rear-wheel-drive platform, and all-wheel drive is available as an option. A 10-speed automatic transmission comes standard across all trim levels. The ride and handling are agreeable, but not exceptionally thrilling. The Explorer ST is the sportiest of the pack, with a stiffer suspension and more power. When appropriately equipped, the Ford Explorer can tow up to 5600 pounds.
Palisade Engine & Performance Details
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is available with a single engine option, a 3.8L V6 engine, which provides good performance and acceptable fuel efficiency. It also offers a smooth ride, making it a potential choice for those who prioritize comfort.
The Palisade's 3.8-liter V-6 engine delivers 291 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Palisade's transmission can be manually shifted using steering-wheel-mounted paddles. While the gearbox shifts somewhat smoothly on its own, there can be some busy shuffling of the ratios when climbing hills, this can make the ride a bit rougher than the Explorer.
The Palisade comes with front-wheel drive as standard, but all-wheel drive is optional on the SE, SEL, and Limited trims, and it's standard on the range-topping Calligraphy. All Palisade models come with a transmission cooler, trailer pre-wiring, and sway control, making it rated to tow up to 5000 pounds when equipped with the dealer-installed trailer hitch.
Technology and Infotainment
In the modern automotive landscape, the technology and infotainment offerings are more than just bells and whistles; they're vital components that enhance both driving experience and passenger comfort. The 2023 Ford Explorer and Hyundai Palisade have made considerable strides in this department, each offering a suite of features designed to keep you connected, entertained, and secure on the road. The Explorer focuses on a customizable infotainment system with various screen sizes and advanced safety features. The Palisade, meanwhile, opts for a more standardized approach, with a large touchscreen display and seamless smartphone integration across all trims. This section will delve into the specific technology and infotainment packages available in these two SUVs, highlighting the differences and similarities that might make one more suitable for your needs.
Ford Explorer Tech Packages
The Explorer comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system is both visually appealing and responsive, although it may not be as user-friendly as desired. A rotatory controller would be useful in this regard. If you want the optional 10.1-inch vertically oriented screen, you'll need to upgrade to one of the Explorer's more costly trims. However, voice-activated navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system are available on all models. A 12-speaker B&O stereo system is included on all Explorer models except the base model.
The 2023 Ford Explorer offers an advanced and customizable infotainment system that is highlighted by its available dual-screen setup. It offers several available advanced safety and driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automated emergency braking.
Hyundai Palisade Tech Packages
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, offers a larger touch screen display and several advanced infotainment features, such as wireless charging and a premium sound system.
The Palisade comes with a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen display that features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, in-dash navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity across all its trims. The vehicle also offers up to seven USB ports and the ability to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Additionally, when paired with Hyundai's Blue Link app service, drivers can remotely lock, unlock, and start the Palisade using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The 2023 Ford Explorer and 2023 Hyundai Palisade both offer a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features, including automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Both vehicles have been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and have received high safety ratings.
2023 Ford Explorer Safety Details
The Ford Explorer comes equipped with a range of standard safety features, including dual-stage front airbags, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, and a Safety Canopy side-curtain airbag system with rollover sensors. Additionally, Ford's Co-Pilot 360 technology is standard on all models and features advanced safety systems such as auto high-beam headlamps, blind-spot assist with cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, lane-keeping alert, a reverse sensing system, pedestrian detection, and forward collision warning. Dynamic brake support, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, post-collision braking, side-wind stabilization, and trailer sway control are also included. The ST-Line trim level offers an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, and evasive steering assist. The Limited trim level adds a forward-sensing system, while the ST model gets active park assist 2.0 and reverse brake assist as standard features.
2023 Palisade Safety Details
The Palisade offers a range of standard safety features, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode. Additional advanced safety systems can be added to higher trim levels for added peace of mind. For more information about the Palisade's crash-test results, interested parties can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Price and Value
The 2023 Ford Explorer is priced from $36,760 and the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is priced from $35,550, making both vehicles affordable and good value for their price. Both vehicles offer similar levels of standard equipment, as well as several available options and packages, allowing you to upgrade your vehicle to suit your specific needs and preferences. However, the Ford Explorer has a slight advantage when it comes to available engines, with a hybrid option that offers better fuel efficiency and a more eco-friendly choice.
Why The 2023 Ford Explorer Is The Way To Go
The Ford Explorer is a popular choice for families (especially with those in sports or extracurricular activities) looking for a spacious and reliable SUV.
One of the main advantages of the Explorer is its roomy and comfortable interior, which can accommodate up to seven passengers. The first two rows offer plenty of legroom and headroom, while the third row is perfect for children or smaller adults. The cabin is also well-designed and user-friendly, with an intuitive infotainment system and a variety of standard and optional features to keep everyone entertained and comfortable.
In terms of safety, the Ford Explorer is one of the best SUVs in its class, with a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems as standard or optional features. These include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. With these features, the Explorer is designed to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road, and to provide added peace of mind during long trips or daily commutes.
Another advantage of the Ford Explorer is its powerful and efficient engine options. The base 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving, while the available 3.0-liter V6 engine delivers impressive acceleration and towing capacity. There's also a hybrid version available, which offers excellent fuel economy and a combined output of 318 horsepower.
We think the Ford Explorer is a great choice for families who want a reliable and versatile SUV that can handle a variety of needs and situations. With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and efficient and powerful engine options, the Explorer is a practical and stylish option that's sure to please everyone in the family!
