Are you considering getting either the Ford Explorer or the Hyundai Palisade but can’t decide which midsize SUV is the better choice for you? Take a look at this 2023 Ford Explorer vs. 2023 Hyundai Palisade comparison. 

2023 Ford Explorer vs. 2023 Hyundai Palisade: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Ford Explorer vs. 2023 Hyundai Palisade midsize SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

Explorer vs. Palisade: Performance and gas mileage

On the performance front, the 2023 Ford Explorer outmuscles the 2023 Hyundai Palisade with its more powerful engine options. This includes a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 (300 horsepower), a 3.3-liter V-6 hybrid (318 horsepower), and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 (400 horsepower). In comparison, all Palisade models are powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, which generates 291 horsepower. 

The Explorer is also more efficient than the Palisade. The fully gas-powered Explorer has an estimated fuel economy of up to 24 combined mpg, while the Explorer Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 27 combined mpg. In comparison, the Palisade has an estimated fuel economy of up to 22 combined mpg.

Explorer vs. Palisade: Towing

The 2023 Explorer can tow more than the 2023 Palisade. It has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, compared to 5,000 pounds for the Palisade.

Explorer vs. Palisade: Off-road capabilities

If you’d like to drive off the beaten path, then the Explorer is the better SUV for you. For one, the four-wheel drive system offered for the Explorer is more effective for driving on challenging terrain than the all-wheel drive system for the Palisade.

Also, the Explorer has higher ground clearance than the Palisade (up to 8.7 vs. 7.9 inches). Additionally, while the Palisade offers a rugged new XRT model, it doesn’t match the off-road capabilities of the Explorer Timberline trim.

Explorer vs. Palisade: Safety

The Explorer and Palisade are safe vehicles. For the previous model year, both midsize SUVs earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating.

Explorer vs. Palisade: Passenger and cargo space

Which midsize SUV is bigger: the 2023 Explorer or the 2023 Palisade? The Explorer has a total passenger volume of 152.7 cu-ft, compared to 155.3 cu-ft for the Palisade. Also, the Palisade can seat up to eight passengers, compared to seven for the Explorer.

However, the Explorer offers slightly more storage space. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 87.8 cu-ft, compared to 86.4 cu-ft for the Palisade.

Explorer vs. Palisade: Warranty coverage

The Palisade has better warranty coverage than the Explorer. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared to a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty for the Explorer. Also, unlike the Explorer, the Palisade offers a free maintenance plan, with three years or 36,000 miles of coverage.

Explorer vs. Palisade: Price

Which midsize SUV costs more: the 2023 Explorer or the 2023 Palisade? The starting price of the 2023 Explorer ranges from $36,760 MSRP for the Base trim up to $54,130 MSRP for the King Ranch trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2023 Palisade ranges from $35,250 MSRP for the SE trim up to $49,200 MSRP for the Calligraphy trim.

2023 Ford Explorer vs. 2023 Hyundai Palisade: Which midsize SUV is better?

In this 2023 Ford Explorer vs. 2023 Hyundai Palisade comparison, each midsize SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 Explorer, advantages include performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, and cargo space. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Palisade include passenger space, a higher seating capacity, warranty coverage, a free maintenance plan, and a lower price.