2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Ford Explorer presented itself as a stylish and cohesive part of the Ford SUV lineup, which also included the Escape, Edge, and Expedition. This family resemblance was a strategic move by Ford, reminiscent of the 1950s, when car manufacturers aimed for brand loyalty through recognizable designs. The Explorer shared a sporty demeanor with the Edge, marked by raked belt lines and distinctive front ends, making it stand out from other brands.

Ford offered the Explorer in six trim levels: Base, XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST, and Platinum. The Base model featured a black grille, whereas higher trims offered chrome accents, a black grille with a red stripe, or a full chrome grille. Prices ranged from $32,925 to $52,730, with each level adding more features and improved aesthetics.

Inside, the Explorer accommodated three rows of seats as standard, with cloth upholstery on the base model. The dashboard was clean and uncluttered, housing familiar gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen in the center stack. The center console featured a rotary gearshift, allowing for more storage space, including a covered bin, cupholders, and a spacious storage compartment under the armrest.

Most consumers gravitated towards the XLT trim, which comprised 56 percent of sales. This trim offered additional features like a power front passenger seat and upgraded finishes. Leather upholstery became standard only at the Limited trim level and above.

On the other hand, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, particularly in its Calligraphy trim, aimed to distinguish itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, including puddle lamps, lower body trim, and exclusive 20-inch wheels. The Calligraphy package also enhanced interior detailing with a simulated suede headliner.

In 2021, Hyundai retained certain features as standard on the Limited trim while aligning its exterior design more closely with the SEL trim equipped with Convenience or Premium options. Standard LED headlights further updated its appearance.

The Calligraphy trim made the Palisade look upscale and luxurious, albeit with polarizing styling. Despite differing opinions, the Palisade Calligraphy model undoubtedly appeared more expensive than its actual price suggested, both inside and out.

The interior of our test vehicle sported a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme with simulated wood trim, quilted Nappa leather upholstery, and a suede headliner, making it seem like an immense value.

The 2021 Ford Explorer started with a base weight of 4,345 pounds. Despite this, its 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the Kia Telluride's 291 hp and 262 lb-ft V6 engine. This powertrain, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability, made the Explorer surprisingly robust.

The Explorer Limited Hybrid increased power to 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, while higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine. This engine produced 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, with the ST trim even reaching 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Though the ST trim was the most engaging to drive, the Explorer was generally known more for its towing capabilities, ranging between 5,000 and 5,600 pounds, rather than sporty performance.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Palisade also offered front-wheel drive (FWD) with an option for all-wheel drive (AWD).

Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding Snow mode and a Lock function for improved low-speed traction. The Palisade AWD offered a combined EPA fuel economy of 21 mpg, with our test vehicle achieving 21.1 mpg in Smart mode.

Hyundai tuned the Palisade to provide a firm and traditional SUV feel, with excellent body-motion control. Though not inherently fun to drive, the Palisade was sure-footed and predictable, making it undemanding in everyday scenarios. The firm suspension skillfully managed body movement without sacrificing ride comfort.

The 2021 Ford Explorer seated seven people in its base form, with other trims reducing seating capacity to six due to the inclusion of second-row captain’s chairs. The Explorer offered 39 inches of second-row legroom, which was competitive but fell short compared to the Hyundai Palisade and other notable rivals like the Kia Telluride.

With the third row in use, the Explorer provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space. However, folding down the rear seats expanded the cargo volume to 81 cubic feet, which was on the lower end compared to similarly sized SUVs but still practical for most needs.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and comfort. It featured eight-way power-adjustable seats for the driver and passenger, with heated and ventilated seats in the first and second rows. The Palisade’s third-row passengers enjoyed separate climate controls and sunshades, enhancing comfort.

The Palisade’s second-row captain’s chairs offered ample legroom and could slide forward or back, accommodating passengers and cargo. With a button press, the seats tilted and slid for easier third-row access. The third-row seat was more accommodating than most competitors.

Hyundai provided abundant in-cabin storage, particularly in the front center console and door panels. The cargo capacity measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a generous 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Palisade’s Smart Liftgate added convenience by automatically opening when it detected the key fob.

The 2021 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen across all trims, featuring AM/FM radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen.

The Explorer featured multiple charging points, including two USB ports in the center console and five 12-volt power points. The Limited trim and higher also included a wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Palisade Calligraphy was packed with features like SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Although it lacked a WiFi hotspot, it boasted excellent voice recognition and sound quality.

Other notable tech features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and Quiet Mode, which limited audio to the front speakers. An available head-up display provided crucial driving information on the windshield, while a surround-view camera system facilitated parking.

Higher trims offered Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ features, which included adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, forward sensing, rain-sensing wipers, and speed sign recognition.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade also prioritized safety, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping systems, and a rear occupant alert system as standard. Higher trims featured a sophisticated ultrasonic rear occupant alert system, along with active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and a Safe Exit Assist system.

Limited and Calligraphy trims included a Blind View Monitor and Highway Drive Assist, which provided adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology, enhancing overall safety and convenience. The Palisade received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, and its Blue Link services ensured immediate assistance in emergencies.