2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered an attractive range of eight models, starting from the base at $33,745 and going up to the plush King Ranch at $54,495, excluding the $1,495 destination charge. Ford expanded the lineup with rugged and luxury-driven trims like the Timberline and King Ranch. Notably, the 2022 Explorer ST-Line introduced a sporty flair to the Explorer XLT.

The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle was dressed in Rapid Red paint, with the Premium Technology package and twin-panel sunroof, pushing the MSRP to $59,880. Sporting King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch 10-spoke wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, the King Ranch had a visual edge over its counterparts. The long and tall hood, short front overhang, and rakish roofline gave the Explorer an athletic stance. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with eye-catching lasso-perforated inserts. The mix of luxury and some sub-par materials reflected its price point.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade elevated its road presence with a robust styling update. The new front fascia and squared-off grille gave the SUV a commanding and strong look. Standard LED accents, headlights, and taillights (SEL and up) enhanced visibility and aesthetics. The top Calligraphy trim boasted premium rear accent lighting, body-color bumpers, and unique glossy black and chrome grille, along with 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

The Palisade’s cabin, especially on the Calligraphy trim, was a delight, with premium Nappa leather and a dual-pane sunroof brightening the space. Second-row captain’s chairs with wing-out headrests added to the luxury feel.

The 2022 Ford Explorer had three powertrain options. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This model offered up to 24 mpg in combined driving and towed up to 5,300 pounds.

A hybrid option based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine (318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque) was available for the Limited and Platinum trims, offering up to 27 mpg and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Finally, the potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque) powered the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, boasting a 5,600 lb towing capacity and 21 mpg combined. The King Ranch 4WD we tested averaged 20.6 mpg, proving powerful and robust, although lacking the hybrid’s efficiency.

Conversely, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade came with a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It matched well against competitors, ensuring a smooth ride with its eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive came standard, while AWD was an optional $1,900 upgrade. The AWD system showed its capability on muddy off-road terrains.

Though not suited for extreme off-roading, the Palisade’s ride comfort and towing ability stood out, offering a 5,000-pound towing capacity with AWD models that featured a dedicated Tow Mode. Fuel economy rated 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined for FWD, dropping slightly for AWD.

Interior space and practicality were crucial for both models. The 2022 Ford Explorer catered well to families of four, though its third-row was better suited for children. King Ranch models included premium features like triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and massaging front seats.

However, the Explorer fell short on practical storage. The center console was small, and numerous missed opportunities for additional storage marred its utility. On the other hand, it offered 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third-row seats down, and a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, larger in comparison, accommodated seven or eight passengers. With 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third, passenger comfort was high. Cargo space was comparable, offering 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.4 cubic feet with all but the front-row seats folded flat. Noteworthy was the hands-free smart liftgate standard on all but the base trim.

Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system in the 2022 Explorer had an 8-inch touchscreen standard and an optional 10.1-inch vertical display. Our King Ranch tested featured full Sync 3 tech, including FordPass Connect, 4G LTE WiFi, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Despite an impressive set of features, the Sync 3 showed its age, particularly in voice recognition and command functionality, lagging behind next-generation systems.

The 2023 Palisade raised the bar with a standard 12.3-inch color touchscreen integrating WiFi hotspot capability—a first for Hyundai. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system (standard in Limited and Calligraphy). The driver enjoyed a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and optional color head-up display. Hyundai’s Bluelink connected vehicle system enhanced remote management features, including heated or cooled seats through a smartphone app. Digital Key 2 Touch added convenience, supporting both Android and Apple devices.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, although complete NHTSA ratings were not available. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 offered forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ further added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade matched the Explorer’s Top Safety Pick+ and improved with new safety features like second-row side-impact airbags. Hyundai's Smart Sense suite included forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and lane-keeping and lane-following assist. New standard features like blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, along with enhanced Smart Cruise Control with stop and go, underscored its safety commitment. Highway Driving Assist II was available on higher trims, adding lane change assistance.