2020 Ford Expedition vs 2020 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade impressed with its bold and luxurious styling, which could easily be mistaken for a high-end brand like Cadillac. Its massive grille and sleek headlights gave it a distinctive presence on the road. The unique design choices, such as the chrome strip running along the windows, added to its eye-catching appeal, though some might find it a bit busy. Inside, the Palisade continued to exude an upscale feel with a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen, especially in the Limited trim, which featured ambient lighting and high-quality leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Expedition offered a more understated design, which some might consider boring, but it was a style that aged well. The King Ranch trim added a touch of elegance with 22-inch aluminum wheels and special exterior trim. Inside, the Expedition King Ranch featured Del Rio leather and numerous King Ranch logos, providing a unique cabin experience. However, the presence of hard plastics in lower trims was a downside, especially given the vehicle's price point.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, provided solid acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The Palisade offered various drive modes, including Sport, Comfort, and Eco, allowing drivers to tailor the driving dynamics to their preferences. The Limited trim's self-leveling rear suspension enhanced handling, making it a rewarding choice for those who valued driving dynamics. Fuel economy for the Palisade was respectable, with the FWD model achieving 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The 2020 Ford Expedition, on the other hand, featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive power and acceleration for a vehicle of its size. The Expedition's towing capacity was a standout feature, with the ability to tow up to 9,300 pounds. The adaptive damping suspension on the King Ranch trim improved ride quality, though the large wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride. Fuel economy for the Expedition was slightly lower, with an average of 17.7 mpg observed during testing.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade excelled in versatility, offering 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row down and 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience, though they operated slowly. The third row was spacious enough for adults on longer trips, and the second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and ample storage options.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was designed for towing, cargo, and passenger comfort. The King Ranch trim featured power running boards for easy access and comfortable heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs offered first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space in the standard-length Expedition was 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 104.6 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL trim offered an optional Driver Guidance package, which included a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Driver Talk intercom system. The Limited trim featured a Harman Kardon premium audio system and additional tech like a surround-view monitor and head-up display.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, while functional, was due for an upgrade to the newer Sync 4. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with FordPass Connect and a WiFi hotspot. The Expedition also offered a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a notable feature for those who frequently towed trailers.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, thanks to its comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. These included forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a unique blind-spot camera system that projected live images onto the digital instrument panel.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's size contributed to its crash safety, and it came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Expedition received 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating.