What SUV Actually Works for Life in Central New York?

Shopping for a midsize SUV in the Mohawk Valley isn’t just about horsepower stats or touchscreen sizes — it’s about which vehicle gets your family to school during a whiteout, hauls your weekend gear to Old Forge, and doesn’t need a nap after a trip to BJ’s.

If you’re torn between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade, the Ford Explorer, and the Honda CR-V, here’s how they stack up — from the hills of Herkimer to the parking lots of New Hartford.

2025 Hyundai Palisade
Equipped with available HTRAC all-wheel drive and a dedicated Snow Mode, the Palisade is built with Upstate winters in mind. Add in heated seats (front and rear), a quick-warming steering wheel, and enough ground clearance to handle unplowed driveways, and it’s basically your winter co-pilot.

2025 Ford Explorer
Sure, the Explorer offers AWD, but its rear-wheel-drive base layout can get squirrely on icy roads. If you’re commuting from Clinton during a lake-effect morning, the difference in control is noticeable. Not a dealbreaker — but not ideal either.

2025 Honda CR-V
Reliable, yes. Invincible, no. The CR-V’s compact size and lighter frame make it a good urban runabout but less confident in deep snow or on back roads where plows are more of a suggestion than a guarantee.

Local Insight:
If winter driving is your reality (and if you live here, it is), the Palisade offers the calmest ride when things get slippery.

Palisade
Three full rows. That means adults can sit in the back without folding like origami. Whether you’re hauling sports equipment, in-laws, or both, the Palisade gives you the space and flexibility to do it comfortably. Bonus: hidden underfloor storage and power-folding third-row seats make packing easy, even in a Stewart’s parking lot at 7 a.m.

Explorer
Also a three-row SUV, but the third row is tighter and tougher to access. Cargo space is decent, but the layout feels more truckish and less family-friendly. Fine for road trips, but not the most convenient for day-to-day loading and unloading.

CR-V
Technically a five-seater, but realistically a four-adult-max setup. The rear seats fold down flat, which is great for gear, but if you regularly carry more than two passengers and a golden retriever, it’s going to feel tight fast.

Local Insight:
Have kids, car seats, or a need to move things that aren’t made of Styrofoam? The Palisade wins for flexibility and real-world usability.

Palisade
Hyundai’s tech is easy to use and thoughtfully arranged. A 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and available digital key make it feel modern but not overwhelming. Even your dad can figure it out — and he still uses a flip phone.

Explorer
Ford’s system is functional but clunkier. The screen placement isn’t ideal, and navigating menus can be fiddly. It’ll do the job, but there’s a learning curve — especially if you’re trying to switch playlists on Route 49.

CR-V
Simple, clean interface, but fewer features overall — especially on lower trims. The CR-V is less “tech-forward” and more “just enough.” Fine for basic commuting, not quite as connected or customizable as the Palisade.

Local Insight:
If you want smart tech without turning every drive into a tutorial, the Palisade makes things easy without dumbing them down.

Palisade
More standard features, a better warranty (10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain), and one of the best interiors in its class — all without creeping into luxury-brand pricing. You’re not just buying a name; you’re buying substance.

Explorer
Higher starting price, and many features are buried in higher trims. Maintenance costs tend to be higher as well. It feels like you're paying for size and badge more than content.

CR-V
Excellent reputation for reliability and fuel economy. But for its size and segment, it’s starting to feel a little pricey. You’re getting quality, yes — but not necessarily space or extras.

Local Insight:
When you’re buying for the long term — especially if you plan to rack up winter miles — the Palisade gives you more for your money, right out of the gate.

The 2025 Palisade is the sweet spot: big enough for serious family use, refined enough to feel premium, and rugged enough for the realities of life in Central New York. The Explorer has size but lacks finesse (and gets pricier fast). The CR-V is dependable and efficient but isn’t playing the same game — it’s more compact crossover than real SUV.

If you’re looking for one vehicle to do it all — school runs, road trips, snow days, weekend getaways — the Palisade doesn’t just compete. It shows up ready to work.

Come test drive the 2025 Hyundai Palisade at Mastrovito Hyundai today.

Or better yet, bring the family — they’re the real judges anyway.