2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Explorer bursts onto the scene delivering raw power, boasting 300 hp from its robust engine, all while maintaining a traditional rear-wheel-drive foundation for a more engaging feel. Contrast this with the sleek, smaller 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, which prioritizes efficiency and maneuverability, despite offering slightly less peak horsepower at 277 hp. The Explorer is substantial, measuring 198.8 inches long, whereas the Santa Fe is decidedly trimmer at 190.2 inches. Both achieve an identical 24 MPG combined, making fuel economy a wash. However, the significant $5,250 MSRP gap—$40,050 for the Explorer versus $34,800 for the Santa Fe—immediately positions the Hyundai as the pragmatic choice, even though the Explorer squeezes out 3.6 cubic feet more cargo space at 18.2 cu ft versus 14.6 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe, while offering the same 24 MPG combined, presents a lower entry cost for the daily grind.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer’s longer 198.8-inch frame and superior 18.2 cu ft cargo capacity offer better hauling capabilities for family gear.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer is the clear enthusiast choice, offering 300 hp and a performance-oriented rear-wheel-drive layout.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe undercuts the Explorer by $5,250 in MSRP while matching its 24 MPG combined efficiency.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You crave the dynamic feel and superior power delivery of 300 hp and rear-wheel drive.
- Maximum interior space is critical, evidenced by its 18.2 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prefer the brute strength translated through a capable 10-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- Sticking to a tighter budget is essential, given the $34,800 starting MSRP.
- Maneuverability in tight spots is key, thanks to its shorter 190.2-inch length.
- You prioritize the torque advantage, as it leads with 311 lb-ft against the Explorer's 310 lb-ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 190.2" |
| Width | 78.9" | 74.8" |
| Height | 69.9" | 67.7" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 354.0/513.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 12.3 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 44.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Which crossover handles better on winding roads, the 2025 Explorer or the 2026 Santa Fe?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is engineered with rear-wheel drive, which typically offers a more balanced and engaging chassis setup sought after by driving enthusiasts. Conversely, the Santa Fe uses a front-wheel-drive configuration optimized more for stable, everyday cruising.
How significant is the horsepower difference between these two models?
The 2025 Explorer has a distinct advantage, producing 300 hp compared to the 2026 Santa Fe's 277 hp, giving the Ford 23 more horsepower to motivate its frame.
Do the 2025 Explorer and 2026 Santa Fe have the same fuel economy?
Surprisingly, yes; both crossovers are rated identically for fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 24 MPG using regular unleaded fuel.
Is the size difference noticeable for families needing storage space?
Yes, the Explorer offers considerably more space, boasting 18.2 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft, which is an important distinction for luggage or gear.
Why is the Ford Explorer significantly more expensive than the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Explorer commands a $5,250 higher MSRP ($40,050 vs. $34,800), likely reflecting its larger dimensions (198.8 inches long) and higher base horsepower output.
Does the Hyundai Santa Fe use a more modern transmission?
While both feature automatics, the Santa Fe utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the Explorer features a 10-speed automatic; however, the Santa Fe does offer shiftability.
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