2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Ford Explorer is the $4,030 MSRP gap, with the Santa Fe starting at $34,300 versus the Explorer's $38,330. Performance metrics show the Explorer claiming a 23 hp advantage, generating 300 hp to the Santa Fe's 277 hp, though torque is virtually identical at 310 lb-ft vs. 311 lb-ft. Both vehicles achieve an identical 24 MPG combined rating, utilizing regular unleaded fuel. Dimensional analysis reveals the Explorer is substantially larger, measuring 198.8 inches in length compared to the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches, and offers superior utility with 16.3 cu ft of cargo space against the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. The drivetrain architectures differ significantly, with the Explorer employing standard Rear Wheel Drive and a 10-speed automatic, contrasting with the Santa Fe's Front Wheel Drive configuration and 8-speed automated manual.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe wins for commuters due to its lower entry price point of $34,300 and slightly more compact dimensions better suited for urban maneuvering.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is the family choice, offering superior dimensions including 198.8 inches of length and 16.3 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Explorer edges out the competition for performance enthusiasts by delivering 300 hp from its powertrain.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe offers a compelling package at a lower initial cost, saving buyers $4,030 compared to the base Explorer.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- Budget consciousness is paramount, as the MSRP is $4,030 lower than the Explorer.
- A preference for FWD architecture and an 8-speed automated manual transmission exists.
- A desire for a slightly smaller footprint, measuring 190.2 inches long, is prioritized.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Maximum utility is required, evidenced by its 16.3 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- Rear-wheel-drive orientation and a 10-speed automatic transmission are preferred.
- An extra 23 horsepower (300 hp total) is necessary for daily driving needs.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Fe | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2" | 198.8" |
| Width | 74.8" | 78.9" |
| Height | 67.7" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 354.0/513.3 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.4 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.6 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.9 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Ford Explorer.
How do the fuel economy ratings compare between the 2025 Santa Fe and 2026 Explorer?
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Ford Explorer list an identical 24 MPG combined rating for their base powertrains. Both models are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, mitigating fuel costs.
Which crossover has the superior performance output based on horsepower and torque figures?
The 2026 Ford Explorer produces 300 hp, outpacing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe’s 277 hp by 23 units. Torque figures are nearly identical, with the Santa Fe claiming a marginal lead at 311 lb-ft versus the Explorer's 310 lb-ft.
What is the structural difference in drivetrain between the two crossovers?
The primary structural difference lies in the drive type; the Santa Fe uses Front Wheel Drive, while the Ford Explorer utilizes a standard Rear Wheel Drive setup.
Does the size difference significantly impact usable space inside the vehicles?
Yes, the Explorer is physically larger overall, measuring 198.8 inches long compared to 190.2 inches for the Santa Fe. This size translates directly to a larger cargo hold of 16.3 cu ft in the Explorer versus 14.6 cu ft in the Santa Fe.
How substantial is the initial purchase price difference for the base models?
There is a measurable $4,030 difference in starting MSRP, with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe listed at $34,300 and the 2026 Ford Explorer at $38,330.
Are the transmissions comparable in specification?
No, the transmissions differ substantially; the Santa Fe utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, whereas the Explorer is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
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