Hyundai santa fe vs ford explorer: the pros, cons, and ultimate winner
What To Know
- The Explorer matches the Santa Fe in terms of technology, with a SYNC 3 infotainment system, smartphone integration, and a suite of safety features such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
- The Ford Explorer with the V6 engine gets 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
- The Santa Fe offers a more affordable entry point, while the Explorer comes with a higher price tag but also offers a more powerful engine and more standard features.
When it comes to midsize SUVs, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Explorer stand out as two of the most popular choices. Both vehicles offer a spacious cabin, plenty of features, and capable performance. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison guide, we’ll pit the Hyundai Santa Fe vs Ford Explorer head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design
The Santa Fe and Explorer present distinct exterior designs. The Santa Fe boasts a sleek and modern look, with sharp lines and a bold front grille. Its chrome accents add a touch of sophistication. In contrast, the Explorer exudes a more rugged and muscular stance, with a boxy shape and a prominent grille. Its rugged exterior is well-suited for off-road adventures.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Santa Fe and Explorer offer spacious cabins with ample seating for up to seven passengers. The Santa Fe’s interior features a clean and intuitive design, with high-quality materials and a well-organized layout. The Explorer’s cabin is equally impressive, offering a comfortable seating position and plenty of headroom and legroom.
Technology and Features
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Explorer come equipped with a range of advanced technology and features. The Santa Fe features a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. It also boasts a premium sound system and a host of safety features, including lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. The Explorer matches the Santa Fe in terms of technology, with a SYNC 3 infotainment system, smartphone integration, and a suite of safety features such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
Performance and Powertrain
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The four-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine delivers 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Explorer also offers two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine or a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The V6 engine produces 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles offer all-wheel drive as an option.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Fuel economy is an important consideration when choosing an SUV. The Hyundai Santa Fe with the four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Ford Explorer with the V6 engine gets 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Safety and Reliability
Safety is paramount when it comes to choosing a vehicle. Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Explorer have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Santa Fe has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The Explorer has also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.
Price and Value
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price of $29,400, while the Ford Explorer starts at $33,865. The Santa Fe offers a more affordable entry point, while the Explorer comes with a higher price tag but also offers a more powerful engine and more standard features.
The Verdict: Which SUV Reigns Supreme?
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Explorer are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a lot of value for your money. The Santa Fe is a great choice for those who prioritize affordability, fuel efficiency, and a spacious cabin. The Explorer is a better choice for those who want a more rugged and powerful SUV with a more extensive list of standard features. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which SUV has a more comfortable interior?
A: Both the Santa Fe and Explorer offer comfortable interiors, but the Santa Fe has a slightly more spacious cabin and a more upscale feel.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe with the four-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient than the Ford Explorer with the V6 engine.
Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Santa Fe and Explorer have received excellent safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.
