2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Review

Picture of the 2025 Ford Explorer

2025 Ford
Explorer

MSRP*: $39,855 to $56,260
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Picture of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

2025 Hyundai
Santa Fe

MSRP*: $34,200 to $48,550
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City Info not available 19 - 20 MPG
MPG - Hwy Info not available 26 - 29 MPG
Seating Capacity 6 - 7 seats 6 - 7 seats
Cargo Space Info not available 79.6 ft3
Engine
  • 300-hp, 2.3-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 400-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 277-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain Four Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 300 - 400 hp 277 hp
Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs 3,500 - 4,500 lbs
Exterior Length 198.8 in 190.2 in
Exterior Width 78.9 in 74.8 in
Leg Room Front 42.9 - 43.0 in
Rear 38.3 - 39.0 in
Front 44.4 in
Rear 42.3 in
Head Room Front 38.9 - 40.7 in
Rear 38.2 - 40.5 in
Front 40.2 - 41.1 in
Rear 39.6 - 40.6 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Passengers in the backseat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Hyundai Santa Fe than in the Ford Explorer, due to its greater head- and legroom. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers just a little more front head- and legroom than the Ford Explorer, offering the driver and front passenger a bit more room and comfort.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Ford Explorer is somewhat more expensive than the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Dimensions
Since the Ford Explorer is much wider than the Hyundai Santa Fe, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Ford Explorer, which is slightly longer than the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Performance
With the Ford Explorer, you'll be able to pull heavier loads than the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Ford Explorer has a little more horsepower than the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Powertrain
With similar torque, the Ford Explorer and the Hyundai Santa Fe are about even in transmitting their respective horsepower to the wheels.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Ford Explorer and the Hyundai Santa Fe.