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Which Suv Offers More Bang For Your Buck? Ford Explorer Vs Hyundai Santa Fe – The Verdict

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the Santa Fe gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
  • Both the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Santa Fe offer a wide range of safety features to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
  • The Hyundai Santa Fe has better fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway compared to the Explorer’s 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

When it comes to midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Santa Fe are two of the most popular choices on the market. Both offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and a comfortable ride. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Santa Fe head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency:

Under the hood, the Ford Explorer offers a variety of engine options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the Santa Fe gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Cargo Space:

Inside, both the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Santa Fe offer a spacious cabin with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Explorer has a slightly larger interior, with 152.7 cubic feet of passenger space compared to the Santa Fe’s 144.1 cubic feet. However, the Santa Fe offers more cargo space, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the third row of seats compared to the Explorer’s 18.2 cubic feet.

Technology and Features:

When it comes to technology and features, the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Santa Fe are both well-equipped. The Explorer comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. The Santa Fe also comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. However, the Santa Fe offers a few more standard features, such as a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free liftgate.

Safety Features:

Both the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Santa Fe offer a wide range of safety features to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. The Explorer comes standard with a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The Santa Fe also comes standard with a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. However, the Santa Fe offers a few more standard safety features, such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

Price and Value:

The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $33,245, while the Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price of $28,850. When it comes to value, the Santa Fe offers a better bang for your buck. It comes standard with more features than the Explorer, and it has a lower starting price.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a powerful SUV with plenty of cargo space, the Ford Explorer is a great option. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable SUV with a lot of standard features, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a better choice.

Alternatives to Consider:

If you’re still not sure which SUV is right for you, here are a few other options to consider:

  • Toyota Highlander
  • Honda Pilot
  • Kia Sorento
  • Mazda CX-9
  • Nissan Pathfinder

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Ford Explorer or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has better fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway compared to the Explorer’s 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which SUV has more cargo space, the Ford Explorer or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has more cargo space, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the third row of seats compared to the Explorer’s 18.2 cubic feet.

Q: Which SUV has more standard safety features, the Ford Explorer or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has more standard safety features, such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, which are not available on the Explorer.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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