What To Know
- Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular contenders like the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Ford Explorer.
- Additionally, the Explorer offers a wide range of optional features, such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium sound system.
- Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many SUV buyers, and both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Ford Explorer offer decent fuel economy ratings.
Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular contenders like the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Ford Explorer. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and technology, making it difficult to declare a clear winner. This in-depth comparison will delve into the key aspects of each SUV, helping you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences.
Performance and Handling: Two Distinct Approaches
The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Ford Explorer take different approaches when it comes to performance and handling. The Santa Fe emphasizes efficiency and agility, while the Explorer prioritizes power and capability.
The Santa Fe offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 277 horsepower. While the base engine provides adequate power for daily driving, the turbocharged option delivers a more spirited driving experience. The Santa Fe’s handling is responsive and precise, making it enjoyable to navigate through city streets and winding roads. Its suspension provides a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and dips effectively.
The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, boasts a powerful 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that generates a robust 365 horsepower. This engine provides ample acceleration and towing capacity, making it a suitable choice for those who need to haul heavy loads. The Explorer’s handling is more substantial than the Santa Fe’s, offering a more planted feel on the road. However, its suspension can feel a bit stiff at times, especially on rougher surfaces.
Interior Comfort and Technology: A Battle of Refinement
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Ford Explorer offer comfortable interiors packed with advanced technology. However, each SUV has its own distinct strengths in this area.
The Santa Fe’s interior is known for its minimalist design and high-quality materials. The seats are supportive and comfortable, providing ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard features a clean and intuitive layout with a large touchscreen infotainment system that is easy to use. The Santa Fe also boasts a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The Ford Explorer’s interior is more spacious and luxurious, with a more traditional design. The seats are plush and comfortable, offering plenty of room for passengers. The Explorer’s infotainment system is also impressive, featuring a large touchscreen with a user-friendly interface. Additionally, the Explorer offers a wide range of optional features, such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium sound system.
Cargo Space and Practicality: Room for Your Adventures
When it comes to cargo space and practicality, the Ford Explorer emerges as the winner. Its spacious cabin and generous cargo volume make it an ideal choice for families and adventurers alike.
The Explorer offers a maximum cargo capacity of 87.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This spacious cargo area can easily accommodate luggage, camping gear, or even large items. The Explorer also features a power liftgate for easy access to the cargo area.
The Santa Fe, while still offering ample cargo space, falls short of the Explorer’s capacity. It provides a maximum cargo volume of 71.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. While this space is sufficient for most everyday needs, it may not be enough for larger items or extended road trips.
Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Performance and Savings
Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many SUV buyers, and both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Ford Explorer offer decent fuel economy ratings. However, the Santa Fe edges out the Explorer in this category.
The Santa Fe’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. The turbocharged engine, while providing more power, sacrifices some fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.
The Ford Explorer‘s 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. While the Explorer’s fuel economy is respectable, it falls short of the Santa Fe’s efficiency, especially in the city driving environment.
The Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Ford Explorer comes down to your individual priorities and needs.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if:
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and agile handling.
- You value a minimalist and refined interior.
- You need a comfortable and spacious SUV for daily driving.
Choose the Ford Explorer if:
- You require a powerful and capable SUV with a generous towing capacity.
- You value a spacious and luxurious interior.
- You need ample cargo space for hauling large items or going on adventures.
The Final Word: Beyond the Comparison
Choosing between the Santa Fe and the Explorer is not just about comparing features and specifications. It’s about understanding your lifestyle and determining which SUV aligns best with your needs and preferences. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and technology, making them excellent choices for a wide range of drivers. Ultimately, the best way to choose the right SUV is to test drive both vehicles and see which one feels most comfortable and enjoyable to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Ford Explorer have a solid reputation for reliability. However, Hyundai has consistently ranked higher in recent reliability surveys, suggesting that the Santa Fe may have a slight edge in this regard.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Ford Explorer offers more off-road capability than the Hyundai Santa Fe. It has a higher ground clearance and available all-wheel drive with terrain management systems, making it better suited for tackling rough terrain.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe generally starts at a lower price point than the Ford Explorer. However, the price gap can narrow depending on the trim level and optional features chosen.
Q: Which SUV is better for families?
A: Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Ford Explorer are excellent family SUVs. The Santa Fe offers a comfortable and spacious interior with a wide range of safety features. The Explorer provides even more cargo space and a more luxurious interior experience. The best choice ultimately depends on your family’s specific needs and preferences.
