2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
| 2026 Ford Explorer | VS | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| $38,465[a] | MSRP | $34,800 |
| 85.8 cu.ft. | Cargo Space | 79.6 cu.ft. |
| 13.2 in | Screen Size | 12.3 in |
| 5,000 lbs | Towing Capacity | 4,500 lbs |
For many family-oriented commuters and adventurers, a three-row SUV has always been the top option. However, SUVs are more popular than ever, and choosing the right make and model can sometimes seem difficult. However, more drivers choose the Ford Explorer than any other model.
Still, the Ford Explorer, which paved the way for the midsize SUV class, has some notable competition, most notably from the Hyundai Santa Fe. Today, we’re examining both of these models. In an examination that pits the 2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, we’re going to see who comes out on top.
There are many items that prospective SUV buyers consider when making a purchase. Here’s what you can expect to read about during this examination.
- Performance: Family-oriented commuters and off-roaders have always favored the midsize SUV class for its performance. We’re going to examine items like fuel economy, capability, and performance.
- Interior and Technology: After we look under the hood, we’ll get behind the wheel. We’ll examine the interiors of the Explorer and Santa Fe. We’ll look at the pragmatic aspects such as seating and storage. Beyond practical items, we’ll also look at amenities and technologies that keep drivers connected to apps and other items.
- Safety and Driver-Assistance: The SUV class has always appealed to family-oriented commuters for its safety. We’ll examine the features that provide protection and oversight.
When we’re done looking at both vehicles, you might be ready for a test drive. Luckily, the experts at DePaula Ford are here to accommodate you.
Performance
While many drivers favor different aspects of the SUV class, many agree that having the right powertrain makes all the difference. Whether you favor fuel economy, performance, or off-road capability, everything begins with what your vehicle has under the hood.
Engine Power
2026 Ford Explorer
An advantage of the Ford Explorer is its ability to consistently deliver performance suited to any driver. The 2026 edition is no different. It offers multiple powertrains suited to commuters and adventurers alike.
2.3L EcoBoost Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
The base engine on most Explorer models delivers strong performance and agile handling in city driving conditions.
- Pairs with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
- Produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Acheives 20 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway, and 24 MPG combined.
- Possesses a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.
3.0L EcoBoost Turbocharged V6
For drivers who crave adventure, the ST and Tremor trims take performance to new heights. The Explorer’s twin-turbo V6 option takes performance to new heights.
- Produces an impressive 385 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
- Pairs with the same ten-speed automatic transmission as the turbocharged four-cylinder.
- Offers the same 5,000 lb towing capacity.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
While the Santa Fe offers plenty of performance, it’s surprisingly lacking compared to what the Explorer offers.
2.5L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
The base powertrain on the 2026 Santa Fe is adequate for commuting.
- Pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- Produces 277 hp and possesses the ability to tow 4,500 lbs.
- Front-wheel drive models match the fuel economy of the Explorer’s base powertrain.
Off-Roading Capability
The Santa Fe and Explorer both offer conservative fuel economy, ideal for city driving, but they also go further. For off-roaders who use their SUVs to facilitate adventure, there are some noticeable differences between Ford and Hyundai’s three-row options.
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor
The Explorer has an off-road-ready trim, the Tremor. It’s built from the ground up to deliver the capability that adventurers seek. You will enjoy:
- Access to the turbocharged 3.0L V6 for enhanced off-road performance.
- A suspension specially designed to handle difficult obstacles and terrains.
- Skid plates that offer underbody protection from debris.
- A trim-exclusive limited-slip rear axle that provides better traction and stability.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT
The best bet for off-roading in the Hyundai Santa Fe is the vehicle’s XRT trim. However, it doesn’t go as far as the Explorer Tremor, and is limited to more basic features like:
- Standard AWD
- Terrain Mode
- All-terrain tires
The Explorer Outperforms the Santa Fe
If performance and capability are essential to you, the Ford Explorer is a better option than the Hyundai Santa Fe.
- Both vehicles have powertrains that offer commuters favorable fuel economy.
- The Ford Explorer offers far better performance and towing capacity, making it more versatile.
- The Explorer Tremor offers a more comprehensive off-roading experience. A special suspension, skid plates, and other exclusive equipment make it suitable for any adventure.
Interior and Technology
We’ve seen the performance and capabilities of the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Santa Fe. Now, we turn our attention to behind-the-wheel. SUVs have always been favored for their seating arrangements and cargo room. However, the modern SUV owner also expects tech-savvy items that keep them connected, as well as items that ensure comfort.
Seating Arrangements
Both the Explorer and Santa Fe offer three rows of seating that accommodate up to seven passengers. As such, they’re both ideal for families who need room. Available second-row captain’s chairs provide a more refined yet still functional experience.
Storage Capacity
The Explorer and Santa Fe offer spacious cargo room for everything from grocery trips to across-town moves. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers up to 79.6 cu.ft. of cargo room behind the front row. However, the Explorer’s spacious interior offers more storage space. It offers up to 85.8 cu.ft.
Comfort and Amenities
Hyundai and Ford design their SUVs to ensure that drivers stay comfortable on the road. Both offer items that any commuter will enjoy, such as heated front seats and other amenities. However, the Explorer has certain items that are absent on the Santa Fe.
- The Explorer offers tri-zone climate control as a standard feature across all trims.
- The Explorer’s Platinum trim features heated, ventilated, and massaging driver’s seats for a luxury experience.
Infotainment and Connectivity
So far, the Explorer has come out ahead in cargo space and amenities. However, another advantage that the Explorer has over the Santa Fe is its immersive infotainment system.
Hyundai Infotainment
All 2026 Santa Fe models come with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The system covers the basics for commuters, with:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Wireless charging on select trims.
- Over-the-air system updates.
- Available voice recognition.
The Ford Digital Experience
All 2026 Explorer models come with a 13.2-inch infotainment screen. In addition to having a larger screen than the Santa Fe, it’s also far more immersive. You get:
- Wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- In-vehicle 5G Wi-Fi with the ability to connect up to ten different devices.
- Access to Google Maps to assist with navigation.
- Advanced voice assistance.
- The ability to stream from multiple platforms for entertainment.
Stay Connected and Comfortable in the Ford Explorer
Both the Explorer and the Santa Fe have interiors that feature the pragmatic advantages of the midsize SUV class, such as seating and storage. However, the Explorer’s interior is far more attractive.
- The Explorer features more comfortable amenities.
- The Ford Digital Experience is far more intuitive and advanced than anything Hyundai offers.
- More cargo room makes the Explorer a more capable hauler than its counterpart.
Safety and Driver-Assistance
At least, we’ve come to the end of our examination. While performance and an accommodating interior are important to many SUV owners, nothing will compare to the peace of mind that comes from being safe. Both the Explorer and Santa Fe offer a wide range of safety features and driver-assistance technologies.
Passing the Test
Both the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe were awarded a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA in collision testing. These tests are conducted each year on the many makes and models that are on the road. Both vehicles are designed to keep you safe in the event of an accident.
Driver-Assistance Technologies
Many of the same technologies are offered by different brands, though they sometimes go by different names. Both the Explorer and Santa Fe have variants of these features that provide drivers with protection and oversight.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Adjusts vehicle speed in response to traffic conditions. It allows drivers to follow at a safe distance and preserve reaction time.
- Forward Collision Warning: Issues an alert to the driver when other vehicles and pedestrians are in front of you.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Engages the vehicle’s braking system when a potential collision is imminent.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring: Enhances visibility by monitoring areas that might be out of your line of sight.
Ford BlueCruise
A notable advantage of the Ford Explorer is the availability of BlueCruise. Ford’s advanced driving technology makes long journeys easier than ever. It offers:
- Hands-free driving on pre-programmed roads across the country.
- Assistance with lane changing and maintaining a correct position in your lane.
- Reduced driver fatigue during long interstate trips.
The 2026 Ford Explorer Is a Safe Bet
Both the Explorer and the Santa Fe are designed to keep you safe and protected on the road.
- Both vehicles received high rankings from the NHTSA in collision testing.
- The Explorer and Santa Fe have an abundance of driver-assistance technologies that offer protection, oversight, and peace of mind.
- With accessibility to hands-free driving, Ford proves it’s a brand that remains on the cutting edge of innovation.
Test Drive the 2026 Explorer at DePaula Ford
With its remarkable performance, accommodating interior, comfortable amenities, and advanced technologies, the 2026 Ford Explorer is the ideal three-row model for you. Outperforming the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, the Explorer is waiting for you at our location.
At DePaula Ford, we strive to emulate the Blue Oval’s reputation for quality and excellence. We’ll help you find the Explorer that best suits your needs. We can also assist with financing and maintenance. Visit us today to get started!
