Explorer vs Santa Fe
Same class, different makers. The Explorer (Ford) and the Santa Fe (Hyundai) are built for the same kind of buyer. Call it a near draw on paper, with just a few specs pulling the two apart.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Explorer wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Explorer wins
- Engine & Performance6.3
- Off-road & Towing6.0
- Engine & Performance5.5
- Off-road & Towing3.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Explorer has 2,100 lb more towing capacity
The Santa Fe gives up a lot on max towing: 3,500 lb, compared with 5,600 lb on the Explorer. If you tow regularly, the Explorer’s higher rating gives you more margin.
-
The Explorer has 23 hp more power
It’s a small lead (300 hp versus 277 hp), but it’s real, and it goes to the Explorer. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Explorer | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 69.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Explorer leads
By a small margin, the Explorer is the stronger of the two in this area. Point to the Explorer for 23 hp more power. The Explorer’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Weighing only engine & performance, the Explorer comes out ahead.
Total system output
Explorer: 300 hp Santa Fe: 277 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On space & practicality, the Explorer and the Santa Fe are effectively level. Both cover space & practicality well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Off-road & Towing
Explorer leads
The Explorer dominates the off-road & towing section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The Explorer delivers 2,100 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. Net result: the Explorer leads this part of the comparison.
Max towing
Explorer: 5,600 lb Santa Fe: 3,500 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the Explorer and the Santa Fe list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Explorer | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) | 2.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 300 hp (winner) | 277 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | RWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Explorer | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Explorer | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Explorer | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,600 lb (winner) | 3,500 lb Lowest towing capacity |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Explorer | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 13.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Ford Co-Pilot360 | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Explorer | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 69.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Explorer | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,050 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Explorer if…
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (5,600 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you want more power (300 hp vs 277 hp)
- you already know your way around Ford’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Explorer or the Santa Fe?
On the specs compared here, the Explorer makes more sense for most buyers; the Santa Fe doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the Explorer and the Santa Fe. I keep coming back to one thing: the Explorer gets 2,100 lb more towing capacity. Less flashy, but still real: the Explorer brings 23 hp more power.
For engine & performance, the Explorer fits better. For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Santa Fe is the better match.
My pick: the Explorer.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.