If you’re cross-shopping family SUVs, the Ford Explorer is the familiar pick. But the redesigned, boxy-cool 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe brings serious value, tech, and efficiency—especially if you want a hybrid—without giving up everyday versatility. Here’s a quick, skimmable breakdown, followed by the details.
At-a-Glance (Why Santa Fe wins)
-
Lower price to start (from about $34.3K) vs. Explorer’s ~$38.5K. Hyundai USA+2Hyundai USA+2
-
Way better factory warranty (5yr/60k basic and 10yr/100k powertrain) vs. Ford’s 3yr/36k and 5yr/60k. Hyundai USA+1
-
Available hybrid with mid-30s mpg combined; Explorer offers no consumer hybrid. TrueCar+1
-
Standard three-row seating and family-friendly touches (dual 12.3" screens, 3rd-row USB on more trims). Hyundai USA+2Car and Driver+2
-
Drivability upgrade for 2026: Santa Fe swaps its DCT for a smoother 8-speed automatic on the 2.5T. Car and Driver
Spec Snapshot
| 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2026 Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | ≈ $34,300 | ≈ $38,465 |
| Factory Warranty | 5yr/60k basic; 10yr/100k powertrain | 3yr/36k basic; 5yr/60k powertrain |
| Hybrid Option | Yes (mid-30s mpg combined) | No consumer hybrid |
| Displays | Dual 12.3" (cluster + touchscreen) | 12.3" cluster + 13.2" touchscreen |
| Cargo (behind 3rd row) | 14.6 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
| Max Towing | Up to 4,500 lb (XRT) | 5,000 lb |
| Hands-Free Driving | — | Available BlueCruise (subscription) |
Reuters+12Hyundai USA+12Hyundai USA+12
Note: Explorer carries a bit more cargo and tows more; Santa Fe counters with price, warranty, efficiency, and standard three-row value.
Value & Warranty: Santa Fe by a mile
Hyundai undercuts Ford on price and then crushes it on warranty. Santa Fe starts around $34.3K and includes America’s Best Warranty (5yr/60k basic, 10yr/100k powertrain). Explorer starts around $38.5K and sticks with the industry-average 3yr/36k and 5yr/60k. Over 5–10 years of ownership, that warranty gap matters. Car and Driver+3Hyundai USA+3https://www.ford.com/+3
Efficiency & Powertrains: Hybrid advantage to Santa Fe
If you want real-world fuel savings, the Santa Fe Hybrid is the play, delivering mid-30s mpg combined (FWD; low-30s AWD). Explorer offers a turbo-four or twin-turbo V6 performance trims—but no hybrid for retail buyers—so even its thriftiest versions trail the Santa Fe Hybrid on fuel use. TrueCar+1
New for 2026: Non-hybrid Santa Fe models ditch last year’s dual-clutch for a conventional 8-speed automatic—smoother and confidence-inspiring around town. Car and Driver
Cabin Tech & Family Friendliness
Hyundai leans into ease-of-use: dual 12.3-inch displays, physical knobs for climate/volume, standard three-row seating, and newly expanded USB power to the third row on more trims. Explorer counters with a big 13.2-inch center screen and optional massaging front seats, but Santa Fe’s layout and standard equipment feel thoughtfully family-first. Car and Driver+2Hyundai USA+2
Little quality-of-life touches also stand out on Santa Fe—like the wide “terrace-style” tailgate opening that makes loading (or impromptu sideline seating) easier. Hyundai+1
Space & Towing: Explorer’s counterpunch
Explorer is the bigger vehicle. You’ll get more cargo behind the third row (about 16.3 cu ft) and up to 5,000 lb towing. Santa Fe’s cargo area is 14.6 cu ft with row three up, and towing tops out at 4,500 lb on the XRT. If you routinely tow or carry a seven-person crew with luggage, Explorer’s size is an advantage. Kelley Blue Book+3Edmunds+3https://www.ford.com/+3
Driver-Assist & Ownership Costs
Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free system is available on Explorer, and Ford recently lowered the subscription pricing—great if you want hands-free highway driving. Santa Fe doesn’t offer an equivalent subscription system, but its robust standard safety/assist suite and longer warranty help keep overall ownership costs predictable. https://www.ford.com/+1
Verdict: Pick Santa Fe if you value long-term value, warranty, and mpg
Choose the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe if you want:
-
The best warranty in the segment and a lower entry price
-
Hybrid efficiency to cut fuel bills
-
Family-oriented tech (dual 12.3" screens, standard 3rd row, more USB power)
-
A smoother 8-speed automatic for 2026 in the 2.5T gas model
Choose the Explorer if you need:
-
More cargo with all three rows up
-
Higher towing or the ST performance vibe
-
Optional hands-free highway driving via BlueCruise
For most families and value-seekers, Santa Fe delivers the better overall package—especially in Hybrid form. TrueCar+2Hyundai USA+2
Sources: Hyundai and Ford official sites, Car and Driver, Edmunds, KBB, and Reuters pricing/tech coverage for BlueCruise subscriptions and 2026 model details. Reuters+8Hyundai USA+8Hyundai USA+8
