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2017 Hyundai SANTA FE vs. 2017 Ford Explorer

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE and 2017 Ford Explorer contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE and the 2017 Ford Explorer.

When comparing the 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE's and the 2017 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability and resale value. The 2017 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and overall quality score. The 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE and 2017 Ford Explorer have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE's and the 2017 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE is a better car than the 2017 Ford Explorer.

Pricing: A used 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE ranges from $8,895 to $19,994 while a used 2017 Ford Explorer is priced between $9,995 to $22,494.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE loses 48.3 percent of its value and the 2017 Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value. This means the 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE retains 4.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2017 Ford Explorer.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 8.1 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 5 out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Ford Explorer being ranked 4 out of 33. Out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs, the Hyundai SANTA FE is ranked 5 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 4. The Hyundai SANTA FE is also ranked 8 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Ford Explorer is ranked 7 out of 66.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 7.7 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai SANTA FE a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE and the 2017 Ford Explorer makes 290 horsepower. The SANTA FE is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 470 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 15 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. This gives the 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2017 Ford Explorer. The SANTA FE uses regular unleaded, and the Explorer uses e85, regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2017 Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2017 Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.69 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2017 Hyundai SANTA FE
2017 Ford Explorer

2017 Hyundai SANTA FE
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2017 Hyundai SANTA FE for Sale

2017 Ford Explorer
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2017 Ford Explorer for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

30800

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

29141

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

21195 - 34210

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

31660

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

29141

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

21195 - 34210

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

14160

Price Range:

8895 - 19994

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

17205

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

10618 - 28491

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

234

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

111114

# Good or Great Deals:

78

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

16254

Price Range:

9995 - 22494

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

17205

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

10618 - 28491

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1411

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

112907

# Good or Great Deals:

488

Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.1 / 10

Reliability:

7.7 / 10

Retained Value:

7.9 / 10

Safety:

8.7 / 10

Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.4 / 10

Reliability:

7.5 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2017 Hyundai SANTA FE

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

2.8

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.3

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

0.1 - 8.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.145

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2017 Ford Explorer

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

1.3

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.3

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

0.1 - 8.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.153



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

4.949095505387222

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.3 - 11.6

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

11.598162808793113

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.3 - 11.6

Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

2 / 16

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 10

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

3 / 66

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

3 / 29

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

3 / 26

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

3 / 15

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

3 / 10

Best Family Crossover SUVs

4 / 66

Best Family Midsize SUVs

4 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 31

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 29

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

4 / 26

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

5 / 66

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 33

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

5 / 16

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

5 / 15

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

6 / 31

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

7 / 33

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

7 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs

8 / 66

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 33

Safest Midsize SUVs

8 / 31

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

10 / 66

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

10 / 31

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

10 / 31

Safest Crossover SUVs

11 / 66

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

11 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

11 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

12 / 66

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

12 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

14 / 31

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

15 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

16 / 66

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

16 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

18 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

19 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

20 / 54

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

20 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

21 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

23 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

24 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

25 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

29 / 33

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

34 / 54

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

36 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

44 / 66

Ford Explorer Rankings

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

1 / 16

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

1 / 16

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

1 / 10

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

1 / 10

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

2 / 66

Safest Crossover SUVs

2 / 66

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 33

Safest Midsize SUVs

2 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

2 / 15

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

2 / 15

Best Family Crossover SUVs

3 / 66

Best Family Midsize SUVs

3 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs

4 / 31

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 33

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 66

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 33

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

6 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

6 / 31

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 29

Best Crossover SUVs

7 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

7 / 31

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

7 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

7 / 29

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

8 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

8 / 26

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

8 / 26

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

11 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

11 / 31

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

11 / 31

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

12 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

13 / 33

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 33

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

14 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

15 / 66

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

15 / 31

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

16 / 66

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

18 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

19 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

21 / 33

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

25 / 54

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

27 / 33

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

27 / 31

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

28 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

31 / 33

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

35 / 66

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

38 / 54

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

47 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

63 / 66

Summary Review

Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.

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Summary Review

The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.

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Pros and Cons

  • New engines for 2021 including a hybrid
  • Cutting-edge infotainment
  • Excellent safety ratings

  • Only two rows for 2021

Pros and Cons

  • Passenger Space
  • Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
  • Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid

  • Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
  • No 8-passenger seating option for 2021

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2017 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels

Limited, Limited Ultimate, SE, SE Ultimate

2017 Ford Explorer Trim Levels

Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, XLT

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.69 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

290 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque:

252 foot-lbs @ 5200 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.072 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

290 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque:

255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.065 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3.3 liters

Engine Configuration:

V

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


18 / 25 / 21

Range (city/hwy):

338 / 470 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

V

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


13 / 18 / 15

Range (city/hwy):

316 / 446 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

E85, Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Available

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

Available

Automatic Parking:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

N/A

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.9 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.3 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59.4 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

40.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.3 inches

Cargo Space:

13.5 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

80 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

160 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.4 inches

Front Leg Room:

42.9 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

61.5 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.6 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.5 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

61 inches

Cargo Space:

21 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

81.7 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

172.5 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4026 lbs

Width:

74.2 inches

Height:

66.5 inches

Length:

193.1 inches

Wheelbase:

110.2 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.3 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4443 lbs

Width:

90.2 inches

Height:

70 inches

Length:

198.3 inches

Wheelbase:

112.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.8 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/60R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P245/60R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Becketts Black / Night Sky Pearl

Blue

Storm Blue

Brown

Java Espresso

Gray

Iron Frost

Red

Regal Red Pearl

Silver

Circuit Silver

White

Monaco White

Exterior Colors

Black

Shadow Black

Blue

Blue Jeans

Brown

Not available

Gray

Not available

Red

Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat

Silver

Ingot Silver

White

Oxford White

Interior Colors

Beige

Beige

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Beige

Medium Light Camel

Black

Not available

Gray

Not available

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