Ford Explorer vs. Hyundai SANTA FE XL
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and Hyundai SANTA FE XL 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 Ford Explorer and the Hyundai SANTA FE XL.
When we compare the Ford Explorer's and the Hyundai SANTA FE XL's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the area of interior volume. The Hyundai SANTA FE XL has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. The Ford Explorer and Hyundai SANTA FE XL have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Hyundai SANTA FE XL's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE XL is a better car than the Ford Explorer.
Pricing: A used 2019 Ford Explorer ranges from $17,697 to $30,996 while a used 2019 Hyundai SANTA FE XL is priced between $17,352 to $28,822.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value and the Hyundai SANTA FE XL loses 45 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai SANTA FE XL retains 2.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Ford Explorer and the Hyundai SANTA FE XL makes 290 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. The SANTA FE XL is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 470 miles. This gives the Hyundai SANTA FE XL the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Explorer. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 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 Hyundai SANTA FE XL has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Explorer and the Hyundai SANTA FE XL have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,365
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,316
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,245 - $35,310
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$30,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,316
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,245 - $35,310
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$24,021
Price Range:
$17,697 - $30,996
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,868
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$16,878 - $34,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
680
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
85,229
# Good or Great Deals:
205
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$22,706
Price Range:
$17,352 - $28,822
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,868
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$16,878 - $34,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
69
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
79,173
# Good or Great Deals:
29
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Hyundai SANTA FE XL Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SANTA FE XL
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 33.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 33.1
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Hyundai SANTA FE XL Rankings
Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 39Ranking
46 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, XLT
Hyundai SANTA FE XL Trim Levels
Limited Ultimate, SE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
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
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
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):
17 / 24 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
316 / 446 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 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:
160.1 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4026 lbs
Width:
74.2 inches
Height:
66.9 inches
Length:
193.1 inches
Wheelbase:
110.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Blue
Silver
Ingot Silver
White
Oxford White
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Becketts Black / Night Sky Pearl
Blue
Storm Blue
Silver
Circuit Silver
White
Monaco White
Brown
Java Espresso
Gray
Iron Frost
Red
Regal Red Pearl
Interior Colors
Beige
Medium Stone
Black
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Beige
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
