2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued its evolution with a refreshed design that enhanced its rugged appeal. The front end was restyled to give it a wider and more robust appearance, while new LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added a modern touch to the rear. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in materials and design, making it more competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, offering a range from the base Active to the performance-oriented ST, with prices starting at $39,755. During a driving event in Michigan, the ST-Line with RWD and additional packages was highlighted for its balanced performance and comfort.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, in its fifth generation, maintained its chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase and distinctive H-shaped LED headlamps. The rear design, however, was criticized for its mismatched proportions. The Santa Fe offered five trims, with the XRT trim focusing on off-road capabilities. Inside, the Santa Fe provided ample space for seven passengers, with the Calligraphy trim offering luxurious features like Nappa leather. Despite some interior squeaks, the Santa Fe's fit and finish were generally good, and it boasted a spacious cargo area with a wide rear opening for easy loading.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the ST and optional Platinum trims boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. All Explorers came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD as an option. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Explorer's performance was enhanced by larger wheels and performance brakes in the ST-Line Street Package, providing a delightful ride and handling experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It offered FWD or AWD, except for the XRT trim, which was AWD only. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for 231 horsepower. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, but turbo lag and occasional transmission delays were noted. The XRT trim's off-road capabilities were supported by 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, though it wasn't designed for rugged rock crawling.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an option for a second-row bench seat to accommodate seven. The ST-Line trim featured a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, and a Premium Package with additional comforts. The front seats were comfortable, and the second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort. However, the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 85.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe's base SE trim was basic but included a hands-free liftgate and dual-zone climate control. The XRT trim added heated front seats and a sunroof, while the Calligraphy trim offered premium features like ventilated front seats. The Santa Fe excelled in interior space, with the most third-row legroom in its class. Cargo space was generous, with 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 79.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The wide rear opening facilitated easy loading of large items.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps and app downloads available. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line featuring 10 speakers and the Platinum and ST boasting 14 speakers.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with digital gauge clusters on higher trims. The system was easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Upper trims offered Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging. The Santa Fe also featured a digital key and available fingerprint scanner for added security.

The 2025 Ford Explorer included Ford CoPilot 360+ with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well in testing, though it occasionally struggled with large trucks. The NHTSA had not fully rated the 2025 Explorer, but it received five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a range of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision avoidance assist. Higher trims added features like Highway Drive Assist and Blind-View Monitor. The NHTSA gave the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it as Good in most categories, with Acceptable ratings for headlights and LATCH.