2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2026 Ford Explorer: Which Family SUV Should You Buy?
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2026 Ford Explorer: Which Family SUV Should You Buy?
Posted on April 26, 2026
Families in Guelph, Ontario shopping for a mid-size SUV have no shortage of options, but two names that tend to land near the top of the list are the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and the 2026 Ford Explorer. Both seat families comfortably, both offer capable AWD systems, and both carry strong reputations in the segment. Where they diverge — in powertrain efficiency, standard content, and fuel economy — is where the right choice becomes clearer.
The Santa Fe Hybrid makes a strong case for families who want a modern, efficient SUV that doesn't ask them to compromise. Its hybrid powertrain is standard across the entire lineup, AWD is standard on every trim, and its fuel economy puts it in a category the Explorer can't touch. Here's how they compare across the areas that matter most.
At a Glance: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vs. 2026 Ford Explorer
| Feature | 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid | 2026 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 1.6L Turbo Hybrid, 231 hp combined | 2.3L 4-cylinder EcoBoost, 300 hp |
| AWD | Standard (HTRAC, all trims) | Standard (rear-wheel drive base; AWD available) |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 6.9 L/100 km | 10.4 L/100 km (2.3L AWD) |
| Seating | Up to 7 passengers | Up to 7 passengers |
| Cargo (Behind 3rd Row) | 413 L | approx. 462 L |
| Cargo (Behind 2nd Row) | 1,148 L | approx. 1,303 L |
| Max Towing | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with trailer brakes | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| Standard Infotainment | 12.3" touchscreen | 13.2" touchscreen |
| Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
| Hybrid Option | Standard powertrain | Not available |
Powertrain and Efficiency
Every 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid is powered by a 1.6L Turbo 4-cylinder Hybrid engine producing a combined 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired to a 6-speed hybrid automatic transmission and HTRAC All-Wheel Drive. The hybrid system delivers an EnerGuide-estimated 6.9 L/100 km city, 7.0 L/100 km highway, and 6.9 L/100 km combined — figures that make a measurable difference on the daily commute and on longer trips across southwestern Ontario.
The 2026 Explorer uses a 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine producing 300 hp on Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims, with a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 producing 400 hp available on the ST trim. The Explorer's standard drivetrain is rear-wheel drive, with AWD available as an upgrade — meaning buyers on the base Active trim need to confirm drivetrain configuration before assuming they're getting all-wheel traction. There is no hybrid powertrain in the Explorer lineup.
For families who put kilometres on their vehicle every week, the Santa Fe Hybrid's fuel efficiency advantage is real and ongoing. The Explorer's 2.3L AWD configuration is rated at 11.9 L/100 km city, 8.7 L/100 km highway, and 10.4 L/100 km combined by NRCan — compared to the Santa Fe Hybrid's 6.9 L/100 km combined. A more efficient powertrain means fewer fill-ups and lower long-term fuel costs, a consideration that compounds over years of ownership.
On towing, the Explorer carries a clear advantage. The Santa Fe Hybrid is rated to tow up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with trailer brakes — practical for light-duty hauling. The Explorer is rated up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg), making it the stronger option for families who regularly pull a trailer, boat, or camper.
- Santa Fe Hybrid: 6.9 L/100 km combined, AWD standard
- Explorer: Gas powertrain only; rear-wheel drive standard on base trim
- Santa Fe Hybrid offers standard hybrid powertrain from the entry trim
- No Explorer hybrid or PHEV option in the current lineup
Interior Space and Comfort
Both vehicles seat up to seven passengers across three rows. The Santa Fe Hybrid provides up to 413 L of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,148 L behind the second row and 2,267 L behind the first row. The Explorer offers approximately 462 L behind the third row and approximately 1,303 L behind the second row, with more total cargo volume when fully configured — an area where the Explorer's size advantage shows.
The Santa Fe Hybrid's interior comes well-equipped from the Preferred trim. Standard features across all trims include heated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3" infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free smart power trunk. The Luxury trim adds ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a driver memory seat. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim brings Nappa leather upholstery, a head-up display, dual wireless charging, a digital centre mirror, and premium relaxation front seats.
The Explorer's Platinum trim competes well on luxury content, but the Santa Fe Hybrid gets buyers to a well-appointed interior sooner in the trim ladder, without requiring a trim upgrade to access features like a heated steering wheel, wireless connectivity, or an intelligent speed assist system.
Safety and Technology
The Santa Fe Hybrid comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense, which includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection; Blind-spot Collision Warning; Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist; Safe Exit Assist; Lane Keeping Assist; Lane Following Assist; Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go; Driver Attention Warning; Rear Occupant Alert; and nine airbags — all on the entry Preferred trim.
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is standard on the Explorer and also covers a solid range of driver assistance, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking, Lane-Keeping System, Blind Spot Information System, and Rear Cross-Traffic Braking. Both vehicles deliver thorough active safety coverage, and families in Guelph can feel confident in either on that front.
The Santa Fe Hybrid's advantage in this area comes from the breadth of its standard content at the entry trim level — SmartSense doesn't require a package or trim upgrade to access.
Which Family SUV is the Better Fit?
For families in Guelph weighing these two options, the Santa Fe Hybrid earns the recommendation on several counts. The hybrid powertrain is standard — there's no ICE-only version — meaning every Santa Fe Hybrid buyer gets the efficiency benefit without having to select the right package. AWD is also standard across the board, eliminating any drivetrain confusion during trim selection.
The Explorer is a larger platform — it carries more total cargo volume and a higher towing ceiling — but those advantages come paired with a gas-only powertrain, a base drivetrain that starts with rear-wheel drive, and fuel costs that run measurably higher on every tank. For families in Guelph who drive regularly and want AWD without negotiating for it, the Santa Fe Hybrid covers that ground from the entry trim without asking buyers to trade away efficiency to do it.
For the majority of Ontario families, the Santa Fe Hybrid's fuel efficiency, standard AWD, full SmartSense safety from the base trim, and a well-appointed interior add up to a more complete package for day-to-day life.
Explore the 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid at Guelph Hyundai
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is available now at Guelph Hyundai. Visit our Guelph showroom to compare trims, take a test drive, and talk through which configuration fits your family's routine.