2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy vs 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum
$5,125 less vs 23 more hp and 8.6″ longer. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $5,125 price gap, 277 vs 300 hp, 23 vs 23 MPG.
The Santa Fe Calligraphy leads on $5,125 less. The Explorer Platinum leads on 23 more hp, 8.6″ longer. The spec table compares 4 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 4 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy | 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $49,400 | $54,525 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 2.3L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 277 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 28 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 20.2 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,900/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,486 lbs | No published data |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 119.1" |
| Length | 190.2" | 198.8" |
| Width | 74.8" | 78.9" |
| Height | 69.7" | 69.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy and 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy starts at $49,400, $5,125 less than the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum at $54,525. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $90/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy is the stronger pick when you want to keep $5,125 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy covers your needs.
Who should choose the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum?
The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum is the stronger pick when the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum is more fuel-efficient for a lower-cost commute.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy or 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum?
Both achieve 23 combined MPG, so fuel cost is not a factor in this decision.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy or 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum?
The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum produces 300 hp, 23 more than the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy at 277 hp. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 310 lb-ft. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum uses a 2.3L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy bigger than the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum?
The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum is 8.6″ longer at 198.8″ vs 190.2″. The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum has a 8.3″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Ford Explorer offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Fe trims, Ford trims, Ford Explorer trims
The Santa Fe–Explorer Decision
Cross-shopping midsize SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Santa Fe and Explorer compare. The $5,125 gap adds up to $90/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum uses a 2.3L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum has 23 more hp (300 vs 277), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
Annual fuel costs are nearly identical, so running costs will not separate these two.
Living With the Santa Fe vs the Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum has a 8.3″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom.
The Decision
Choose the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy when you want to keep $5,125 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum when the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum is more fuel-efficient for a lower-cost commute. At $90/month more, the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Ford or any dealership.