Hyundai Santa-FE vs Ford Explorer

Verdict: Hyundai Santa-FE vs Ford Explorer

The Hyundai Santa Fe demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Ford Explorer, evidenced by its higher average reliability score of 79/100 versus the Explorer's 68/100. While both vehicles have a similar rate of owner complaints, with the Santa Fe at 8 per 10,000 sold and the Explorer at 6.8, the Santa Fe has a significantly lower number of recalls—60 in contrast to the Explorer's 117. Additionally, the Santa Fe offers a lower estimated annual repair cost of $515 compared to the Explorer's $732, making it a more cost-effective choice for maintenance. Overall, the Santa Fe edges out the Explorer in terms of reliability and ownership costs.

Reliability problem analysis

The Ford Explorer exhibits a higher incidence of power train complaints with 618 total issues, including 12 crash-linked, significantly more than the Hyundai Santa-Fe's 269 complaints with 9 crash-related. The Explorer also faces notable concerns in the "Unknown or Other" category with 417 complaints, whereas the Santa-Fe records 243 complaints in the same category but with a slightly higher crash linkage of 12. Conversely, the Santa-Fe experiences more engine-related issues, tallying 321 complaints compared to the Explorer's 144, though crash links are not specified for the Santa-Fe. Both models show vulnerability in service brakes, with the Santa-Fe having a marginally higher number of complaints (105) and equal crash linkages (11) compared to the Explorer (73 complaints, 11 crash-linked).

Which one to buy

If you're looking for a vehicle with a strong focus on reliability and lower running costs, the Hyundai Santa Fe would be your best choice. With a higher reliability score of 79/100 compared to the Ford Explorer's 68/100, the Santa Fe stands out as the more dependable option. It also has fewer recalls, totaling 60, and a lower estimated annual repair cost of $515. Additionally, the Santa Fe presents a lower major repair risk at 10%, making it an ideal pick for those who value peace of mind and budget-friendly maintenance.

On the other hand, if you prefer a vehicle that historically faces fewer owner complaints, the Ford Explorer might appeal to you, with only 6.8 complaints per 10,000 sold compared to the Santa Fe's 8. However, keep in mind that the Explorer has a higher estimated annual repair cost of $732 and a greater major repair risk of 14%. Overall, for those who prioritize reliability and lower costs, the Hyundai Santa Fe is the recommended choice.

Cost of ownership

Independent repair cost data shows that the Ford Explorer incurs an annual maintenance and repair cost of $732, compared to the Hyundai Santa-Fe's $515. This translates to a $217 difference each year, amounting to $1,085 over five years. Both vehicles have the same repair frequency of 0.2 visits per year, but the Explorer presents a higher major repair risk at 14%, compared to the Santa-Fe's 10%. For cost-conscious buyers, the Hyundai Santa-Fe offers better value with lower annual expenses and reduced risk of significant repairs, making it a more economical choice over time.