In a space far more competitive than the early 1990s when it originally debuted, the Ford Explorer is currently in line for a mid-cycle refresh slated for the 2025 model year – one that was pushed back from 2024 as Ford Authority exclusively reported in September. That update will include some revised exterior styling, interior updates such as a larger, standard touchscreen and a revised center stack and dashboard, the addition of the new Active trim (which may replace the XLT in the lineup), while the high-performance ST will continue to be offered. In the meantime, the Explorer is set to gain an all-new rival in the form of the redesigned 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe – which was originally revealed back in July, but now, has been fully uncovered by the South Korean brand – along with a brand new trim.
As we saw this past summer, the big news surrounding the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is its dramatically redesigned exterior, which is far boxier and upright than before -reflecting current trends in the automotive market. The crossover also touts a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, along with three rows of seating and both extra passenger and cargo space.
That design overhaul continues inside the cabin, where one will find plenty of straight lines complemented by 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and infotainment system screens, a dual wireless charging system, and eco-friendly materials. In terms of powertrains, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has two to offer – a turbocharged 1.6L hybrid churning out 232 horsepower 271 pound-feet of torque that’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, or the turbocharged gas 2.5L mill making 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
In addition to these details, Hyundai also revealed that Santa Fe customers can opt for the all-new off-road focused XRT trim, which adds dark chrome and black trim elements and cladding on the outside – including black roof rails with cross bars – 30-inch all-terrain tires, and around 1.5 inches of additional ground clearance versus standard models.
We’ll have more on everything Ford’s competition is up to soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
Yep Hyundai sante fe warranty 5 yr 60,000 bumper to bumper and 10 yr 1000,000 mile power train! Try that Ford!
And who knows maybe the next Explorer will have a rear camera that works
Yep ford had to buy back my explorer as they couldn’t get a 60k platinum back up camera to not show blue screen. What a joke
30 inch tires? The largest non off road tires that’re factory offered are 22’s, unless those are 30 inch tall tires.
Total ht.
Like 30×9.5, my 4Runner ran 33×10.5
Kind of a “truck way” for noting “I got big tires.
Looks like crap- especially the back end.
As always, there isnt any fair comparision between imports and domestic brands like Ford. American cars are built by union workers which means the dont care how it works. On the other hand are imports built in America, earn a “fair wage” while building a functional cars with good warranty and reliable.
I miss the days of the Ranger framed Explorers. They just looked and felt better. They were easier to get in/out of, as well. The general shape of the new Santa Fe reminds me of that. The problems I have with the Santa Fe are that it looks like a Dachshund (top part too tall, bottom part too short). Also, it’s a Hyundai. That means repairs, constantly. The problem I have with both is FWD. for me SUVs that look trucky and rugged should be RWD or 4WD. That is all.