Jones Bel Air Hyundai - Which three-row SUV is better for day to day life around Glen Burnie, MD — 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe or 2026 Ford Explorer?
When families compare three-row SUVs, the same question keeps surfacing: which one is easier to live with every day? For many shoppers around Glen Burnie, MD, the answer comes down to practicality you notice on Monday mornings and Friday nights alike. Hyundai designed the Santa Fe to make those daily moments simpler, from seating flexibility and smart cargo loading to visibility that stays clear even with a full cabin. Ford’s Explorer has long served as a capable family hauler with respectable technology, but many of its premium conveniences are restricted to certain trims. The Santa Fe’s spread of features across its lineup, combined with a cabin that remains airy and useful in all three rows, gives it a real-world advantage for busy families.
Start with space and clarity. The Santa Fe’s long, upright profile creates a friendlier third row and more useable cargo height, and the available full-display digital rearview mirror provides a bright camera view even when luggage blocks the glass. Add the available Surround View Monitor for a true 360-degree perspective and tight parking gets easier—especially when the available Remote Smart Parking Assist can pull the vehicle into or out of a spot while you stand outside holding the Smart Key. Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium lets you lock, unlock, and start with your compatible phone or smartwatch, perfect for gym runs or beach days when pockets are optional. The Explorer’s cabin is comfortable in the first two rows and its 13.2-inch touchscreen is modern, but its third row can feel tight for longer trips, and its self-parking feature typically requires you to remain in the driver’s seat.
- Everyday loading made simpler: The Santa Fe’s hands-free smart liftgate and available C-pillar assist handle help you reach roof rails and load cargo without awkward stretching.
- Clear views, full cabin: The available digital rearview mirror stays bright with a tailgate packed to the roof, while SVM offers a composed 360-degree view for tight garages.
- Family-friendly tech: Dual wireless device charging keeps two phones topped up, and Bluelink+ includes remote start and door lock/unlock via the MyHyundai app on compatible trims.
- Parking confidence: Available RSPA can move the Santa Fe into or out of a space from outside the vehicle—a helpful trick when doors would otherwise be blocked.
- Road-trip calm: Highway Driving Assist or HDA 2 can help with lane centering, and on select trims assist with lane changes, reducing fatigue on longer drives.
Driver-assistance features matter just as much as seating. Hyundai SmartSense equips every Santa Fe with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. Many families also prioritize Safe Exit Assist and Advanced Rear Occupant Alert—smart safeguards that help prevent door-open conflicts with traffic and prompt a rear-seat check with additional sensor monitoring. The Explorer’s standard suite—forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist—is competitive, and hands-free BlueCruise is available on select trims. The difference is how many of Hyundai’s advanced features show up across the Santa Fe lineup, not only at the very top.
Ultimately, an easier daily drive is about design that anticipates your routines. The Santa Fe’s thoughtful touches—like a center console that opens from both front and rear, expansive displays, and a flexible third row—add up to less friction and more calm. If your week includes sports practices, carpool lines, and weekend getaways, the Santa Fe’s combination of space, tech, and user-friendly features tends to shine through. You can test this yourself side by side, but on paper and in practice, the Santa Fe’s everyday advantages are compelling for families who want their SUV to work smarter without extra effort.
Our team at Jones Bel Air Hyundai is happy to walk you through the details and set up a drive route that mirrors your commute, school stops, and parking situations. With one visit, you will see how these features handle the layered questions families have today—from loading and visibility to stress-reducing safety tech and confident maneuvering. We are serving Owings Mills, Clarksville, and Glen Burnie with a comparison that puts your needs first, so your choice feels clear and your SUV fits the full rhythm of your week.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can the Santa Fe really park itself while I am outside the vehicle?
Yes. With available Remote Smart Parking Assist, you can stand outside and use the Smart Key to move the Santa Fe into or out of a parking space. It is especially useful when tight spaces would block door opening.
Does the digital rearview mirror replace the standard mirror?
It functions as a traditional mirror but can be switched to a camera-based, full-display view for clearer visibility when cargo or passengers block the rear glass.
How does the Santa Fe’s third row compare on longer trips?
The cabin’s upright design and thoughtful packaging help the third row feel more accommodating. Many families report better comfort and easier access, particularly with available captain’s chairs in the second row.
Is Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium difficult to set up?
It is straightforward. After pairing through the MyHyundai app, compatible smartphones and smartwatches can lock, unlock, and start the vehicle, with the option to share digital access with family members.
