| Model Year | 2011 | 2009 | |
| Model | Ford Explorer | Hyundai Sonata | |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 290 hp@6500 255 lb-ft@4000 |
3.3L V6 DOHC-4v 249 hp@6000 229 lb-ft@4500 |
|
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
| Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
| Difference | |||
| Wheelbase | 112.6 in | 107.4 in | 5.2 in |
| Length | 197.1 in | 188.9 in | 8.2 in |
| Width | 78.9 in | 72.1 in | 6.8 in |
| Height | 70.4 in | 58.0 in | 12.4 in |
| Curb Weight | 4578 lb. | 3494 lb. | 1084 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.6 gal. | 17.7 gal. | 0.9 gal. |
| Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 40.1 in | 0.5 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 61.3 in | 57.4 in | 3.9 in |
| Hip Room, Row 1 | 57.3 in | 55.5 in | 1.8 in |
| Legroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 43.7 in | -3.1 in |
| Headroom, Row 2 | 40.5 in | 38.2 in | 2.3 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 61.0 in | 56.9 in | 4.1 in |
| Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.7 in | 55.3 in | 1.4 in |
| Legroom, Row 2 | 39.8 in | 37.4 in | 2.4 in |
| Headroom, Row 3 | 37.8 in | 0.0 in | 37.8 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 50.8 in | 0.0 in | 50.8 in |
| Hip Room, Row 3 | 40.7 in | 0.0 in | 40.7 in |
| Legroom, Row 3 | 33.2 in | 0.0 in | 33.2 in |
| Total Legroom | 113.6 in (over 3 rows) | 81.1 in (over 2 rows) | 32.5 in |
| Cargo Volume, Minimum | 21.0 ft3 | 16.3 ft3 | 4.7 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 43.8 ft3 | 16.3 | 27.5 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume, Maximum | 80.7 ft3 | 16.3 ft3 | 64.4 ft3 |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2011 Ford Explorer.
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 249-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very Roomy interior. Ample Hip, Shoulder, and leg room see full Hyundai Sonata review |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 249-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Plenty of Room for larger Adults while still being comfortable. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Big enough for three car seats. Qualifies as a "large car". Only it and the Accord do in this class. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Front seat is very comfortable. up/down movement works well. Front back movement mechanics work well. Seat comfortable for long trips but not too long. Seat is a good hard to soft feel. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
spacious rear seat. This is a large sedan. Rear head room is plenty. nice seat placement with body form. Head rests not too far back. Rests adjust well. Middle seat becomes a cup holder/arm rest for two. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 249-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear room is great even if front seats all the way back. Also has wonderful cup holder and fold down arm tray. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
plenty of room for 6 foot tall man see full Hyundai Sonata review |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
love the heated front seats see full Hyundai Sonata review |
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat legroom and headroom are good. Daughters complain that the seating position is too upright. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 249-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
it looks like other manufacturers have bigger seats in this class see full Hyundai Sonata review |