Santa Fe vs Palisade: Which Hyundai Suv Reigns Supreme?
Choosing the right SUV can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Today, we’re putting two popular Hyundai SUVs head-to-head to help you find the perfect fit: the Santa Fe and the Palisade.
These two vehicles, while both from Hyundai, cater to different needs and lifestyles. The Santa Fe offers a blend of practicality and agility, ideal for city driving and weekend getaways. In contrast, the Palisade provides a more spacious and luxurious experience, perfect for families.
This comparison will delve into the key differences between the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Hyundai Palisade. We’ll examine everything from performance and features to space and value. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which SUV best suits your needs and budget, making your decision much easier.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Santa Fe | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5-7 | 7-8 |
| Engine Options | Multiple (Gas, Hybrid) | Multiple (Gas) |
| Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row) | N/A (if no 3rd row) | 18 cu. ft. |
| Infotainment Screen Size | Up to 10.25 inches | Up to 12.3 inches |
| Standard Driver-Assist Features | Yes | Yes |
| Available AWD | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Economy (Combined, est.) | Up to 30 MPG (Hybrid) | Up to 22 MPG |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 3,500 lbs | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Length | Shorter | Longer |
| Exterior Styling | Modern | Bold |
| Warranty | 5-year/60,000-mile Basic | 5-year/60,000-mile Basic |
| Base Trim | SE | SE |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Size and Seating
- Santa Fe: The Santa Fe is a compact SUV, typically offering seating for five passengers, although some configurations may have a third row. This makes it more maneuverable in city driving and easier to park. However, the smaller size means less cargo space compared to larger SUVs.
- Palisade: The Palisade is a mid-size SUV, designed to comfortably seat up to eight passengers across three rows. This larger size translates to more generous passenger space and significantly more cargo capacity, making it ideal for families. However, it’s less agile in tight spaces and parking can be more challenging.
- Winner: Palisade
Engine and Performance
- Santa Fe: The Santa Fe offers a range of engine options, often including a fuel-efficient four-cylinder or a turbocharged option for added power. Performance is generally adequate for daily driving, with a focus on fuel economy. Acceleration can feel less spirited compared to some competitors.
- Palisade: The Palisade typically features a V6 engine, providing more robust power and acceleration, which is useful when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. It offers a smoother and more confident driving experience, especially on highways, though fuel economy is slightly lower.
- Winner: Palisade
Interior Quality and Features
- Santa Fe: The Santa Fe features a well-designed interior with quality materials for its class. It offers a good selection of standard features and technology, including a user-friendly infotainment system. Some higher trims offer premium touches, although it may not match the luxury of the Palisade.
- Palisade: The Palisade boasts a more upscale interior with premium materials, including available Nappa leather and wood trim. It offers a wide array of advanced features, including a larger infotainment screen and more advanced driver-assistance systems.
- Winner: Palisade
Fuel Economy
- Santa Fe: The Santa Fe generally offers better fuel economy compared to the Palisade, particularly with its base engine options. This makes it a more cost-effective choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency in their daily commute. Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid options further enhance its fuel-saving potential.
- Palisade: The Palisade’s larger engine and size result in slightly lower fuel economy ratings. While still reasonable for its class, it may cost more to fuel up over time.
- Winner: santa fe
Cargo Capacity
- Santa Fe: The Santa Fe provides decent cargo space for its class, accommodating everyday needs, but it’s less spacious than the Palisade. The available cargo space behind the second row is relatively smaller.
- Palisade: The Palisade shines with its ample cargo space, easily handling luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. Even with all seats in use, there’s still a usable amount of cargo space.
- Winner: Palisade
Technology and Infotainment
- Santa Fe: The Santa Fe features a modern infotainment system with a user-friendly interface, available features include smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto), and various driver-assistance technologies. The technology is well-integrated and easy to use, though the screen size may be smaller than the Palisade.
- Palisade: The Palisade boasts a larger, more feature-rich infotainment system, offering a premium experience with more advanced technology, including a larger touchscreen, more USB ports, and a digital instrument cluster. Advanced driver-assistance systems are also more prevalent.
- Winner: Palisade
Price and Value
- Santa Fe: The Santa Fe generally offers a lower starting price than the Palisade, making it a more accessible option. It provides good value for its features and capabilities, especially considering its fuel efficiency.
- Palisade: The Palisade has a higher starting price, reflecting its larger size, more premium features, and more powerful engine. While more expensive, it provides a compelling value proposition within its segment.
- Winner: santa fe
Driving Experience
- Santa Fe: The Santa Fe offers a comfortable and composed ride, well-suited for city driving and everyday commutes. Its smaller size makes it easier to maneuver and park. Its handling is more nimble.
- Palisade: The Palisade provides a smooth and refined driving experience, particularly on the highway. Its larger size may be less agile in tight spaces.
- Winner: Palisade
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | Santa Fe (Hybrid) |
| Passenger Space | Palisade |
| Cargo Space | Palisade |
| Maneuverability | Santa Fe |
| Towing Capacity | Palisade |
| Infotainment | Palisade (Larger Screen) |
What They Have in Common
- Advanced Safety Features: Both vehicles come standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including lane keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist, enhancing driver safety.
- Infotainment System: Both SUVs offer user-friendly infotainment systems with touchscreen displays, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and available navigation.
- Warranty: Both vehicles offer similar manufacturer warranties, providing peace of mind to buyers.
- All-Wheel Drive Availability: Both models are available with all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions.
- Modern Design: Both SUVs feature modern and stylish exterior designs, appealing to a wide range of consumers.
Santa Fe Vs Palisade Buying Guide
Performance and Handling
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Palisade offer distinct driving experiences. The Santa Fe, with its smaller size, provides nimble handling and is well-suited for city driving and navigating tight spaces. Its engine options deliver adequate power for everyday needs. The Palisade, being a larger SUV, prioritizes a smoother, more comfortable ride, making it ideal for long road trips and family vacations. Its more powerful engine and refined suspension contribute to a composed feel on the highway. Consider your typical driving environment and desired level of performance when making your choice.
The Palisade typically comes with a more powerful engine and offers a more relaxed driving experience compared to the Santa Fe. Consider your driving habits and your need for towing capacity, as the Palisade generally offers better towing capabilities.
Interior Space and Comfort
Interior space is a key differentiator between these two SUVs. The Santa Fe provides comfortable seating for five passengers, with a decent amount of cargo space for its size. It’s a great choice for small families or individuals who don’t need excessive room. The Palisade, on the other hand, is a three-row SUV, accommodating up to eight passengers. It offers significantly more legroom and cargo capacity, making it perfect for larger families or those who frequently transport passengers and luggage. The Palisade’s premium interior materials and features also enhance the overall comfort level.
The Palisade is the clear winner for interior space. However, if you rarely need the extra seating, the Santa Fe offers a more compact and manageable size for everyday use.
Technology and Features
Both the Santa Fe and Palisade are equipped with a range of modern technology features. They typically include infotainment systems with touchscreen displays, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and advanced driver-assistance systems. The Palisade often boasts a more extensive suite of features, including a larger touchscreen, a premium sound system, and more advanced safety technologies. The Santa Fe still provides a well-equipped experience, but the Palisade usually offers a more luxurious and technologically advanced package, especially in higher trims. Consider the importance of these features in your decision-making.
The Palisade usually offers more advanced technology and a more premium experience, while the Santa Fe provides a well-equipped option at a more accessible price point.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is an important factor for many car buyers. The Santa Fe generally offers better fuel economy than the Palisade, due to its smaller size and often more efficient engine options. This can translate to significant savings at the gas pump over time, especially for those who drive frequently. The Palisade, with its larger engine and heavier weight, typically consumes more fuel. However, both SUVs offer reasonable fuel economy for their respective classes. Consider your driving habits and the cost of fuel in your area when evaluating fuel efficiency.
The Santa Fe is the more fuel-efficient choice. If fuel economy is a top priority, the Santa Fe is the better option.
Safety Features
Hyundai prioritizes safety in both the Santa Fe and Palisade, equipping them with a comprehensive suite of safety features. These typically include features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Both SUVs generally receive high safety ratings from independent testing agencies. The Palisade, due to its larger size and potentially more advanced safety systems in higher trims, might offer a slight edge in terms of overall safety. However, both vehicles provide excellent protection for occupants.
Both the Santa Fe and Palisade provide excellent safety features. The Palisade may have a slight edge in some areas due to its larger size and more advanced systems in certain trims.
Price and Value
The Santa Fe typically has a lower starting price than the Palisade, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Palisade, despite its higher price tag, offers a greater level of features, space, and overall value, especially if you need the extra seating and cargo capacity. Consider your budget and the features you prioritize when evaluating the price and value of each SUV. Both vehicles offer competitive value within their respective segments, so the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
The Santa Fe is more affordable, while the Palisade offers more features and space for the price. Consider your budget and your needs for space and features when deciding.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Santa Fe If…
- You prioritize a more compact SUV that is easier to maneuver in city environments.
- You want a vehicle with a hybrid powertrain for improved fuel efficiency.
- You don’t need the extra passenger or cargo space of a larger SUV.
- You prefer a more modern, distinctive exterior styling.
Buy Palisade If…
- You need seating for a larger family or frequently transport more passengers.
- You require maximum cargo space for luggage, gear, or other belongings.
- You value a more powerful engine and higher towing capacity.
- You prefer a bolder, more substantial exterior design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the seating capacity of the Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Santa Fe typically seats five passengers comfortably across two rows. It provides ample space for front and rear passengers, making it a good choice for smaller families or individuals who frequently transport passengers. The focus is on providing a comfortable experience for all occupants within a more compact footprint.
How many passengers can the Palisade accommodate?
The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row SUV, capable of seating up to eight passengers depending on the configuration. This makes it an excellent choice for larger families or those who need to transport multiple passengers regularly. The third row provides additional seating and the overall design is focused on maximum passenger space.
Which SUV offers better fuel economy?
The Hyundai Santa Fe generally offers better fuel economy than the Palisade. This is primarily due to its smaller size and lighter weight, leading to greater efficiency. The Santa Fe is a more economical choice if fuel consumption is a primary concern. The Palisade’s larger engine and size lead to higher fuel consumption.
Which SUV is better for long road trips?
The Hyundai Palisade is the better choice for long road trips due to its larger size, more comfortable ride, and ample space for passengers and luggage. The Palisade offers more comfort on longer journeys. The Santa Fe is suitable for shorter trips, but the Palisade is designed for maximum comfort.
Does the Santa Fe have a third row?
No, the Hyundai Santa Fe does not have a third row of seating. It is a two-row SUV that comfortably seats five passengers. The Palisade, on the other hand, is a three-row SUV and offers seating for up to eight passengers.
Which SUV has more cargo space?
The Hyundai Palisade has significantly more cargo space than the Santa Fe, both with the seats up and folded down. This makes it a better choice if you frequently need to transport large items or luggage. The Palisade’s larger dimensions directly translate to greater cargo capacity.
What are the key differences in safety features?
Both SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Palisade, being a larger vehicle, may have more advanced driver-assistance systems in higher trims. However, both vehicles are designed with safety as a priority and offer features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assist.
Final Verdict
The Hyundai Palisade emerges as the winner in this comparison, primarily due to its superior interior space, more comfortable ride, and extensive features. While the Santa Fe offers good value and fuel economy, the Palisade’s overall package makes it the better choice for families and those prioritizing comfort and versatility.
The Palisade’s three-row seating, advanced technology, and refined driving experience give it an edge.
Winner: Palisade