Hyundai Palisade versus Hyundai Sante Fe Comparison

Introduction

The Hyundai Palisade and Hyundai Santa Fe are two of the most popular SUVs on the market today. Each model delivers its own unique blend of style, performance, technology, and comfort. Whether you need three rows of seating for family road trips or prefer a more compact, agile two-row crossover, understanding the key differences between these Hyundais will help you decide which SUV best fits your lifestyle and budget.

In this in-depth comparison, we’ll explore every aspect—from exterior design and interior appointments to engine performance, fuel efficiency, advanced safety features, infotainment systems, and overall value. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how the Palisade stacks up against the Santa Fe, and which one deserves a spot in your Gulfport garage.

1. Exterior Design and Dimensions

Styling

The Palisade commands attention with its bold, cascading grille, sharp LED headlights, and muscular body lines. Its upright stance and chrome accents convey a premium, SUV-centric aesthetic. In contrast, the Santa Fe adopts a more streamlined silhouette with a geometric grille pattern, sculpted LED Daytime Running Lights that integrate into the fenders, and a sportier profile.

Size and Space

In terms of size, the Palisade is the larger vehicle—measuring approximately 196.1 inches in length, 77.8 inches in width, and 68.9 inches in height. The Santa Fe, by comparison, comes in at about 187.8 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, and 66.1 inches tall. That translates into a noticeable difference in cargo capacity and third-row room: Palisade offers up to 86.4 cubic feet behind the first row, while Santa Fe maxes out around 71.3 cubic feet.

Overall, if you frequently haul large items or need extra shoulder room for passengers, the Palisade’s larger footprint will be advantageous. The Santa Fe, however, may be easier to maneuver and park in urban Gulfport environments.

2. Seating and Interior Comfort

Palisade Interior

The Palisade’s three-row seating accommodates up to eight passengers (seven with available captain’s chairs in the second row). Upholstery options include premium Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory. Rear passengers benefit from a tri-zone climate control system, ample knee room, and seat-mounted driver and passenger seatbacks for third-row comfort.

Santa Fe Interior

The Santa Fe offers two-row seating for five passengers, with available leather-trimmed seats and heated/ventilated front buckets. While it lacks a third row, its standard rear legroom (41.3 inches) and generous headroom ensure adult-friendly comfort. The center console features thoughtful storage, USB ports for both rows, and available panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light.

Both models feature high-quality soft-touch surfaces, available ambient interior lighting, and ergonomic controls. If you need maximum passenger capacity and luxury appointments, Palisade is the clear choice; for a sportier, driver-oriented feel with less bulk, Santa Fe shines.

3. Powertrains and Performance

Engine Options

• 2025 Palisade: Standard 3.8-liter V6 producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque; paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
• 2025 Santa Fe: Standard 2.5-liter inline-4 delivering 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft; available 2.5-liter turbo inline-4 with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft; both mated to an 8-speed automatic.

All-Wheel Drive and Handling

Both SUVs offer Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD system for enhanced traction. In the Palisade, HTRAC features a multi-terrain selector for Snow, Mud, Sand, and AWD Lock modes, helping conquer diverse road surfaces. The Santa Fe’s HTRAC system is slightly lighter and tuned for a more nimble steering response, making it feel sportier on winding roads.

Fuel Economy

Because of its V6, the Palisade averages around 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway. The turbo-Santa Fe returns approximately 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway, while the base 2.5-liter model can achieve up to 25 mpg city / 28 mpg highway. If fuel efficiency is a priority, the Santa Fe’s smaller engines deliver better mileage.

4. Technology and Connectivity

Infotainment

The Palisade comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen (available 12.3-inch touchscreen on upper trims), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available integrated navigation. Rear occupants can opt for a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

The Santa Fe features a standard 8-inch or optional 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and voice-activated navigation on higher trims. Wireless device charging and multiple USB-C ports are standard on both SUVs.

Digital Driver Display

• Palisade: 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster with customizable gauges and drive mode readouts.
• Santa Fe: 12.3-inch digital cluster with eco-coach feedback and navigation prompts integrated.

5. Advanced Safety Features

Every Palisade and Santa Fe includes the Hyundai SmartSense suite, but there are distinctions:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Standard on both, with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection.
• Blind-Spot View Monitor: Available on Palisade — displays rear blind-spot camera feed in the gauge cluster when signaling.
• Surround View Monitor: Available on both, but Palisade offers a higher resolution multi-camera 360° view.
• Safe Exit Assist: Exclusive to Palisade — warns if rear approaching traffic when exiting.

Santa Fe’s available Lane Following Assist and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control work seamlessly, but the Palisade’s additional camera angles and Exit Assist give it a slight edge for family safety.

6. Trim Levels and Pricing

Palisade MSRP Ranges

• SE: Starting around $36,000
• SEL: Starting around $39,000
• Limited: Starting around $46,000
• Calligraphy: Starting around $51,000

Santa Fe MSRP Ranges

• SE: Starting around $29,000
• SEL: Starting around $32,000
• Limited: Starting around $36,000
• Calligraphy: Starting around $41,000

While the Palisade commands a higher starting price due to its larger size and premium appointments, the Santa Fe delivers outstanding value in a more compact package.

7. Ride and Comfort Impressions

Palisade’s V6 delivers smooth acceleration and minimal vibration at highway speeds. Its suspension balances comfort with minimal body roll. Interior noise levels are well-controlled, even over rough pavement.

Santa Fe’s turbo-charged engine option provides more lively throttle response at lower RPMs, while the base engine is refined for daily driving. The Santa Fe’s suspension feels slightly firmer—ideal for drivers seeking a more connected road feel. Both SUVs cruise comfortably, but the Palisade edges out in rear-seat luxury and quietness.

8. Cargo Versatility

When seats are folded, Palisade offers a cavernous cargo hold—up to 86.4 cubic feet. Even the third-row floor is flat, and 60/40 split seats allow flexible load configurations.

Santa Fe’s cargo area behind the second row is rated at 36.4 cubic feet, expanding to 71.3 cubic feet with seats folded. Its hands-free smart liftgate, flat load floor, and sliding second-row seats provide versatility for everyday errands.

9. Ownership Costs and Warranty

• Fuel Cost Estimate (15,000 mi/year): Palisade ~$2,500; Santa Fe ~$2,000 (depending on engine).
• Maintenance: Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance covers oil changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections for 3 years/36,000 miles.
• Warranty: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain; 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty; 7-year/unlimited mile anti-perforation.

Both models enjoy one of the industry’s best warranties, reducing long-term ownership costs and providing peace of mind.

10. Which One Should You Choose?

If you need three-row seating for up to eight, maximum cargo capacity, and the most advanced luxury features, the Palisade stands alone—ideal for large families, carpooling, and Gulf Coast road trips.

If you prefer a more agile, fuel-efficient two-row SUV with nimble handling and a lower starting price, the Santa Fe delivers remarkable value without sacrificing comfort or technology.

Both SUVs share Hyundai’s award-winning warranty and top safety ratings. Your decision comes down to passenger capacity and budget—visit Matt Bowers Hyundai of Gulfport to test drive both and experience these SUVs firsthand.

Schedule Your Comparison Test Drive Today

Don’t just take our word for it—feel the difference yourself. Contact us to book a side-by-side test drive of the Palisade and Santa Fe. Our product specialists will walk you through every feature and help you find the perfect SUV for your needs.