Confused between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and Santa Fe? 🤔 Both SUVs offer 3-row seating, modern tech, and Hyundai’s reliability—but which one suits your lifestyle and budget? Let’s compare their design, features, performance, safety, and price to help you decide!
💡 Quick Verdict:
- ✅ Palisade = More luxury, space & premium features
- ✅ Santa Fe = More rugged, adventure-ready & affordable
📌 Keep reading to find out which SUV is the best fit for YOU
🏆 1. Exterior Design: Rugged vs. Refined
Palisade = Luxury & Elegance
- Premium front grille with Mercedes/Lexus-inspired styling
- Bold LED accents & muscular fenders for a premium feel
- Longer & wider (6 inches longer, 3 inches wider than Santa Fe)
Santa Fe = Adventure-Ready & Sporty
- Muscular, boxy design for an off-road-ready look
- Aerodynamic elements like active grille shutters for efficiency
- Slightly more compact, making it easier to maneuver
🏁 Winner: TIE – Choose based on luxury (Palisade) or ruggedness (Santa Fe).
2. Interior & Comfort: Which Feels More Premium?
Palisade = First-Class Experience
✅ Larger cabin space with premium materials
✅ Power-adjustable second-row seats for max comfort
✅ Spacious third-row seating (good for adults)
✅ Tri-zone climate control with heated & ventilated seats
Santa Fe = Practical & Functional
✅ Comfortable seating but manual adjustments in 2nd row
✅ Compact third-row seats (best for kids)
✅ Dual-zone climate control (not as advanced as Palisade)
🏁 Winner: Palisade – More space & premium comfort.
3. Cargo Space: Practicality Matters
Palisade = More Room for Everything
If you need maximum cargo space, the Palisade wins hands down. With its power-folding third row, you get a flat load floor, making it perfect for family trips and bulky luggage.
Santa Fe = Compact but Clever
Santa Fe may not have as much space as the Palisade, but its leaning rear hatch makes loading and unloading easier. It’s more city-friendly, ideal for those who want practicality without driving a full-size SUV.
🏁 Winner: Palisade – More space, better cargo flexibility.
4. Technology & Features: Which SUV Offers More?
Palisade = Fully Loaded with Premium Tech
The Palisade comes with a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen, a Bose premium audio system, and wireless charging. Hyundai’s latest Bluelink connectivity ensures a high-tech experience. Rear passengers also get dedicated climate controls for added comfort.
Santa Fe = Advanced Yet Simpler
Santa Fe doesn’t compromise on tech but keeps things a bit more basic. You get a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a standard sound system, and wireless charging, but rear passengers don’t get dedicated climate controls.
🏁 Winner: Palisade – Bigger screen, better audio, and more advanced features.
5. Performance & Engine Power: Which Feels More Dynamic?
Palisade = Smooth & Powerful
The 3.8L V6 engine delivers 291 HP and 262 lb-ft torque, making highway cruising effortless. Its 8-speed automatic transmission ensures a smooth, refined ride—ideal for long-distance comfort.
Santa Fe = Sportier & Efficient
Santa Fe’s 2.5L turbo engine pumps out 277 HP and 311 lb-ft torque, giving it a strong low-end punch. It feels lighter and sportier, making it better for city drives and quick overtakes.
🏁 Winner: TIE – Palisade for highway luxury, Santa Fe for sportier handling.
6. Safety Features: Which SUV Protects You Better?
Palisade = Advanced Safety Tech
Hyundai has packed the Palisade with high-end safety features, including a Blind Spot View Monitor, which gives you a live camera feed when changing lanes. You also get a Surround-View Camera, making parking super easy.
Santa Fe = Standard Safety Features
Santa Fe is no slouch in safety. It includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Lane Keeping Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. However, it lacks the Blind Spot View Monitor and Surround-View Camera that the Palisade offers.
🏁 Winner: Palisade – Extra safety features make a difference.
7. Price & Value for Money
Palisade = Premium Pricing for More Features
The Palisade is expected to be priced between $36,800 (base model) and can go beyond $57,500 for the top model. You pay more, but you get extra space, better tech, and premium luxury.
Santa Fe = Budget-Friendly 3-Row SUV
Santa Fe is the more affordable option, starting around $34,200 If you want a Hyundai 3-row SUV without stretching your budget, this is the better deal.
🏁 Winner: Santa Fe – More affordable for budget-conscious buyers.
Hyundai Palisade vs Hyundai Santa Fe Images
Hyundai Palisade Images
Hyundai Santa Fe Images
🏆 Which SUV Should You Buy?
🚙 Buy the Palisade if you want:
✅ More space & luxury for family comfort
✅ Better tech & premium interiors
✅ More safety features
🏕️ Buy the Santa Fe if you want:
✅ A sportier, off-road-ready SUV
✅ More affordable 3-row option
✅ Compact size for easier city drivin.