Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Hyundai Palisade: Battle of the Family SUVs

The SUV market is more competitive than ever, and two of Hyundai's most popular models, the Santa Fe and the Palisade, are leading the charge in Canada. While both vehicles are designed to accommodate families and provide a comfortable ride, there are key differences that set them apart. In this article, we'll explore the main distinctions between the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Hyundai Palisade to help you determine which SUV is the perfect fit for your family.

Size and Seating

First and foremost, the size and seating capacity are the most noticeable differences between the Santa Fe and the Palisade. The Santa Fe is a midsize SUV, offering seating for up to five passengers, whereas the Palisade is a larger, three-row SUV with room for up to eight passengers. The Palisade's larger size makes it more suited for bigger families or those who need extra cargo space.

Cargo Capacity

In terms of cargo capacity, the Palisade leads the pack with 509 L of space behind the third row, 1,297 L with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,447 L with both the second and third rows folded. The Santa Fe, on the other hand, offers 1,032 L of space behind the second row and 2,041 L with the second row folded. If your family frequently takes road trips or requires a larger cargo area, the Palisade may be the better choice.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Under the hood, both SUVs offer solid performance, but the Santa Fe is more fuel-efficient. The Santa Fe comes with a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine generating 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque or an optional turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. A hybrid/plug-in hybrid 1.6L turbocharged engine is also available. The Palisade features a 3.8-litre V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Santa Fe has a slight advantage. The base engine of the Santa Fe provides an estimated 10.6 L/100 km city and 9.3 L/100 km highway, while the turbocharged engine offers 11.0 L/100 km city and 8.5 L/100 km highway. For maximum fuel efficiency, the hybrid powertrain provides an impressive fuel economy of 7.1 L/100 km city and 7.9 L/100 km highway. The Palisade, with its V6 engine, achieves an estimated 12.6 L/100 km city and 9.5 L/100 km highway. For those looking to save on fuel costs, the Santa Fe may be the more attractive option.

Interior Features

Both the Santa Fe and Palisade boast a comfortable and feature-rich interior, but the Palisade offers a more premium experience. The Palisade's interior design is more upscale, with high-quality materials and a more spacious cabin.

Safety Features

Hyundai is well-known for its commitment to safety, and both the Santa Fe and Palisade come equipped with an array of advanced driver-assistance features. Standard safety features on both models include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

In the battle between the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Hyundai Palisade, there is no clear winner, as the choice comes down to your family's specific needs and preferences. If you're seeking a more fuel-efficient, midsize SUV with ample standard features and a lower starting price, the Santa Fe may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you have a larger family or require more cargo space, the Palisade's three-row seating, generous cargo capacity, and additional luxury features might make it the perfect fit.

Ultimately, both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Hyundai Palisade are excellent family SUVs that offer a balance of comfort, safety, and performance. We recommend taking both vehicles for a test drive to truly understand their unique driving experiences and determine which one best suits your family's needs. By evaluating your priorities and carefully comparing the key differences, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect Hyundai SUV for your family adventures.