Hyundai Santa Fe vs Palisade: Which Hyundai 3-Row SUV Should You Buy?
Published October 23, 2026 · Last updated October 23, 2026
The Palisade is the bigger family hauler, with a roomier third row, seating for up to eight and more cargo space; the Santa Fe is shorter, cheaper and more efficient, and easier to park on a city block. With front-wheel drive, the 2027 Santa Fe SE ($35,300) costs $4,435 less than the 2027 Palisade SE ($39,735); with all-wheel drive, the gap is $4,635 ($37,100 against $41,735). The Palisade is 9 inches longer, offers 32.1 inches of third-row legroom against 30.0 and tows up to 5,000 pounds; the Santa Fe Hybrid is rated up to 36 mpg combined against 34 for the best Palisade Hybrid. Both earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and both are on the lot at Plaza Hyundai. Here is how they compare for families in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island and across New York City.
Santa Fe or Palisade: The Short Answer
- Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if the third row is for occasional use: it starts $4,435 lower, is 9 inches shorter and 3.2 inches narrower, and its hybrid gets up to 36 mpg combined.
- Choose the Hyundai Palisade if you fill the third row every week: 32.1 inches of third-row legroom, up to eight seats, 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row against 14.6, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing.
- Hybrid against hybrid: the Palisade Hybrid makes 329 hp against 231 in the Santa Fe Hybrid and tows 4,000 pounds against 2,000; the Santa Fe Hybrid uses less fuel, 34 mpg against 30 with AWD.
- Our take: for most New York families, the Santa Fe Hybrid is the easier SUV to live with. Pick the Palisade when six or more people ride with you regularly.
Model-year timing: This comparison uses the 2027 Santa Fe and 2027 Palisade, the model years Plaza Hyundai is selling now. The 2027 Santa Fe carries over with no major changes, according to Edmunds; see our 2027 Santa Fe guide. The 2027 Palisade continues the second generation that was redesigned for 2026, now with a Calligraphy Black Ink hybrid; see our 2027 Palisade guide. Prices are manufacturer MSRPs before the $1,650 destination charge, the same on both. Browse every Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid, every Palisade and Palisade Hybrid, or all new Hyundais at Plaza Hyundai.
Santa Fe vs Palisade at a Glance
| Spec | 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2027 Hyundai Palisade | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $35,300 (FWD); $37,100 (AWD) | $39,735 (FWD); $41,735 (AWD) | Santa Fe |
| Price range | Gas $35,300–$49,650; hybrid $36,650–$50,750 | Gas $39,735–$56,860; hybrid $44,560–$59,680 | Santa Fe |
| Engines | 2.5L turbo four, 277 hp, 311 lb-ft; hybrid 231 hp, 271 lb-ft | 3.5L V6, 287 hp, 260 lb-ft; 2.5L turbo hybrid, 329 hp, 339 lb-ft | Palisade (hybrid) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic; hybrid 6-speed | 8-speed automatic; hybrid 6-speed | — |
| All-wheel drive | HTRAC AWD, $1,800; standard on XRT | HTRAC AWD, $2,000; standard on XRT PRO | Santa Fe (cost) |
| EPA mpg (combined) | Gas 24 FWD / 23 AWD; XRT 21; hybrid 36 FWD / 34 AWD | Gas 21 FWD / 20 AWD; XRT PRO 19; hybrid 31–34 FWD / 30 AWD | Santa Fe |
| 0–60 mph (Edmunds tests) | 7.2 s (XRT) | 8.8 s (Calligraphy V6) | Santa Fe |
| Length / wheelbase | 190.2 in / 110.8 in | 199.2 in / 116.9 in | Santa Fe (parking) |
| Seats | 6 or 7 | 7 or 8 | Palisade |
| Second-row legroom | 41.5 in | 43.0 in | Palisade |
| Third-row legroom | 30.0 in | 32.1 in | Palisade |
| Cargo (behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st row) | 14.6 / 40.5 / 79.6 cu ft | 19.1 / 46.3 / 86.7 cu ft | Palisade |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb; XRT 4,500 lb; hybrid 2,000 lb | 5,000 lb; hybrid 4,000 lb | Palisade |
| Ground clearance | 7.0 in (XRT sits 1.3 in higher) | 7.4 in (XRT PRO higher) | Palisade |
| IIHS 2026 | Top Safety Pick+ | Top Safety Pick+ (built after November 2025) | Tie |
| NHTSA overall | 5 stars | 5 stars | Tie |
| Model reliability (RepairPal) | 3.5/5, #17 of 32 midsize SUVs; $448 a year | 4.5/5, #3 of 32 midsize SUVs; $474 a year | Palisade |
| Edmunds expert rating | 7.5/10 | 7.7/10 | Palisade |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5 yr/60,000 mi / 10 yr/100,000 mi | 5 yr/60,000 mi / 10 yr/100,000 mi | Tie |
Want Today's Price on a Hyundai Santa Fe or Palisade?
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Size and Dimensions
The Palisade is the bigger SUV. It is 199.2 inches long on a 116.9-inch wheelbase and 78.0 inches wide; the Santa Fe is 190.2 inches long on a 110.8-inch wheelbase and 74.8 inches wide. That makes the Santa Fe 9 inches shorter and 3.2 inches narrower, which counts when you parallel park on a Bay Ridge block or squeeze into an older Manhattan garage. Height is almost identical, 69.7 inches for the Santa Fe and 69.5 for the Palisade, so roof clearance in parking garages is the same.
| Dimension | 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2027 Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2 in | 199.2 in |
| Width | 74.8 in | 78.0 in |
| Height | 69.7 in | 69.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in | 116.9 in |
| Ground clearance | 7.0 in (XRT 1.3 in higher) | 7.4 in |
Third-Row Comfort and Seating
This is the Palisade's biggest advantage. Its third row offers 32.1 inches of legroom against 30.0 in the Santa Fe, its second row 43.0 inches against 41.5, and its passenger volume is 161.9 cubic feet against 151. The Palisade seats seven with second-row captain's chairs or eight with a bench; the Santa Fe seats seven with a bench or six with the captain's chairs on the Limited and Calligraphy. Adults fit in the Palisade's third row for a drive to the Jersey Shore; the Santa Fe's third row is better for children and short trips across the city. Bring your car seats to Plaza Hyundai and try both third rows.
Cargo Space
The Palisade wins every cargo measurement: 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row against 14.6, 46.3 with the third row folded against 40.5, and 86.7 with both rows folded against 79.6. Behind a full third row, that is the difference between a stroller alone and a stroller plus a week of groceries. The Santa Fe answers with a wide, square tailgate opening that makes bulky items easy to load.
Engines, Hybrid and Towing
The gas Santa Fe is the quicker SUV. Its 2.5-liter turbo four makes 277 hp and 311 lb-ft through an eight-speed automatic, and an AWD Santa Fe XRT reached 60 mph in 7.2 seconds in Edmunds testing. The gas Palisade uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 287 hp and 260 lb-ft, also with an eight-speed automatic, and a loaded Palisade Calligraphy took 8.8 seconds, which Edmunds calls the Palisade's only significant flaw.
The hybrids reverse that. The Palisade Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter turbo with electric motors for 329 hp and 339 lb-ft, the most power in either lineup, while the Santa Fe Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter turbo system with 231 hp and 271 lb-ft. Both hybrids use six-speed automatics and offer front-wheel drive or HTRAC all-wheel drive.
Towing favors the Palisade: up to 5,000 pounds with the V6 and 4,000 with the hybrid, against 3,500 for most gas Santa Fes, 4,500 for the Santa Fe XRT and 2,000 for the Santa Fe Hybrid.
Fuel Economy
The Santa Fe wins on fuel cost, and both run on regular. The gas Santa Fe is rated 20/29/24 mpg city/highway/combined with front-wheel drive and 20/28/23 with AWD; the gas Palisade is rated 21 combined with front-wheel drive and 18/24/20 with AWD. Among hybrids, the Santa Fe Hybrid is rated 37/36/36 with front-wheel drive and 35/34/34 with AWD; the Palisade Hybrid Blue is rated 33/35/34, other front-drive Palisade Hybrids 31/32/31 and AWD models 29/31/30 (CarGurus, Plaza Hyundai).
| Version | Fuel | Gallons a year | Cost a year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe gas AWD (23 mpg) | Regular | 522 | $2,298 |
| Palisade V6 AWD (20 mpg) | Regular | 600 | $2,642 |
| Santa Fe Hybrid AWD (34 mpg) | Regular | 353 | $1,554 |
| Palisade Hybrid AWD (30 mpg) | Regular | 400 | $1,762 |
With AWD, the gas Santa Fe saves about $345 a year over a Palisade V6, and the Santa Fe Hybrid about $210 over the Palisade Hybrid. A Palisade Hybrid still saves about $880 a year over a Palisade V6.
Technology and Safety
Both start with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Palisade adds USB-C ports in all three rows, an integrated front and rear dash cam, and a head-up display on the Calligraphy, with Surround View and Blind-Spot View Monitor available. The Santa Fe has USB-C in every row, dual 15-watt wireless chargers on upper trims, and the Blind-Spot View Monitor on the Limited and Calligraphy, which shows a live camera view of your blind spot when you signal on a crowded avenue.
Both come with Hyundai SmartSense safety features as standard, including forward collision-avoidance assist and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. Both SUVs earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the Palisade for vehicles built after November 2025, and both have five-star overall NHTSA ratings. The Palisade also has ten airbags and third-row seatbelt pretensioners.
Reliability and Resale Value
RepairPal rates the Palisade 4.5 out of 5, third of 32 midsize SUVs, with average repairs of $474 a year, and the Santa Fe 3.5 out of 5, 17th of 32, at $448 a year (RepairPal data via Edmunds for Santa Fe and Palisade, based on earlier model years). The current Santa Fe has been on sale since 2024 and the current Palisade since 2026, so the Palisade's new hybrid has the shorter record. Edmunds lists no recalls for either 2027 model.
Ownership coverage is identical: a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage for the original owner, 10 years or 100,000 miles on hybrid batteries and 5 years of roadside assistance (Hyundai warranty). A Hyundai Certified Used Vehicle must be six model years old or newer with no more than 80,000 miles, passes a 173-point inspection and keeps 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage from the original in-service date. See certified pre-owned Hyundais and the Certified Used Vehicles program.
Trims and Price Compared
Trim for trim, the Palisade costs about $4,400 to $8,400 more: $39,735 against $35,300 for the base gas models, $46,560 against $40,740 for AWD hybrids at the SEL level, and $59,180 against $50,750 for the top AWD hybrids. The more useful comparison is space against equipment. A base Palisade SE at $39,735 costs about the same as a Santa Fe SEL with AWD at $39,640, so the same money buys either the bigger SUV with an eight-seat bench or the smaller one with AWD and more equipment.
2027 Hyundai Santa Fe trims
| Trim | Gas MSRP | Hybrid MSRP | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | $35,300 FWD; $37,100 AWD | $36,650 FWD; $38,450 AWD | 18-in wheels, hands-free power liftgate, remote start, 12.3-in touchscreen |
| SEL | $37,840 FWD; $39,640 AWD | $38,940 FWD; $40,740 AWD | Adds leatherette, heated front seats, 8-way power driver's seat, wireless charging |
| XRT | $42,290 (AWD) | — | 1.3-in lift, all-terrain tires, sunroof, 4,500-lb towing |
| Limited | $44,850 FWD; $46,650 AWD | $45,950 FWD; $47,750 AWD | Leather captain's chairs (bench optional), ventilated front seats, Bose |
| Calligraphy | $47,850 FWD; $49,650 AWD | $48,950 FWD; $50,750 AWD | Adds Nappa leather and head-up display |
Shop every Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid at Plaza Hyundai, or compare grades in Hyundai Santa Fe Trims Compared: SE vs SEL vs XRT vs Limited vs Calligraphy.
2027 Hyundai Palisade trims
| Trim | Gas MSRP (V6) | Hybrid MSRP | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | $39,735 FWD; $41,735 AWD | — | 8 |
| SEL | $42,240 FWD; $44,240 AWD | Blue SEL $44,560 FWD; SEL $46,560 AWD | 7 or 8 |
| SEL Premium | $45,600 FWD; $47,600 AWD | Blue $47,920 FWD; $49,920 AWD | 7 or 8 |
| Limited | $50,070 FWD; $52,070 AWD | $52,390 FWD; $54,390 AWD | 7 or 8 |
| XRT PRO | $50,170 (AWD) | — | 7 |
| Calligraphy | $54,860 FWD; $56,860 AWD | $57,180 FWD; $59,180 AWD | 7 |
| Calligraphy Black Ink | — | $57,680 FWD; $59,680 AWD | 7 |
Shop every Palisade and Palisade Hybrid at Plaza Hyundai, or compare grades in Hyundai Palisade Trims Compared: SE vs SEL vs XRT vs Limited vs Calligraphy.
Plaza Hyundai layers its own offers on top of Hyundai's, so check the current Hyundai specials in Brooklyn, get pre-approved for financing and get your trade-in value before you visit.
Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Buy the Hyundai Palisade if six or more people ride with you every week, or if you tow: it has the roomier second and third rows, up to eight seats, 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row, up to 5,000 pounds of towing and the stronger 329-hp hybrid. Buy the Hyundai Santa Fe if the third row is for occasional use: it starts $4,435 lower, is 9 inches shorter, is quicker as a gas model and gets up to 36 mpg as a hybrid. For most New York families, the Santa Fe Hybrid is our pick; for big families who use every seat, it is the Palisade Hybrid.
Best for city families
Third row, 36 mpg combined and a footprint that parks easily, from $36,650.
Best for big families
329 hp, 32.1-in third-row legroom and up to 8 seats, from $44,560.
5,000-lb towing
287-hp V6 and the biggest cargo area here, from $39,735.
4,500-lb towing
277-hp turbo, standard AWD, 1.3-in lift and all-terrain tires for $42,290.
Final Scorecard
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Santa Fe | $35,300 vs $39,735 (FWD); $37,100 vs $41,735 (AWD) |
| City size and parking | Santa Fe | 9 in shorter, 3.2 in narrower |
| Third row and seating | Palisade | 32.1 vs 30.0 in; up to 8 seats |
| Cargo | Palisade | 19.1 / 86.7 vs 14.6 / 79.6 cu ft |
| Power | Split | Gas Santa Fe quicker (7.2 vs 8.8 s); Palisade Hybrid 329 hp |
| Towing | Palisade | 5,000 lb V6, 4,000 lb hybrid |
| Fuel economy | Santa Fe | Hybrid 34 vs 30 mpg (AWD); gas 23 vs 20 (AWD) |
| Safety | Tie | Both 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 5-star NHTSA |
| Reliability | Palisade | RepairPal 4.5 vs 3.5 |
| Warranty | Tie | 5-yr/60,000-mi basic and 10-yr/100,000-mi powertrain on both |
| Overall for NYC | Split | Santa Fe for city size and fuel cost; Palisade when the third row is full every week |
Still deciding? Go smaller in Hyundai Tucson vs Santa Fe, see what changed in 2025 vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade, or compare grades in Hyundai Santa Fe Trims Compared and Hyundai Palisade Trims Compared. Cross-shopping other brands? Read Hyundai Palisade vs Mazda CX-90 and Hyundai Palisade vs GMC Acadia.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs Palisade: Frequently Asked Questions
How much bigger is the Palisade than the Santa Fe?
The Palisade is 9 inches longer (199.2 against 190.2 inches), 3.2 inches wider and rides on a wheelbase 6.1 inches longer; height is almost the same. Inside, it has 161.9 cubic feet of passenger volume against 151 and 86.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space against 79.6.
Which has the roomier third row?
The Palisade. It offers 32.1 inches of third-row legroom against 30.0 in the Santa Fe, and seats up to eight against seven. It also has 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, against 14.6 in the Santa Fe.
Which tows more, the Santa Fe or the Palisade?
The Palisade V6, at up to 5,000 pounds. The Palisade Hybrid tows 4,000 pounds. Most gas Santa Fes tow 3,500 pounds, the Santa Fe XRT 4,500 and the Santa Fe Hybrid 2,000.
Is there a Palisade Hybrid?
Yes. Hyundai added it with the 2026 redesign. The Palisade Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter turbo with electric motors for 329 hp and 339 lb-ft, is rated up to 34 mpg combined as a front-drive Blue model and 30 with AWD, tows 4,000 pounds and starts at $44,560.
Which is cheaper, the Santa Fe or the Palisade?
The Santa Fe. It starts at $35,300 with front-wheel drive, $4,435 less than the Palisade at $39,735, and at $37,100 with AWD against $41,735. The cheapest Santa Fe Hybrid is $36,650 against $44,560 for the cheapest Palisade Hybrid. Prices exclude the $1,650 destination charge.
Which is more reliable, the Santa Fe or the Palisade?
The Palisade rates higher. RepairPal gives it 4.5 out of 5, third of 32 midsize SUVs, against 3.5 out of 5, 17th of 32, for the Santa Fe. Both carry the same 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.
2025 vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade and Santa Fe: what changed?
The Palisade was redesigned for 2026, with a longer body, a roomier cabin and the first Palisade Hybrid; a 2025 Palisade is the previous generation with a V6 only. The Santa Fe has been in its current generation since 2024, and for 2026 its gas turbo switched from a dual-clutch to a conventional eight-speed automatic. Both carry over into 2027 with minor trim changes.
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Ask Our Team About DeliveryTest-Drive the Hyundai Santa Fe and Palisade at Plaza Hyundai
Visit Plaza Hyundai (2726 Nostrand Ave) to drive the Santa Fe and the Palisade back to back, climb into both third rows and fit your own car seats. Part of the family-owned Plaza Auto Mall, serving New York since 1975, with free delivery within 25 miles. No Hassle, No Pressure, No Middlemen. Call Plaza Hyundai sales at (800) 556-2369, or browse the inventory below.
*MSRP excludes destination ($1,650 for both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Hyundai Palisade), taxes, title and registration fees. Specifications and pricing are based on manufacturer information for the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2027 Hyundai Palisade available as of October 23, 2026, as published by Edmunds and CarGurus, with dimensions from iSeeCars. Acceleration figures are Edmunds test results. Reliability ratings and repair-cost estimates are from RepairPal; safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA; fuel prices from AAA. EPA ratings are estimates; actual mileage will vary. See dealer for details.
Hyundai Santa Fe and Palisade Inventory at Plaza Hyundai
Below is every new Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Palisade and Palisade Hybrid at Plaza Hyundai, with Plaza pricing, trim, drivetrain and seating on each listing. Use it to run the same comparison as this article: a Santa Fe Hybrid against a Palisade Hybrid, or a base Palisade SE against a Santa Fe SEL AWD at about the same price. Listings marked In Transit are on their way to Nostrand Avenue and can be reserved now. Found one? Tap Confirm availability or Schedule a test drive on the listing, or call (800) 556-2369, and we will have it ready next to its Santa Fe or Palisade counterpart. Free delivery within 25 miles.
