2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Vs. Palisade: Size, Power & Luxury Compared
Compare two stunning SUVs with our Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Palisade guide, where we review how each three-row model measures up in terms of their trims and specifications. When you're ready to see how these SUVs perform in person, schedule a test drive at McGee Hyundai of Barre.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Palisade at a Glance
- The Hyundai Palisade is longer, wider, and taller than the Hyundai Santa Fe.
- Both the Hyundai Palisade and the Hyundai Santa Fe are three-row SUVs.
- The Palisade has a larger engine and tows more than the Santa Fe.
- The Santa Fe is better suited for city driving due to its nimble frame.
Palisade vs. Santa Fe Trim Levels
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and Palisade have similar trim lineups, although the latter SUV has two more options. The five Santa Fe trim levels are:
- SE
- SEL
- XRT
- Limited
- Calligraphy
There are seven Palisade trim levels:
- SE
- SEL
- XRT
- SEL Premium
- Limited
- Calligraphy
- Calligraphy Night
If you want a closer look at the Palisade interior or the Santa Fe interior in your preferred trim level, visit McGee Hyundai of Barre for a personalized tour.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Hyundai Palisade Specs
So far, the 2025 Santa Fe vs. Palisade competition has been fierce, but how do the two compare in power and performance? For starters, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade comes with a larger and more robust engine option: a 3.8-liter V-6 capable of producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.
That's not to say the Santa Fe is left in the dust. It has a 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine that makes 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.
The Palisade MPG and Santa Fe MPG figures are comparable, with the FWD of each model offering:
- 2025 Hyundai Palisade: EPA-estimated 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
- 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe: EPA-estimated 20/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
The maximum Santa Fe towing capacity is a respectable 3,500 pounds.2 If you're willing to exchange a little bit of fuel efficiency for more towing capacity, though, go with the Palisade, which can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
 |  | |
| 2025 Hyundai Palisade SE | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE | |
| Engine | 3.8L V-6 | 2.5L I-4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 291 | 277 |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs2 | 3,500 lbs2 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb.) | 19 / 26 / 221 | 20 / 29 / 241 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Passenger Volume | 155.3 cu ft | 152 cu ft |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 86.4 cu ft | 79.6 cu ft |
| Cargo Space Behind 3rd Row | 18 cu ft | 14.6 cu ft |
| Length | 196.1 in | 190.2 in |
| Width | 77.8 in | 74.8 in |
| Height | 68.9 in | 67.7 in |
| Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 40.7 / 40.1 / 37.8 in | 41.1 / 40.6 / 37.7 in |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 44.1 / 42.4 / 31.4 in | 44.4 / 42.3 / 30 in |
| Shoulder Room (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 61.2 / 60.8 / 55.2 in | 59.5 / 58.1 / 53.5 in |
| Hip Room (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 58.1 / 57.7 / 43.7 in | 56.5 / 54.9 / 42.7 in |
Santa Fe vs. Palisade Size & Dimensions
Use one of our new Hyundai Santa Fe lease deals and you'll get a compact SUV that can tackle city driving with ease. This is ideal for families who don't require a large vehicle or much hauling capability.
For families that do, however, we offer the new Hyundai Palisade for sale. The entry-level Palisade has an additional seat but a longer, wider, and taller frame.
The Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Palisade dimensions both translate to spacious interior environments. Before you decide on one of these SUVs, think about how often you might need to navigate tight parking lots or transport eight passengers.
Continue the 2025 Santa Fe vs. Palisade Comparison at McGee Hyundai of Barre
Visit our dealership to keep exploring the difference between Hyundai Santa Fe and Palisade trims. We'll go over everything you still want to know about the Hyundai Palisade and the new Hyundai Santa Fe for sale, including their MPG values, interior features, trim levels, and more.
If you end up choosing the larger of these two SUVs, check out our new Hyundai Palisade lease deals.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Hyundai Santa Fe & Hyundai Palisade
Is a Palisade bigger than a Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Palisade is longer, wider, and taller than the Hyundai Santa Fe. These larger dimensions translate to more cargo space behind the third row than the Santa Fe offers, as well as more maximum cargo volume when both the second and third rows are folded. The Hyundai Palisade also has more shoulder room in every row, although the Santa Fe wins out in first- and second-row headroom.
Which is more fuel-efficient: the Santa Fe or Palisade?
Because of its smaller engine and body, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a more fuel-efficient SUV than the Hyundai Palisade. That said, the MPG values for both of these models aren't vastly different. The Hyundai Palisade SE gets an EPA-estimated 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 and the Hyundai Santa Fe SE gets an EPA-estimated 20/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1
Which SUV has better towing capacity?
Due to its larger engine, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade is capable of towing more than the Hyundai Santa Fe. The maximum Palisade towing capacity is 5,000 pounds,2 while the Santa Fe can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Both models are capable of bringing along a pair of Jet Skis, a bicycle rack, or a small trailer with adventuring essentials.
Make an Inquiry
* Indicates a required field
1All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
2Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner’s Manual for proper use and additional information.
