Head-to-head · vehicle level

Hyundai Palisade vs. Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Palisade 79Hyundai Santa Fe 84on the MotiveGrid ScoreHyundai Santa Fe about $4,331 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the cheaper one to own — roughly $4,331 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy. The Hyundai Palisade counters with more cargo room (19.1 vs 14.6 cu ft) and seating for 8.

Go with the Hyundai Santa Fe for the better long-term value; consider the Hyundai Palisade if you prioritize more cargo space and more passenger space.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Hyundai Palisade vs. Hyundai Santa Fe

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Palisade versus 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
MetricHyundai PalisadeHyundai Santa Fe
MotiveGrid Score7984
Cost of Ownership7281
Powertrain4862
Driver Assistance3232
Livability7171
Safety10097
5-Year Cost to Own$58,021$53,690
Depreciation (5-yr)$20,112$18,997
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$16,036$14,034
Insurance (5-yr)$10,790$10,320
Maintenance (5-yr)$1,915$1,915
Tires (5-yr)$2,150$2,150
Financing (5-yr)$5,933$5,274
Registration (5-yr)$1,085$1,000
Starting Price$39,435$35,050
Horsepower287 hp277 hp
MPG (combined)21 mpg24 mpg
Cargo volume19.1 cu ft14.6 cu ft
Seating87
DrivetrainFWDFWD
Gas
2026$39,435
   in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$39,435
Mo · 5yr
$967
$58,021 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$35,050
   in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$35,050
Mo · 5yr
$895
$53,690 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score

Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.

Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →

Hyundai Santa Fe scores higher overall.

Hyundai Palisade
0
/ 100
Hyundai Santa Fe
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Palisade
72
Santa Fe
81
Winner: Santa Fe
$4,331 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Palisade
48
Santa Fe
62
Winner: Santa Fe
+14 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Palisade
32
Santa Fe
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Palisade
71
Santa Fe
71
Evenly matched
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Palisade
100
Santa Fe
97
Winner: Palisade
+3 pts
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Hyundai Santa Fe is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $4,331 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Hyundai Palisade still wins if your priority is best for families.

Daily commuter
Hyundai Santa Fe
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai Santa Fe
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai Palisade
Better safety rating with more cargo room and a 6th seat
Highway driver
Hyundai Palisade
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai Santa Fe
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03

Cost of Ownership

Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation

State

Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Hyundai Palisade
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$967
$58,021 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$967/mo
Hyundai Santa Fe
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$895
$53,690 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$895/mo
04

Frequently asked questions

Hyundai Santa Fe comes out about $4,331 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.

Where these rank

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