2026 Hyundai Palisade Vs. Hyundai Santa Fe

February 6th, 2026 by

palisade vs santa fe

2026 Hyundai Palisade Vs. Hyundai Santa Fe

When shopping for a spacious three-row SUV, Crete drivers often find themselves between the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe. Both models deliver the everyday flexibility families need, with roomy interiors, advanced safety technology, and modern infotainment systems, making your decision dependent on your lifestyle. Read on to explore how these Hyundai three-row models compare with the experts at Sid Dillon Hyundai.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Vs. Santa Fe: Trim Levels

The Hyundai Palisade and Hyundai Santa Fe lineups reflect different approaches to versatility and value. The Santa Fe offers a streamlined selection focused on adventure-ready capability, while the Palisade provides more luxury-oriented configurations for discerning drivers. See the full breakdown below to discover which trim structure better matches your needs:

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims

  • Hyundai Santa Fe SE
  • Hyundai Santa Fe SEL
  • Hyundai Santa Fe XRT
  • Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
  • Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy

2026 Hyundai Palisade Trims

  • Hyundai Palisade SE
  • Hyundai Palisade SEL
  • Hyundai Palisade SEL Convenience
  • Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium 
  • Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro
  • Hyundai Palisade Limited
  • Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Vs. Palisade: Performance

Both the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Palisade provide exceptional performance for your morning commutes and weekend travels. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine that powers the Hyundai Santa Fe delivers responsive acceleration and strong torque, ensuring you have the power you need to take on your next adventure. In contrast, the V6 engine that fuels the Hyundai Palisade prioritizes smooth, refined performance on the streets of Omaha.

With such distinct engineering, it’s no surprise that towing capacity also varies significantly between the two, with the Palisade holding a clear advantage for those who regularly haul trailers. Review the specifications below to determine which powertrain is right for you:

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Powertrain

  • Engine: 2.5L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain (Standard/Available): Front-wheel drive / HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive
  • Horsepower: 277 hp
  • Torque: 311 lb-ft
  • Maximum Towing Capacity (Standard/XRT): 3,500 pounds / 4,500 pounds

2026 Hyundai Palisade Powertrain

  • Engine: 3.5L 6-cylinder
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain (Standard/Available): Front-wheel drive / HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive
  • Horsepower: 287 hp
  • Torque: 260 lb-ft
  • Maximum Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds 

Interested in elevating your drives with an electrified model? The Hyundai Palisade Hybrid and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid offer enhanced fuel efficiency on your trips around Seward without sacrificing interior space or functionality.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Vs. Hyundai Santa Fe: Features

Regardless of which Hyundai SUV you choose, you’ll enjoy comprehensive infotainment and comfort amenities throughout the cabin. That said, the Hyundai Palisade adds onboard navigation, three-zone climate control, and an in-car intercom system as standard, making it an attractive option for families on the go. Compare the standard features available on both entry-level models below:

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE: Standard Amenities

  • YES Essentials® stain-resistant cloth seats
  • Air conditioning
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display
  • 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
  • Wireless Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay®
  • Rear Seat Quiet Mode
  • Bluelink+

2026 Hyundai Palisade SE: Standard Amenities

  • Cloth seats
  • 3-zone automatic climate control
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display
  • 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with onboard navigation
  • Wireless Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay®
  • Rear Seat Quiet Mode
  • Passenger Talk in-car intercom
  • Bluelink+

Continue Your Hyundai SUV Comparison At Sid Dillon Hyundai

Ready to experience the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and Santa Fe in person? Contact Sid Dillon Hyundai online or by phone at (402) 413-0606 to schedule a test drive at our Lincoln location, and our team will let you explore both three-row SUVs from behind the wheel.