2020 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels, with the "2.0T" versions providing a turbocharged engine for enhanced power and performance. All-wheel drive was an optional feature, allowing the automatic transmission to distribute power to the rear wheels when needed. Buyers could select from various paint colors, interior options, and dealer-installed accessories. The Limited 2.0T trim, with added floor mats, was priced at $39,170. The Santa Fe's design was bold and experimental, featuring a distinctive grille, stacked lighting, and unique fender shapes, which might not appeal to everyone. Inside, the dual-cowl dashboard and high-contrast interior colors added drama, though materials like glossy plastic and stiff leather were less impressive. Despite this, the build quality was excellent, and the controls were refined.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised lighting, additional trim, 20-inch wheels, and upgraded interior details, including a simulated suede headliner. While the Limited trim shared some features with the SEL, the Calligraphy stood out with its luxurious appearance, drawing attention for its unconventional styling. Opinions on its design varied, but the Palisade Calligraphy appeared more expensive than it was. Inside, the Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, premium Nappa leather, and suede headliner made the cabin feel like a bargain compared to other midsize three-row SUVs. The Palisade's interior was plush and well-appointed, offering a sense of luxury.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe had a minimum curb weight of 3,591 pounds and a maximum of 3,946 pounds. Its standard 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine was shared with the Kia Sorento, but the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, was the preferred choice. This engine provided a significant power boost and performed well at higher altitudes. An eight-speed automatic transmission directed power to the front wheels, with optional AWD available. The Santa Fe had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in combined driving, with the test model returning 22.1 mpg. The Santa Fe offered a smooth ride, decent handling, and quiet highway performance, though it lacked driver engagement.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with optional AWD. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding Snow mode and a Lock function. The Palisade AWD achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 21.1 mpg. The Palisade's firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without encouraging aggressive behavior. It was undemanding in typical driving scenarios, with ample power and easy maneuverability. The Palisade's 5,000-pound towing capacity was supported by a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was a thoughtfully designed two-row SUV with creative storage spaces and stain-resistant fabric in cloth-seat versions. It accommodated five passengers comfortably, with eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The dual-zone automatic climate control system included a Clean Air ionizer, and the panoramic sunroof added to the interior's appeal. The back seat was comfortable for adults, with air conditioning vents, sunshades, and heated cushions. However, the Santa Fe's cargo space was limited, with 35.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and a maximum of 71.3 cubic feet. The hands-free "smart" liftgate was a convenient feature.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility, especially in Calligraphy trim. The driver and passenger enjoyed eight-way power-adjustable seats, with heated and ventilated front seats and second-row captain's chairs. The third-row passengers had separate climate controls and sunshades. The seats provided good support for long drives, and the captain's chairs offered flexibility for passenger and cargo needs. The Palisade's third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class. In-cabin storage was ample, with a storage tray under the center console. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate was a practical feature.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system with stereo control knobs, main menu shortcut buttons, and a programmable button. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services with three free years of service. The Limited trim offered a larger 8-inch display, navigation, surround-view camera, wireless smartphone charging, and a 12-speaker Infinity surround sound system. A head-up display provided essential information, including blind-spot warnings. The technology was intuitive and easy to use.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and Quiet Mode. A head-up display showed vital information, and a surround-view camera system aided parking. The technology was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was a safe family SUV, earning a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. A driver monitoring system and rear-seat reminder were standard. The SEL trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, along with a safe exit assist system. The Limited trim featured a Blind-Spot View Monitor, enhancing safety.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems. A rear occupant alert system was standard, with a more advanced version in higher trims. Most Palisades included blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and the Limited and Calligraphy trims had a Blind View Monitor. Highway Drive Assist was a standout feature, providing smooth and sophisticated driving assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.