2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe, especially in its XRT trim, didn't win many fans with its cosmetic treatments. While we would have liked to see a suspension lift and more aggressive tires, the XRT treatment felt unconvincing. The side steps, although useful for accessing the roof rack, impeded entry and exit and reduced the vehicle's breakover angle during off-road ventures. Hence, if utilizing the roof rack wasn’t a priority, skipping the XRT trim seemed wise.

The XRT was priced between the mid-range SEL and higher-end Limited and Calligraphy trims, starting at $34,095. Our test vehicle was painted in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, creating a monochromatic look. The MSRP climbed to $35,940 when AWD and floor mats were added.

Inside, the Santa Fe demonstrated thoughtful design, though not as upscale as the Limited or Calligraphy variants. The patterns and brightwork in the interior made it a pleasant place to spend time, delivering high quality at its price point despite the lack of visual contrast.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade sported a more commanding presence after its styling update. The bold strokes of the new front fascia and squared-off grille enhanced its strong and assertive look. Standard LED accents and headlights, along with LED taillights on SEL trims and above, added to its visual appeal. Body-color mirrors with advanced features like heated, powered, and auto-dimming functions were standard.

The top Calligraphy trim of the Palisade boasted premium features like unique rear accent lighting, a glossy black and chrome grille, body-color bumpers, and a wider rear spoiler. The XRT trim added a dark grille, body-colored handles, special accents on bumpers and skid plates, and black 20-inch wheels, making it visually distinct.

A new color, Robust Emerald, became available for Calligraphy models in 2023, replacing the Rainforest shade. The interior echoed luxury with a dual-pane sunroof brightening the space despite the dark seats. Higher trims featured premium Nappa leather, while base models offered cloth seats.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. With nearly two tons to move, the engine's performance was adequate rather than exhilarating. It provided sufficient power to reach freeway speeds and cruise comfortably, though it wasn’t designed for quick acceleration. The turbocharged engine in the Limited and Calligraphy trims offered significantly more power at 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.

The eight-speed automatic transmission in the Santa Fe XRT performed flawlessly, with simple pushbutton controls for gear selection. Multiple driving modes like Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow provided versatility. The vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, close to its EPA rating of 24 mpg, though the turbocharged engine also achieved similar fuel efficiency.

In terms of ride and handling, the Santa Fe excelled in comfort and composure. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, and the cabin remained remarkably quiet. While the SUV offered decent overall performance, some weaknesses were noted in engine responsiveness during climbs and rapid acceleration.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, with its 3.8-liter V6 engine, produced 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, pacing it competitively within its class. The eight-speed automatic transmission could be paddle-shifted, with FWD standard and AWD as an option. In our mud-sliding test, the AWD system proved its mettle in slippery conditions.

Though not designed for rigorous off-roading, the Palisade offered a comfortable ride perfect for urban and highway travel. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with AWD models featuring a dedicated Tow Mode for optimal gear shifting. Fuel efficiency was rated at 19 mpg city, 27 highway for FWD models, and slightly lower for AWD ones.

Inside the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, the SUV featured a dual-zone automatic climate control with a Clean Air ionizer and rear AC vents for passenger comfort. Both front seats were heated, with the driver’s seat offering eight-way power adjustment, although the front passenger’s seat did not have height adjustment, which could be a minor inconvenience.

The Santa Fe’s rear accommodations were excellent, providing ample space for a family of four, including child-safety seat compatibility and side-window shades. Storage options were adequate but could be more accessible in some areas. The Smart Tailgate feature, although convenient, sometimes opened unintentionally. The cargo space measured 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was notably spacious, seating seven to eight passengers comfortably. The front row offered 44.1 inches of legroom, 42.4 inches in the second row, and 31.4 inches in the third row. It boasted a total passenger volume of 155.3 cubic feet. The Palisade had ample cargo space, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 behind the second row, and 86.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The hands-free smart liftgate was standard on all but the base trim, enhancing convenience.

The Palisade provided HVAC vents in all three rows and various cupholders. The center console included a phone holder and storage space below. The controls were user-friendly, with automatic dual-zone climate control standard in SEL trims and higher.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs for easy use while driving. Bluelink connected services were standard for three years, offering remote engine starting, car finding, and more. However, advanced voice recognition and upgrade options were absent in the XRT trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade excelled in technology with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and HD Radio. A premium Harman Kardon sound system and a color head-up display were available in higher trims. The Palisade introduced WiFi hotspot capability and Digital Key 2 Touch, compatible with both Apple and Android devices for convenient remote management. Seven USB ports and wireless charging supported multiple devices, enhancing connectivity for all passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT offered numerous safety features through the Hyundai SmartSense suite. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and more. The SUV had Safe Exit Assist and an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system, ensuring a high level of safety for occupants. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and high scores from NHTSA.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade built upon its predecessor’s safety reputation. While it had not been rated at the time of writing, it was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ status due to added features, including second-row side-impact airbags. Hyundai’s Smart Sense suite remained standard, with additions like Highway Driving Assist II in higher trims for enhanced lane-keeping and collision avoidance. The Palisade also offered a full-display digital rearview mirror and a comprehensive suite of remote safety features through Bluelink.