Hyundai Santa Fe vs Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize, three-row SUV that sits at the smaller end of the segment, while the Hyundai Palisade lives among the larger players in the class. Nevertheless, thanks to its boxy shape and thoughtfully crafted interior, shoppers might decide bigger isn’t necessarily better. The 2026 Santa Fe gets a new transmission, added safety features, and minor equipment and packaging updates. The Santa Fe Hybrid returns, too, but we’ll cover that in a separate review.

Verdict: Polarizing design aside, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a brilliant, family-friendly crossover SUV. We tested the XRT version, which trades fuel economy for off-road capability, so buyers who don’t need that should pick a different trim level.

Hyundai redesigned the popular Palisade three-row sport utility vehicle for the 2026 model year. Already one of the best three-row crossover SUVs in America, Hyundai left no stone unturned in its quest to make the 2026 Palisade the best version yet.

Verdict: The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is an improvement over the outgoing version it replaces in every meaningful way. Consider the Palisade a top choice if you’re in the market for a three-row SUV that’s comfortable for the whole family. And if you’re planning to spend some time in the dirt, take a look at the new-for-2026 Palisade XRT Pro.