A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Archive comparison
These models are no longer sold new in South Africa. Verified final local specs and last-listed prices remain available for owners and used-car shoppers.
No longer sold newSpecs stay visible for owner and used-car comparisons.
⚡ 147 kW🔧 440 Nm⛽ 13.8 km/l
＋Add a 3rd car
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡PerformanceTie
⛽Fuel EconomySanta Fe
🛡SafetySanta Fe
📦PracticalitySanta Fe
🔑OwnershipSanta Fe
Santa Fe starts ZAR 1204500 cheaperPalisade from ZAR 1,204,500 · Santa Fe from ZAR 899,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Engine Power
142 kW
147 kW
Torque
440 Nm
440 Nm
Engine Size
2199 cc
2199 cc
Claimed Mileage
8.2 km/l
13.8 km/l
Ground Clearance
Not confirmed
188 mm
Boot / Load Bay
Not confirmed
703 l
Airbags
Driver, passenger, side and curtain
7
Kerb Weight
1952 kg
1980 kg
Seating Capacity
7
7
Warranty
5 years / 150 000 km plus 2 years / 50 000 km powertrain
5
= leads in this spec
Archived models stay fully comparable. Verified specs remain visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
Santa Fe holds a noticeable edge over Palisade, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
Santa Fe
+10 pts
Safety
Santa Fe
+61 pts
Practicality
Santa Fe
+12 pts
Ownership
Santa Fe
+14 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Palisade
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Santa Fe
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Palisade
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Santa Fe
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2001
Generation
Current South African Palisade listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Fifth generation Santa Fe on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; 'Sensuous Sportiness' design with distinctive parametric LED lighting signature
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2022; significant styling and interior quality upgrade; distinctive boxy design language with vertical lighting
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Body Style
Seven-seat SUV
Not confirmed
Model Year
2026
Not confirmed
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Kerb Weight
1952 kg
1980 kg
Seating Capacity
7
7
Towing Capacity
2200 kg
Not confirmed
Load Bed Length
Not confirmed
703 l
Load Bed Width
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Seats
7
7
Fuel Tank Capacity
71 l
67 l
Loadbox Length Mm
Not confirmed
703 l
Loadbox Width Mm
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Tare Mass Kg
1952 kg
1980 kg
Ground Clearance
Not confirmed
188 mm
Wheelbase
Not confirmed
2815 mm
Length
Not confirmed
4830 mm
Width
Not confirmed
1900 mm
Height
Not confirmed
1750 mm
Boot Space
Not confirmed
703 l
Number of Doors
Not confirmed
5
Boot Volume
Not confirmed
703 l
Doors
Not confirmed
5
Ground Clearance Max
Not confirmed
188 mm
Ground Clearance Min
Not confirmed
188 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
Not confirmed
188 mm
Height Mm
Not confirmed
1750 mm
Length Mm
Not confirmed
4830 mm
Cargo Volume
Not confirmed
703 l
Width Mm
Not confirmed
1900 mm
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Engine
2.2-litre turbo diesel
2.2 R-Series CRDi Diesel
Displacement
2199 cc
2199 cc
Power
142 kW
147 kW
Torque
440 Nm
440 Nm
Engine Displacement
2199 cc
2199 cc
Engine Displacement Cc
2199 cc
2199 cc
Engine Power kW
142 kW
147 kW
Engine Torque Nm
440 Nm
440 Nm
Max Power kW
142 kW
147 kW
Max Torque Nm
440 Nm
440 Nm
Engine Type
Not confirmed
Diesel
Cylinders
Not confirmed
4
Power @ RPM
Not confirmed
3800
Torque @ RPM
Not confirmed
1750
Fuel System
Not confirmed
Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Not confirmed
Yes
Top Speed
Not confirmed
205 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not confirmed
8.5 sec
Engine Position
Not confirmed
Front
Fuel Grade Required
Not confirmed
Diesel
Variable Valve Timing
Not confirmed
Yes
Engine Type Config
Not confirmed
Inline
Engine Cylinders
Not confirmed
4
Torque Nm Rpm
Not confirmed
1750
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
All-wheel drive
All-Wheel Drive
Number of Gears
8 km/h
Not confirmed
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission Speeds
8 km/h
Not confirmed
Drivetrain Layout
Not confirmed
HTRAC AWD
LSD Available
Not confirmed
Yes
Paddle Shifters
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Claimed Mileage
8.2 km/l
13.8 km/l
City Mileage
6.7 km/l
11.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
9.5 km/l
17.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
71 l
67 l
Fuel Tank Litres
71 l
67 l
Fuel Type
Diesel
Not confirmed
Emission Standard
Not confirmed
Euro 6
Average Fuel Consumption
Not confirmed
Yes
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Not confirmed
Yes
Distance To Empty
Not confirmed
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Not confirmed
Yes
Combined Consumption
Not confirmed
Yes
Combined Consumption L 100km
Not confirmed
Yes
Fuel Economy Combined
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Airbags
Driver, passenger, side and curtain
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Not confirmed
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not confirmed
No
Hill Start Assist
Not confirmed
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Not confirmed
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Not confirmed
Yes
Brake Assist
Not confirmed
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not confirmed
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not confirmed
Yes
Central Locking
Not confirmed
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not confirmed
Yes
Speed Alert System
Not confirmed
Yes
Safety Rating
Not confirmed
Not Rated (SA)
BA
Not confirmed
Yes
Driver Airbag
Not confirmed
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not confirmed
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Not confirmed
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not confirmed
Yes
TCS
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Cruise Control
Not confirmed
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not confirmed
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not confirmed
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Not confirmed
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not confirmed
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not confirmed
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not confirmed
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not confirmed
No
Auto Lights
Not confirmed
Yes
Auto Wipers
Not confirmed
No
Drive Modes
Not confirmed
Eco / Normal
Eco Mode
Not confirmed
Yes
EV Mode
Not confirmed
No
Sport Mode
Not confirmed
No
Around View Monitor
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Climate Control
Automatic
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Electric Tailgate
Smart power tailgate
Yes
AC Type
Automatic
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Service Plan
7 years / 105 000 km
4
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Air Conditioning
Automatic
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Rim Size
20 Inches
20-inch Alloy
Power Windows
Not confirmed
All
Keyless Entry
Not confirmed
Yes
Push Button Start
Not confirmed
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not confirmed
15W Wireless
Sunroof
Not confirmed
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not confirmed
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
Not confirmed
No
Rear Window Defroster
Not confirmed
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Not confirmed
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Not confirmed
12V
Boot Opener
Not confirmed
Inside
Door Ajar Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Not confirmed
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Not confirmed
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Armrest
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Not confirmed
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Not confirmed
Inside
Headlamp Height Adjust
Not confirmed
Manual
Headlamp Washer
Not confirmed
No
Power Mirrors
Not confirmed
Yes
Push Button Start
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Not confirmed
Yes
Service Reminder
Not confirmed
Yes
Spare Wheel
Not confirmed
Steel
Tachometer
Not confirmed
Yes
Telescopic Steering
Not confirmed
No
Tilt Steering
Not confirmed
Yes
Trip Computer
Not confirmed
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Not confirmed
Yes
Sound System
Not confirmed
8 Meridian Premium
Unlocking
Not confirmed
Yes
Wireless Charger
Not confirmed
15W Wireless
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Tyre Size
245/50 R20
255/45 R20
Wheel Rim Size
20 Inches
20-inch Alloy
Wheel Diameter
20 Inches
20-inch Alloy
Wheels
20 Inches
20-inch Alloy
Wheel Type
20 Inches
20-inch Alloy
Front Brake Type
Not confirmed
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Not confirmed
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not confirmed
Steel
Parking Brake Type
Not confirmed
Manual
Tyre Load Index
Not confirmed
91
Tyre Speed Rating
Not confirmed
H
Brake Type Front
Not confirmed
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
Not confirmed
Disc
Spare Tyre
Not confirmed
Steel
Tyre Type
Not confirmed
Tubeless Radial
Wheelbase Mm
Not confirmed
2815 mm
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Warranty Years
5 years / 150 000 km plus 2 years / 50 000 km powertrain
5
Warranty Kilometers
5 years / 150 000 km plus 2 years / 50 000 km powertrain
5
Basic Warranty
5 years / 150 000 km plus 2 years / 50 000 km powertrain
5
Warranty
5 years / 150 000 km plus 2 years / 50 000 km powertrain
5
Roadside Assistance
Not confirmed
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
Not confirmed
5 Years
Roadside Assistance
Not confirmed
5 Years
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Service Plan Duration
7 years / 105 000 km
4
Service Plan Distance
7 years / 105 000 km
4
Service Interval
Not confirmed
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
Not confirmed
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
Not confirmed
15000
Alternator
Not confirmed
120A
Battery Type
Not confirmed
Lead-acid
Gear Shift Indicator
Not confirmed
Yes
Service Intervals
Not confirmed
15000 km / 12 months
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Roof Type
Dual sunroof
Not confirmed
LED Headlamps
Not confirmed
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lamps
Not confirmed
LED
Fog Lamps
Not confirmed
LED
Roof Rails
Not confirmed
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
20 Inches
20-inch Alloy
Rear Spoiler
Not confirmed
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Not confirmed
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
Not confirmed
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Not confirmed
Body Coloured
Body Type
Not confirmed
SUV
DRL
Not confirmed
LED
Fog Lights
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Not confirmed
Yes
Led Headlights
Not confirmed
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lights
Not confirmed
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
Not confirmed
LED
Headlamps
Not confirmed
Full LED Parametric
Headlight Type
Not confirmed
Full LED Parametric
Headlights
Not confirmed
Full LED Parametric
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Price Zar
1204500 ZAR
Not confirmed
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Seat Material
Not confirmed
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Power 8-way
Heated Seats
Not confirmed
Front & 2nd Row
Ventilated Seats
Not confirmed
Front
Steering Type
Not confirmed
Electric
Steering Adjustment
Not confirmed
Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not confirmed
64-Colour Ambient
Folding Rear Seats
Not confirmed
3rd Row Fold Flat
Front Armrest
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Armrest
Not confirmed
No
Cup Holders
Not confirmed
4
Steering Wheel Material
Not confirmed
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Not confirmed
Analogue + MID
Door Map Pockets
Not confirmed
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Not confirmed
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Not confirmed
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
Not confirmed
Manual
Cooled Seats
Not confirmed
No
Fabric Seats
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Headrest
Not confirmed
Yes
Leather Seats
Not confirmed
No
Memory Seats
Not confirmed
No
Rear Headrest
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Infotainment Screen
Not confirmed
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Not confirmed
Yes
Android Auto
Not confirmed
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not confirmed
Yes
Number of Speakers
Not confirmed
8 Meridian Premium
Navigation System
Not confirmed
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not confirmed
12.3-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
Not confirmed
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Not confirmed
Yes
FM Radio
Not confirmed
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Not confirmed
Yes
Voice Recognition
Not confirmed
Yes
AUX Input
Not confirmed
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Not confirmed
Yes
Infotainment Display
Not confirmed
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
Not confirmed
Yes
Audio Speakers
Not confirmed
8 Meridian Premium
Wireless Android Auto
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Terrain Modes
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Locking Differential
Not confirmed
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
Not confirmed
No
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
Front Suspension
Not confirmed
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Not confirmed
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Not confirmed
Monocoque
Power Steering
Not confirmed
Electric
Steering Column
Not confirmed
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
Not confirmed
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Not confirmed
Multi-Link
Spec
Palisade
Santa Fe
CO2 Emissions
Not confirmed
188 g/km
Start Stop System
Not confirmed
No
Fuel Octane Requirement
Not confirmed
Diesel
Fuel Evaporation Control
Not confirmed
Yes
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Santa Fe leads by 19 points
Santa Fe holds a noticeable edge over Palisade, especially in key ownership areas.
Performance
Level
Efficiency
Santa Fe +10
Safety
Santa Fe +61
Practicality
Santa Fe +12
Ownership
Santa Fe +14
Moderate difference between the models.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Santa Fe
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
89/100
Ownership
65/100
Palisade
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
40/100
Safety
38/100
Practicality
77/100
Ownership
51/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai Santa Fe
wins with 77 pts
vs 58 pts for Palisade
In structured scoring, Santa Fe emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Palisade may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Santa Fe edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Palisade 40 vs Santa Fe 50. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Palisade 38, Santa Fe 99. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Palisade 51, Santa Fe 65. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Palisade 77, Santa Fe 89. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Palisade 74, Santa Fe 74. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Santa Fe edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Santa Fe scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Palisade and Santa Fe in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Palisade scores 74 vs 74.
Efficiency: Palisade scores 40 vs 50.
Safety: Palisade scores 38 vs 99.
Practicality: Palisade scores 77 vs 89.
Ownership: Palisade scores 51 vs 65.
Final structured scoring gives Santa Fe
the advantage in this comparison.
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