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2026 Honda Civic vs Hyundai Elantra: Interior, Power & Value Compared

2026-Honda-Civic-vs-Hyundai-Elantra-Interior-Power-Value-Compared

Why the 2026 Elantra Beats the Honda Civic for Smart Buyers

Cross-shopping the 2026 Honda Civic vs Hyundai Elantra? You've narrowed it down to two solid compact sedans. Here's what separates them: Hyundai delivers better real-world value through lower pricing, superior fuel economy, a 10-year warranty that puts Honda's coverage to shame, and a dual-clutch transmission that feels more connected than the Civic's droning CVT. Let's break down why the Elantra makes more sense for drivers who want the most car for their money.

  • The Elantra Hybrid Blue crushes the Civic on highway efficiency with 58 mpg versus the Civic's 47 mpg, saving you real money on long commutes.
  • Starting at $22,625, the Elantra undercuts the Civic by nearly $2,000 while packing more standard features at every trim level.
  • Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty runs circles around Honda's 5-year/60,000-mile coverage, protecting your investment twice as long.

Where the Elantra Outperforms on Efficiency

Hyundai's base 2.0-liter engine (147 hp) matches the Civic's output while delivering better fuel economy: 35 city and 43 highway versus the Civic's 32/41. You're already ahead before considering a hybrid.

Step up to the Elantra Hybrid, and you get a 1.6-liter engine paired with an electric motor for 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. That torque makes city driving feel punchy. But here's the real winner: the six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Unlike the Civic's CVT, which drones and feels disconnected, Hyundai's DCT shifts through gears like a traditional automatic. No rubber-band feel on highway on-ramps.

Blue trim hybrids deliver 51 city and 58 highway mpg. That 58 highway number crushes the Civic Hybrid's 47 mpg. Rack up 15,000 highway miles annually, and you're saving hundreds at the pump. Sure, the Civic makes 200 total system horsepower and hits 0-60 faster (6.1 seconds versus 8.4). But how often are you launching from stoplights? Real-world efficiency and a smoother transmission matter more in traffic and at highway speeds.

Better Interior Value in the Elantra

Both sedans seat five comfortably with comparable dimensions and trunk space (14.2 cu ft in the Elantra versus 14.8 in the Civic). What's different? Hyundai gives you more for less money.

Even the base SE includes an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Move up to the SEL Sport at $23,750, and you add heated seats, dual-zone climate, and wireless charging. Honda charges more upfront, then makes you climb trim levels to match these features.

Look at the Limited's dual 10.3-inch displays. They stretch across the dash like a luxury sedan's cockpit. Yes, some trim materials aren't as premium as the Civic's. But you're getting more tech, more features, and more screen real estate for thousands less. When choosing between slightly nicer plastics or keeping money in your pocket, Hyundai makes the smarter call.

2026-Honda-Civic-vs-Hyundai-Elantra-Interior-Power-Value-Compared-Elantra

Safety Tech Where It Counts

Honda includes Honda Sensing with adaptive cruise, lane keeping, and automatic braking. Hyundai counters with SmartSense, including blind-spot monitors, driver attention warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, standard across all trims. That's more safety features from the base model up.

Higher trims add front cross-traffic alert, bicyclist detection, and phone-as-key functionality. You also get dual 10.3-inch screens on the Limited, giving you more display space than the Civic's 9-inch setup. Both cars handle safety and connectivity well. Hyundai just includes more without charging premium prices.

Quick Reference Comparison

Category2026 Honda Civic2026 Hyundai Elantra
Base Engine2.0L 4-cyl, 150 hp2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp
Hybrid Power200 hp total system139 hp, 195 lb-ft torque
Base MPG (city/hwy)32/4135/43
Hybrid MPG (city/hwy)50/4751/58 (Blue trim)
Starting Price$24,595$22,625
Cargo Space14.8 cu ft14.2 cu ft
TransmissionCVT (hybrid uses eCVT)CVT (hybrid uses 6-speed DCT)
Standard Screen7-inch (9-inch on hybrid)8-inch standard

Why the Elantra Wins on Total Value

Sticker prices tell the story: $22,625 for the Elantra versus $24,595 for the Civic. That's nearly $2,000 in savings before negotiating. As you move up the trim levels, the gap widens. Hyundai's SEL Sport at $23,750 includes heated seats, dual-zone climate, and wireless charging that cost thousands more in a comparable Civic.

Warranty coverage makes an even bigger difference. Hyundai gives you 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection. Honda offers 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain. Keep your car past 60,000 miles, and the Elantra saves you from repair bills Honda owners pay out of pocket.

Honda has slightly better resale value. But do the math: save $2,000 upfront, get better highway fuel economy, and benefit from warranty coverage that lasts twice as long. That resale gap shrinks fast for buyers who keep cars 7-10 years.

The Smart Money Picks the Elantra

For most buyers, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra wins this matchup. Lower upfront costs, better highway fuel economy, an engaging dual-clutch transmission, more standard features, and warranty protection that lasts twice as long all add up to better value.

Honda makes sense if you prioritize the sportiest handling and don't mind paying more. But for daily commuters, budget-conscious buyers, highway drivers, or anyone keeping their car long enough to benefit from that 10-year warranty, Hyundai is the smarter choice. Money saved adds up to thousands over the car's life.

Experience the Elantra Advantage at Gates Hyundai

Ready to see why the Elantra outperforms the competition? We keep a complete 2026 lineup at our Richmond showroom, from the budget-friendly SE to the loaded Limited hybrid. Take the dual-clutch transmission for a test drive and feel the difference compared to a droning CVT. Our team can show you exactly how much you'll save on fuel with the hybrid's 58 highway mpg, walk you through Hyundai's 10-year warranty coverage, and help you configure the trim that gives you what you want without paying for extras you don't need. Stop by and discover why smart buyers are choosing the Elantra.

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2026-Hyundai-Tucson-vs-Toyota-RAV4-Why-Tucson-Is-the-Smarter-Compact-SUV-Buy

2026 Hyundai Tucson vs. Toyota RAV4: Why Tucson Is the Smarter Compact SUV Buy

Why the 2026 Tucson Stretches Your Dollar Further Than the RAV4 Park at any Kentucky grocery store and you'll count a dozen compact SUVs before you reach the door. Two names pop up again and again. This year's Toyota RAV4 is all-new and now comes only as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, while the 2026 Hyundai Tucson lets you choose gas, hybrid, or plug-in power. Both are good SUVs, but the Tucson keeps more money in your pocket at almost every step of the trim ladder. The gas Tucson SE starts at $29,700, and the Tucson Hybrid SE starts at $31,300, both below the $31,900 RAV4 LE. Every Tucson gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and gas and hybrid models add more cargo room and a much longer powertrain warranty than the RAV4. The RAV4 fights back with better fuel economy and higher tow ratings, so your daily routine should guide the choice. Hyundai Tucson vs. Toyota RAV4 Pricing Starts in Your Favor Toyota dropped the gas engine from the RAV4 for 2026. Every model is now electrified, and the LE starts at $31,900. That's a fair price for a hybrid, but it means there's no cheaper way into a new RAV4. Hyundai still sells a gas Tucson. The SE starts at $29,700 with a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, an eight-speed automatic, and 33 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. Want a hybrid instead? The Tucson Hybrid SE comes in at $31,300, and it is now offered with front-wheel drive as well as HTRAC. It makes 231 combined horsepower, a bit above the 226 horsepower in a front-drive RAV4. Line up the Hyundai Tucson vs. Toyota RAV4 trim by trim, and that pattern holds, with the Tucson bringing more gear for less cash. More Standard Gear on Every Rung The gap grows as you move up. A $32,750 Tucson Hybrid SEL already has heated front seats, an 8-way power driver's seat, 18-inch wheels, and a hands-free liftgate that opens when you stand near it with the fob in your pocket. In the RAV4, heated front seats first appear on the $34,700 SE, which is nearly $2,000 higher. Screens tell a similar story. Every Tucson has a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The RAV4 LE and SE use a 10.5-inch display, with a 12.9-inch screen standard on the XSE, Limited, and GR SPORT. Safety Tech You Don't Pay Extra For Hyundai SmartSense comes standard on every Tucson trim, including Forward Attention Warning, which watches for signs the driver has stopped paying attention to the road ahead. Here's how it works. Shop Tucson inventory Room for People and Gear Cargo space goes to the Tucson. Gas and hybrid models give you 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, and gas models stretch to 74.8 cubic feet with the seat folded. Toyota lists up to 37.8 cubic feet behind the RAV4's second row. Back-seat riders get 41.3 inches of legroom in the Tucson, which helps when your teenager grows three inches over one summer. A Warranty Built for Long-Term Owners Hyundai backs the Tucson with a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Toyota's coverage runs 3 years or 36,000 miles, with 5 years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain. Keep your SUV for the long haul, and that gap adds up. Hybrid batteries are a closer fight. Hyundai covers the Tucson's battery for 10 years or 100,000 miles, and Toyota covers the RAV4's for 10 years or 150,000 miles. That round goes to Toyota. Where the RAV4 Pulls Ahead Fair is fair. Toyota rates the front-drive RAV4 hybrids at 43 mpg combined, while the front-drive Tucson Hybrid SE and SEL are EPA-rated at 38 mpg combined. Select AWD RAV4 trims can tow 3,500 pounds. The gas Tucson tops out at 2,750 pounds with trailer brakes, and the hybrid is rated for 2,000. Plug-in shoppers should know the RAV4 PHEV makes 324 horsepower, and Toyota estimates up to 52 miles of electric range on the SE. The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid produces 268 horsepower and offers a 32-mile electric range. Picking the Right Tucson for Your Budget If you tow a camper or chase every last mile per gallon, the RAV4 deserves a test drive. Most families juggle a monthly payment and a packed cargo area, and that's where the Tucson makes the stronger case. The gas SEL at $31,050 hits the sweet spot for budget shoppers. Commuters who want a hybrid should look hard at the Hybrid SEL. At the top, the Tucson Hybrid Limited brings AWD, leather, a panoramic sunroof, and Remote Smart Parking Assist for $875 less than a RAV4 Limited. 2026 Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4 Trim Level Comparison Chart Trim Tier 2026 Hyundai Tucson 2026 Toyota RAV4 Entry Gas SE, $29,700 187-hp 2.5L 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic, 25/33/28 mpg FWD, 12.3-inch touchscreen, 17-inch alloys, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, AWD optional Not offered Every 2026 RAV4 is a hybrid or plug-in hybrid Entry Hybrid Hybrid SE, $31,300 231 combined hp, 40/35/38 mpg FWD, 38/38/38 mpg with optional AWD, 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 17-inch alloys LE, $31,900 226 hp FWD or 236 hp AWD, 47/40/43 mpg FWD, 10.5-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 17-inch alloys, fabric seats with manual adjustment Mid-Level SEL, $31,050 | SEL Plus, $31,550 | Hybrid SEL, $32,750 Heated front seats, 8-way power driver's seat, hands-free smart liftgate, dual automatic temperature control, 18-inch alloys, SEL Plus adds 19-inch alloys and H-Tex seats SE, $34,700 Heated front seats, 8-way power driver's seat, fabric sport seats, 18-inch black alloys, front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, five USB-C ports Upper Mid-Level SEL Premium, $34,050 | Hybrid SEL Convenience, $35,250 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, H-Tex seats, wireless phone charging, SEL Premium adds navigation, power sunroof, and Highway Driving Assist, Hybrid SEL Convenience includes AWD and 36 mpg combined XLE Premium, $36,100 SofTex seats, heated front seats, power liftgate, wireless phone charging, 18-inch alloys, 3,500-lb tow rating with AWD Rugged XRT, $33,725 XRT-exclusive 18-inch alloys and cladding, standard tow hitch, H-Tex seats, Terrain Mode with optional AWD, 2,750-lb tow rating with trailer brakes Woodland, $39,900 Standard AWD, all-terrain tires, 2-inch hitch receiver, 3,500-lb tow rating, 8.5-inch ground clearance, 1,500-watt cargo outlet, 38 mpg combined Top Trims Limited, $39,675 | Hybrid Limited, $42,425 Leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, Bose audio, 12-inch head-up display, panoramic sunroof, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Surround View Monitor XSE, $41,300 | Limited, $43,300 12.9-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, 3D Panoramic View Monitor, hands-free power liftgate, Limited adds 9-speaker JBL audio, panoramic glass roof, and heated rear seats, head-up display available on Limited Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid SEL, $40,675 268 combined hp, standard AWD, 32-mile electric range, 35 mpg combined in hybrid mode SE, $41,500 | Woodland, $45,300 | XSE, $47,200 | GR SPORT, $48,500 324 combined hp, standard AWD, up to 52 miles of electric range on SE per Toyota estimate Cargo Behind Rear Seat 38.7 cu ft SAE, gas and hybrid models Up to 37.8 cu ft behind second row Top Tow Rating 2,750 lbs gas, 2,000 lbs hybrid, with trailer brakes 3,500 lbs on select AWD trims Factory Warranty 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain, 10-year/100,000-mile hybrid battery 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain, 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery Prices shown are starting MSRP and exclude destination, tax, title, and license fees. RAV4 fuel economy figures are Toyota's published ratings. Specs verified against Hyundai and Toyota sources in September 2026 and may change. Test Drive the Tucson Lineup at Gates Hyundai Ask us to line up a gas Tucson and a Tucson Hybrid, and drive them back to back on the same roads you use every day. As a fourth-generation, family-owned dealership, we've always earned business the honest way, with no pressure and no gimmicks. Our finance team works with a range of lenders to find a plan that fits, whether your credit is great or you're rebuilding it. You can estimate your trade-in online before you stop by. Once you're driving, our factory-trained technicians and genuine Hyundai parts keep your Tucson running right. Drivers from Richmond, Lexington, Berea, and across central Kentucky are always welcome here. Frequently Asked Questions Is the 2026 Hyundai Tucson cheaper than the 2026 Toyota RAV4? Yes. The gas Tucson SE starts at $29,700, and the Tucson Hybrid SE starts at $31,300. The least expensive 2026 RAV4 is the LE hybrid at $31,900. All three prices are starting MSRP before destination charges. Which gets better fuel economy, the Tucson Hybrid or the RAV4? The RAV4 does. Toyota rates front-drive RAV4 hybrids at 43 mpg combined. The front-drive Tucson Hybrid SE and SEL are EPA-rated at 38 mpg combined. Which SUV has more cargo room? The Tucson. Gas and hybrid Tucson models offer 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat. Toyota lists up to 37.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of the RAV4. How do the Tucson and RAV4 warranties compare? Hyundai gives the Tucson a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Toyota covers the RAV4 for 3 years or 36,000 miles, with 5 years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain. Toyota does cover the RAV4 hybrid battery longer, at 10 years or 150,000 miles. Can the Tucson tow as much as the RAV4? Not quite. The gas Tucson is rated to tow 2,750 pounds with trailer brakes, and the Tucson Hybrid is rated for 2,000 pounds. Select AWD versions of the RAV4 are rated for 3,500 pounds. Drive the Gas and the Hybrid Back-to-Back Sixteen hundred dollars and ten mpg separate them. Ten minutes on your own commute settles which one belongs in your driveway. Shop Tucson inventory Shop Tucson Hybrid

Hyundai-Kona-vs-Tucson-Small-or-Compact-SUV

Hyundai Kona vs. Tucson: Small or Compact SUV?

What Changes When You Step Up From Kona to Tucson Two Hyundai SUVs share a showroom floor, a grille family, and the same warranty paperwork. One tucks into a tight downtown spot with inches left over. The other holds a stroller, a cooler, and two duffel bags without anyone folding a seat. The Kona measures 171.3 inches long and holds 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, while the Tucson stretches to 182.7 inches and holds 41.2 cubic feet. Kona shoppers pick between a 147-horsepower 2.0L and a 190-horsepower 1.6L turbo, and every gas Tucson trim runs the same 187-horsepower 2.5L. Front-wheel drive is standard on both models, with HTRAC all-wheel drive available on every trim in either lineup. What Separates a Small SUV From a Compact One Hyundai builds the Kona as a subcompact crossover and the Tucson as a compact, and those labels show up on the tape measure. The Kona rides on a 104.7-inch wheelbase and measures 171.3 inches long. Tucson adds almost a foot of length at 182.7 inches, riding on a 108.5-inch wheelbase. Cargo room follows the same pattern. Behind the rear seats, you get 25.5 cubic feet in a Kona and 41.2 in a Tucson. Drop both rear benches, and those numbers grow to 63.7 and 80.3 cubic feet. Anyone weighing Hyundai Kona vs. Tucson should think about parking, too. Kona swings around inside a 34.8-foot turning circle. Tucson needs 38.6 feet to do the same thing, which you feel in a crowded garage. Two Engines Split the Kona Lineup Kona SE and SEL Sport use a 2.0L four-cylinder rated at 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. Move up to SEL Premium or Limited, and a 1.6L turbo takes over, producing 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb-ft between 1,700 and 4,500 rpm, through an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters. That turbo changes the personality of the car on an on-ramp. Hyundai does not rate any Kona for towing. One Engine Runs Every Gas Tucson Shopping Tucson trims is simpler because the powertrain never changes. All six gas trims run a 2.5L four-cylinder rated at 187 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 178 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, backed by an eight-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC. Your decision comes down to wheels, seats, and screens instead of speed. Tucson also pulls up to 2,750 pounds with trailer brakes, so a small utility trailer or a pair of jet skis stays on the table. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid Tucson models sit in their own lineups with separate pricing and mileage. Hyundai Kona vs. Tucson Trim by Trim Comparison Trim Starting MSRP Engine and Power EPA MPG (FWD) Wheels Added Features 2026 Hyundai Kona (Subcompact SUV) • 171.3 in. long • Cargo 25.5 cu. ft. behind the rear seats, 63.7 cu. ft. with them folded • Not rated for towing Kona SE $25,500 2.0L I4, 147 hp, 132 lb-ft, IVT 29 / 34 / 31 17-inch alloy 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Idle Stop & Go, cloth seats, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go Kona SEL Sport $26,825 2.0L I4, 147 hp, 132 lb-ft, IVT 28 / 35 / 31 18-inch black finished alloy Heated front seats, wireless device charging, dual automatic temperature control, second-row air vents, leather-wrapped steering wheel Kona SEL Premium $28,425 1.6L turbo I4, 190 hp, 195 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic 26 / 31 / 28 19-inch N Line design alloy H-Tex trimmed seats, 8-way power driver seat, ambient interior lighting, paddle shifters, column-mounted shift-by-wire Kona Limited $32,535 1.6L turbo I4, 190 hp, 195 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic 26 / 31 / 28 19-inch alloy Ventilated front seats, Bose premium audio with 8 speakers, power sunroof, hands-free power tailgate, Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor 2026 Hyundai Tucson, Gas (Compact SUV) • 182.7 in. long • Cargo 41.2 cu. ft. behind the rear seats, 80.3 cu. ft. with them folded, or 38.7 and 74.8 by SAE measurement • Tows 2,750 lbs. with trailer brakes Tucson SE $29,700 2.5L I4, 187 hp, 178 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic 25 / 33 / 28 17-inch alloy 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth seats, dual-level cargo floor, trailer pre-wiring Tucson SEL $31,050 2.5L I4, 187 hp, 178 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic 25 / 33 / 28 18-inch alloy Heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat with lumbar, hands-free smart liftgate, roof side rails, rear privacy glass Tucson SEL Plus $31,550 2.5L I4, 187 hp, 178 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic 25 / 33 / 28 19-inch alloy H-Tex trimmed seats, with the rest of the SEL equipment list carried over Tucson XRT $33,725 2.5L I4, 187 hp, 178 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic 25 / 33 / 28 18-inch XRT-exclusive alloy Standard tow hitch, Terrain Mode with HTRAC AWD, LED taillights, XRT side cladding, 64-color ambient lighting Tucson SEL Premium $34,050 2.5L I4, 187 hp, 178 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic 25 / 33 / 28 18-inch alloy 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, onboard navigation, wireless phone charger, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, Highway Driving Assist 1 Tucson Limited $39,675 2.5L I4, 187 hp, 178 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic 25 / 33 / 28 19-inch alloy Leather-trimmed seats, panoramic sunroof, Bose premium audio, 12-inch head-up display, ventilated front and heated rear seats, Surround View Monitor HTRAC all-wheel drive is available on every trim shown. AWD ratings are 27/29/28 for Kona SE, 26/29/27 for Kona SEL Sport, 25/28/26 for both turbo Kona trims, and 24/30/26 for all gas Tucson trims. EPA estimates are for comparison purposes. Starting MSRP excludes freight charges, tax, title, and license fees. Fuel Economy and What Each Choice Costs You Kona SE earns EPA ratings of 29 city, 34 highway, and 31 combined with front-wheel drive, and the SEL Sport shifts that spread to 28/35/31 without Idle Stop & Go. Both turbo trims settle at 26/31/28. Every gas Tucson posts 25/33/28 with front-wheel drive, so a base Kona saves you three combined mpg while a turbo Kona ends up dead even with it. Adding all-wheel drive costs a few mpg on both, and the gap between them shrinks a little more. Matching the Right Size to Your Week Drivers who commute alone, park on the street, and haul groceries rarely run out of room in a Kona. Add car seats, a dog crate, camping gear, or a small trailer, and the Tucson earns its extra length fast. Price muddies things in the middle of both lineups, since a loaded Kona Limited sits close to a Tucson SEL Plus. Decide whether you would rather have ventilated seats and a Bose system in a smaller package or a cargo hold. The Hyundai Tucson rates at 41.2 cubic feet, compared with the Kona's 25.5. Why Buy Your Next Hyundai SUV From Gates Hyundai We stock both models in Richmond, so you can climb from a Kona into a Tucson on the same afternoon and feel the difference yourself. Sitting in each one answers questions no spec sheet can, like whether the Kona's back seat fits your kids or whether the Tucson's cargo floor swallows your golf bag. Our sales team walks through trim differences without steering you toward the biggest window sticker, and our finance staff works with a wide range of credit situations. Bring your trade, drive both, and let your own tape measure settle it.

2026-Hyundai-Palisade-vs-Hyundai-Santa-Fe-Two-Incredible-SUVs-One-Tough-Choice

2026 Hyundai Palisade vs. Hyundai Santa Fe: Two Incredible SUVs. One Tough Choice.

Three Rows, Nine Inches, and One Big Decision Hyundai builds two three-row SUVs that look like siblings on the showroom floor and behave like distant cousins on the road. One stretches nine inches longer and hides a V6 under the hood. The other parks easier and sips fuel like a compact car. Picking one comes down to how often that back row actually gets used. The 2026 Palisade measures 199.2 inches long and starts at $39,435, while the Santa Fe comes in at 190.2 inches and starts at $35,050. Palisade gas trims run a 287-hp 3.5-liter V6, and Santa Fe gas trims use a 277-hp 2.5-liter turbo four. An EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined for the front-drive Santa Fe Hybrid is the best figure in either lineup. Size Is Where These Two Split Apart Both wear a mid-size label, and both give you a third row. Park them side by side, and the gap shows fast. Palisade rides on a 116.9-inch wheelbase and runs 199.2 inches nose to tail. The smaller Santa Fe has a 110.8-inch wheelbase and is 190.2 inches long. Nine inches sounds like nothing until you're stuffing a stroller in behind row three. Cargo numbers follow the same script. The bigger SUV holds 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.7 cubic feet with both back rows folded flat. Its smaller sibling answers with 14.6, 40.5, and 79.6 cubic feet in those same configurations. Third-row legroom leans in the same direction at 32.1 inches versus 30.0 inches. Parking lots go the other way. Santa Fe turns in 37.9 feet curb to curb against 39.2 feet for the Palisade, and that boxy shape makes the back glass easy to place in a tight garage. Two Gas Engines and Two Very Different Hybrids Palisade gas trims run a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. Every gas Santa Fe uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four making 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft, also through an eight-speed. That's 10 fewer horses but 51 more lb-ft of twist, peaking at 4,000 rpm instead of 5,000. On a loaded on-ramp, that torque shows up as effort you don't have to make. The hybrids flip the pecking order. Palisade Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter turbo four with two electric motors for 329 combined horsepower and 339 lb-ft, making it the strongest three-row Hyundai sells. A 1.6-liter turbo four and a single motor deliver 231 combined horsepower and 271 lb-ft. of torque. Neither one plugs in. Both recharge while you drive. Fuel Economy and Trailer Math Mileage is the widest gap on the page. Front-drive Santa Fe Hybrid posts EPA-estimated ratings of 37 city, 36 highway, and 36 combined. Add HTRAC all-wheel drive, and it settles at 35/34/34. In front-drive Blue form, Palisade Hybrid reads 33/35/34, and its all-wheel-drive hybrid trims land at 29/30/29. Gas versions tell a quieter story. That turbo four returns 20/29/24 with front-wheel drive and 20/28/23 with AWD. Palisade's V6 manages 19/25/21 in front-drive form and 18/24/20 with AWD. Trail-ready trims drink hardest, at 19/25/21 for Santa Fe XRT and 16/22/19 for Palisade XRT PRO. Trailers reverse the standings. Palisade's V6 pulls up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes, and Palisade Hybrid handles 4,000. Gas Santa Fe trims stop at 3,500 pounds, with the AWD-only XRT rated for 4,500. Hybrid Santa Fe tops out at 2,000 pounds, so a pair of jet skis is about the ceiling. 2026 Hyundai Palisade vs. Santa Fe Trim Comparison Trim Level Palisade MSRP Palisade Powertrain / MPG Combined Santa Fe MSRP Santa Fe Powertrain / MPG Combined SE $39,435 3.5L V6, 287 hp / 21 mpg FWD, 20 mpg AWD $35,050 2.5L Turbo, 277 hp / 24 mpg FWD, 23 mpg AWD SEL $41,940 3.5L V6, 287 hp / 21 mpg FWD, 20 mpg AWD $37,590 2.5L Turbo, 277 hp / 24 mpg FWD, 23 mpg AWD SEL Convenience $43,370 3.5L V6, 287 hp / 21 mpg FWD, 20 mpg AWD Not offered Not offered SEL Premium $45,300 3.5L V6, 287 hp / 21 mpg FWD, 20 mpg AWD Not offered Not offered XRT PRO / XRT, AWD only $49,870 3.5L V6, 287 hp / 19 mpg AWD $42,040 2.5L Turbo, 277 hp / 21 mpg AWD Limited $49,770 3.5L V6, 287 hp / 21 mpg FWD, 20 mpg AWD $44,600 2.5L Turbo, 277 hp / 24 mpg FWD, 23 mpg AWD Calligraphy $54,560 3.5L V6, 287 hp / 21 mpg FWD, 20 mpg AWD $47,600 2.5L Turbo, 277 hp / 24 mpg FWD, 23 mpg AWD SE Hybrid Not offered Not offered $36,400 1.6L Turbo Hybrid, 231 hp / 36 mpg FWD, 34 mpg AWD SEL Hybrid $44,160 2.5L Turbo Hybrid, 329 hp / 34 mpg FWD, 29 mpg AWD $38,690 1.6L Turbo Hybrid, 231 hp / 36 mpg FWD, 34 mpg AWD SEL Premium Hybrid $47,520 2.5L Turbo Hybrid, 329 hp / 34 mpg FWD, 29 mpg AWD Not offered Not offered Limited Hybrid $51,990 2.5L Turbo Hybrid, 329 hp / 29 mpg AWD only $45,700 1.6L Turbo Hybrid, 231 hp / 36 mpg FWD, 34 mpg AWD Calligraphy Hybrid $56,780 2.5L Turbo Hybrid, 329 hp / 29 mpg AWD only $48,700 1.6L Turbo Hybrid, 231 hp / 36 mpg FWD, 34 mpg AWD MSRP excludes freight, tax, title, and license fees. EPA estimates are for comparison only, and your actual mileage will vary. The Third Row Usually Settles It The 2026 Hyundai Palisade vs. Santa Fe debate almost always lands on the same question. Who rides in back, and how often? Adults or growing teenagers in row three every week? Palisade's extra legroom, wider body, and 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row earn their keep, and the V6 tow rating is a bonus if there's a boat in your future. Kids back there on weekends, with the seats folded flat most of the time? The Santa Fe does that job for thousands less and gives you better mileage on every commute. A Palisade SE lists $4,385 above a Santa Fe SE, and the spread widens as you climb. Both come with Hyundai's 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage, and both hybrid systems carry 10-year, 100,000-mile battery protection. Why Buy Your Next Three-Row Hyundai at Gates Hyundai We stock both SUVs in Richmond, and we'd rather you climb into them than read about them. Bring the car seats you already own. Fold the third row. Load the stroller and see which liftgate opening works. Our team will walk you through trim differences at your pace, and we're happy to send you home with one for a day so it can meet your driveway and errands. If you're torn between a hybrid and a V6, we'll pull both up front and let the drive answer it. Schedule a test drive online or swing by the showroom.