Hyundai SUV Showdown: Santa Fe's Razor-Thin Victory Over Palisade in MotorVero's 2019 Challenge
The Closest Finish in MotorVero SUV Challenge History
In what became the most dramatic conclusion to MotorVero's annual SUV evaluation, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0T AWD claimed victory by the slimmest possible margin in our 2019 Mid-Size SUV Challenge. The week-long intensive testing pitted six top-selling SUVs against each other in categories ranging from powertrain performance to family practicality.
The Santa Fe's final score of 353 points barely edged out the 2019 Honda Passport Elite AWD by a single point, making this the closest finish in the history of MotorVero's comparison tests. This narrow victory sparked passionate debates among our expert panel about what truly makes the ideal midsize SUV for modern families.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 450 RWD
$61488
diesel
54487 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
2024 Chrysler Pacifica
$49092
Gas
0 mi
Very Good
Deal
0
(5)
2024 Tesla Cybertruck
$134524
electric
445 mi
Very Good
Deal
0
(5)
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 450 RWD
$61488
diesel
54487 mi
Good
Deal
0 (5)
2024 Chrysler Pacifica
$49092
Gas
0 mi
Very Good
Deal
0 (5)
2024 Tesla Cybertruck
$134524
electric
445 mi
Very Good
Deal
0 (5)
Comprehensive Testing Methodology
MotorVero's SUV Challenge employs a rigorous 250-point evaluation system across five key categories:
- Performance & Handling (Acceleration, braking, cornering)
- Interior Quality & Comfort (Materials, seating, noise levels)
- Family Functionality (Car seat accommodation, cabin storage)
- Cargo & Utility (Flexibility, maximum capacity)
- Technology & Safety (Infotainment, driver assists)
--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
Why the Santa Fe Prevailed
The 2019 Santa Fe's victory came down to its exceptional balance across all categories. Key winning attributes included:
| Category | Santa Fe Advantage |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Refinement | Silky-smooth 2.0L turbo with excellent mid-range torque |
| Second-Row Comfort | Best-in-class legroom and seat contouring |
| Cargo Flexibility | Smart split-folding mechanism with flat load floor |
| Value Proposition | More standard features per dollar than competitors |
The Santa Fe particularly impressed judges with its Harman Kardon premium audio system and rain-sensing wipers that came standard in the Ultimate trim - features that were expensive options on most competitors.
2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4WD
$25900
Gas
73215 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia
$26906
Gas
2054 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
2016 Buick Cascada
$12243
Gas
77700 mi
Good
Deal
1
(5)
2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4WD
$25900
Gas
73215 mi
Good
Deal
0 (5)
2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia
$26906
Gas
2054 mi
Good
Deal
0 (5)
2016 Buick Cascada
$12243
Gas
77700 mi
Good
Deal
1 (5)
The Worthy Challengers
While the Santa Fe claimed top honors, the complete 2019 SUV Challenge lineup featured formidable competitors:
2019 Honda Passport Elite AWD (352 points)
Missed victory by the narrowest margin due to slightly firmer ride quality, but praised for its class-leading reliability scores and exceptional resale value.
2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS AWD (342 points)
Turned heads with its sporty styling and responsive handling, though compromised on cargo space and rear visibility.
2019 Ford Edge ST (338 points)
The most powerful SUV in the test with its 2.7L V6, but suffered from firm ride quality and premium fuel requirement.
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (335 points)
Impressive off-road capability came with tradeoffs in on-road refinement and fuel efficiency.
2019 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD (330 points)
Noted for its plush interior but held back by dated technology interface and mediocre handling.
--FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
2020 Hyundai Palisade: The Family Favorite
While not part of the official Challenge (being a 2020 model), the all-new Hyundai Palisade made waves in MotorVero's real-world testing. Our automotive experts took the three-row Palisade on an extended family camping trip, putting its people-moving credentials to the ultimate test.
The Palisade excelled in several key family-focused areas:
- Smart Tailgate System: Hands-free opening even when arms are full of gear
- One-Touch Second Row: Effortless access to third row even with child seats installed
- Blind Spot View Monitor: Innovative camera system eliminates traditional blind spots
- Conversation Mirror: Lets driver monitor rear passengers without turning around
With 16 cup holders and multiple USB ports, the Palisade proved itself as the ultimate road trip vehicle for large families. Its quiet cabin and smooth ride received particular praise during highway cruising.
2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4WD
$25900
Gas
73215 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia
$26906
Gas
2054 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
2016 Buick Cascada
$12243
Gas
77700 mi
Good
Deal
1
(5)
2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4WD
$25900
Gas
73215 mi
Good
Deal
0 (5)
2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia
$26906
Gas
2054 mi
Good
Deal
0 (5)
2016 Buick Cascada
$12243
Gas
77700 mi
Good
Deal
1 (5)
SUV Shopping Considerations for 2023
Based on our extensive testing experience, here are the key factors modern SUV buyers should consider:
For Growing Families
Prioritize easy child seat installation (look for LATCH anchors that are easily accessible) and rear seat monitoring features. The Palisade's conversation mirror and available rear occupant alert give parents peace of mind.
For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Evaluate real cargo capacity beyond manufacturer specs. During testing, we found the Santa Fe's 36.4 cubic feet (behind second row) could swallow more oddly-shaped items than some competitors with larger claimed volumes.
For Tech-Focused Buyers
Look beyond the touchscreen size. System responsiveness and logical menu structures prove more important daily. Hyundai's infotainment scored well for its physical shortcut buttons that reduce driving distractions.
--SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
Final Recommendations
Based on our ongoing evaluation:
- Best Overall Value: 2019-2022 Santa Fe (especially CPO models with warranty)
- Best for Large Families: 2020-2023 Palisade (look for SEL trim's sweet spot)
- Best Driving Dynamics: 2019-2022 Ford Edge ST (for enthusiasts)
- Best Resale Value: Honda Passport (consistently tops retention charts)
For shoppers considering these models today, we recommend:
- Test drive both the Santa Fe and Palisade back-to-back
- Verify car seat fitment with your specific seats
- Compare warranty coverage (Hyundai's 10-year powertrain remains best-in-class)
- Consider certified pre-owned (CPO) options for maximum value
--FOURTH CAR LIST HERE--
