In the competitive midsize SUV market, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and Palisade stand out as top choices, surpassing rivals like the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride. With superior value, advanced features, and attractive financing options, these Hyundai SUVs are the smarter buy in 2025. Here’s why they lead the pack, with a focus on interest rates.
**Unmatched Value and Features**
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $34,200, undercutting the Ford Explorer ($41,380), Toyota Highlander ($39,520), and Honda Pilot ($39,900). The Palisade, priced at $36,800, offers a lower entry point than most competitors while delivering a premium interior and seating for up to eight—compared to the Explorer’s standard seven or Telluride’s similar layout. Both Hyundais boast class-leading cargo space (Santa Fe: 76.9 cu. ft.; Palisade: 86.4 cu. ft.), rivaling the Explorer’s 87.8 cu. ft. but with more practical configurations. Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty outshines Ford’s 5-year/60,000-mile and Toyota/Honda’s shorter coverage, ensuring long-term reliability.
**Competitive Financing Rates**
Hyundai’s financing deals for April 2025 give the Santa Fe and Palisade a clear edge. The Santa Fe qualifies for a 2.99% APR for up to 60 months, and the Palisade offers 3.49% APR—both well below the 5-6% average market rates for midsize SUVs. In contrast, Ford’s Explorer financing typically starts at 4.9% APR, while Toyota and Honda rarely offer sub-3% rates for the Highlander or Pilot. The Kia Telluride’s deals through Kia often begin at 3.9% or higher. Financing $35,000 at 2.99% (Santa Fe) versus 4.9% (Explorer) saves about $1,200 in interest over five years, making Hyundai’s monthly payments more affordable.
**Performance and Efficiency**
The Santa Fe’s 277-hp 2.5L turbo engine and optional hybrid (34 mpg combined) outperform the Highlander’s base fuel economy (21/29 mpg) and Explorer’s 2.3L EcoBoost (21/28 mpg). The Palisade’s 291-hp 3.8L V6 matches the Explorer’s 5,000-pound towing capacity and exceeds the Pilot’s 3,500-pound limit, offering a refined ride for family trips. While the Explorer’s optional 3.0L V6 (400 hp) boasts more power, its $50,000+ price tag overshadows the Palisade’s top Calligraphy trim ($54,100). The Santa Fe’s nimble handling also makes it ideal for urban driving compared to the bulkier Explorer or Telluride.
**Safety and Technology**
Both Hyundais feature Hyundai SmartSense, with standard adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Palisade adds unique touches like a Passenger Talk Intercom and Dynamic Voice Recognition, absent in the Explorer and Highlander. The Santa Fe’s head-up display and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto enhance its tech edge over the Pilot’s less intuitive interface. While the Telluride offers similar tech, the Palisade’s lower price and better financing make it a stronger value proposition.
**Why Hyundai Over All Competitors?**
The Santa Fe and Palisade combine lower starting prices, generous warranties, and some of the best financing rates in the segment, saving buyers thousands over competitors like the Explorer, Highlander, Pilot, and Telluride. The Santa Fe’s efficiency and agile handling appeal to budget-conscious drivers, while the Palisade’s spacious, near-luxury cabin caters to those seeking premium features without the high cost. For families or adventurers, these Hyundais deliver unmatched affordability and capability.
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