Are you interested in a Hyundai SUV? One is very popular and is well-reviewed to go along with it, the Hyundai Palisade. However, the SE base model of the Palisade may not offer enough features to fit your requirements. Did you know there’s a scaled-down version of the Palisade in the form of the Hyundai Santa Fe that may fulfill your needs? The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL is a more affordable alternative to the Palisade base models.

Why do you need a 2022 Hyundai Palisade SE alternative?

There are many reasons not to buy a vehicle. For the 2022 Hyundai Palisade SE, it might be because of the lack of features. According to Edmunds, every base model has 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, second-row bench seats, an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, five USB ports, forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

Additionally, some drivers may not want as much seating capacity. If the standard eight-passenger setup, or the optional captain’s chairs with seating for seven, is too much, the Palisade isn’t necessary. Why spend extra money for passenger space you won’t use? Luckily, an alternative offers most of the same equipment on a smaller scale.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is a great Palisade alternative

The Santa Fe sits between the compact Tucson and the three-row Palisade in the Hyundai SUV lineup. It has seating for five passengers, which is plenty for most owners. However, one of the best things about it is the starting price. For example, the Santa Fe SE base model costs just $28,645 and comes with nearly identical features to the base Palisade, which costs $34,895. The real value, however, comes with the SEL trim.

Buying the most popular Santa Fe SEL only boosts the price to $30,745. That’s still less than the Palisade base model and roughly $7,000 less than the Palisade SEL. Surprisingly, this version of the Santa Fe SUV is pretty luxurious and well-equipped. It’s even recommended over every other trim by the experts at Edmunds.

In addition to base model features, it adds blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, a rear-passenger safe exit system, keyless entry, push-button ignition, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, a wireless smartphone charging pad, roof rails, and Hyundai’s Blue Link connected services.

2022 Santa Fe: More for less

In addition to the features included with every 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL, there are optional packages. Many luxurious features are included with the packages, but the price remains lower than nearly every Palisade model. For example, the Convenience package contains a hands-free power liftgate, noise-reducing front side windows, digital key capability, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear passenger window sunshades, a digital instrument panel, power-folding rear seats, and a rear seat reminder.

Next, the Premium package is also available at the SEL trim and above. Features included are a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, and a lane-keeping system.

A surprisingly luxurious Palisade alternative

In conclusion, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL is a surprisingly luxurious Palisade alternative. With fewer seats for passengers, it’s obviously a scaled-down version of the three-row midsize SUV. However, it comes with plenty of features as standard equipment. Additionally, there are a few optional packages that unlock at the SEL trim level. With these, buyers can outfit their new Hyundai SUV with far more amenities than the Palisade offers for well below the price. If you and your family don’t require seven or eight-passenger seating, we think a more affordable Santa Fe is an outstanding alternative.