The cooler gets a seat before anyone else. Then come the beach chairs, the overnight bags, and the friend who insists they’re “packing light.” Before your next drive to Fort Walton Beach or Destin, it helps to choose an SUV that can handle the guest list and everything it brings.
The Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade offer different ways to organize that getaway. At Allen Turner Hyundai, we help drivers from Pensacola, Milton, and Navarre, Florida, compare passenger space, useful technology, and fuel efficiency to find the right fit.
The Tucson Hybrid is our starting pick for smaller groups. Its five-passenger layout makes sense for couples, friends, and families who don’t need a third row. You can keep the rear seats available for passengers while using the dedicated cargo area for luggage and beach supplies.
The Santa Fe earns a spot on your shortlist when you want seating flexibility. It accommodates up to seven passengers with a second-row bench, while captain’s-chair configurations seat six. Fold the third row when you’re carrying fewer people and need additional room for bags.
Choose the Palisade when your regular travel plans involve a larger group.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe earned Good ratings in the small overlap front, updated moderate overlap front, and updated side crashworthiness evaluations¹. Good is IIHS’s highest rating, providing a useful independent benchmark when comparing SUVs for family travel.
Start with the features you’ll actually use between your driveway and your destination. Directions, cabin comfort, and parking visibility deserve a closer look than a long equipment list.
Set your destination before leaving, and have a passenger handle changes along the way. Camera systems and driver-assistance features supplement attentive driving; they do not replace checking your surroundings or maintaining control.
Compare cargo space with the seats positioned the way you’ll actually use them. An impressive maximum cargo figure won’t help much if reaching it requires folding seats your passengers need.
| Model | Seating Capacity | Cargo Space With All Passenger Rows Upright | Example EPA-Estimated Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson Hybrid | Five passengers | 38.7 cubic feet using Hyundai’s SAE measurement. | SE AWD: 38 city/38 highway/38 combined MPG². |
| Santa Fe | Six or seven passengers, depending on configuration | 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row | Gas SE FWD: 20 city/29 highway/24 combined MPG³. |
| Palisade | Seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration | 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row | Gas FWD: 19 city/25 highway/21 combined MPG⁴. |
For smaller groups, the Tucson Hybrid combines usable luggage space with strong fuel-economy figures. If you need a third row, compare the Santa Fe and Palisade with everyone’s bags loaded before deciding. Hybrid versions of both three-row models are also worth exploring if fuel efficiency is a priority.
Start with the Tucson Hybrid. Its five-passenger layout and 38.7 cubic feet of SAE-rated cargo space behind the rear seats make it a sensible option without moving to a three-row SUV. Bring your cooler and largest bags to confirm the cargo area works for your packing style.
The Palisade is our first recommendation for frequent seven-person trips because it provides more luggage space behind the third row. The Santa Fe remains worth considering, but choose a seven-passenger configuration. Its captain’s-chair layouts seat six.
The Santa Fe Limited is a useful starting point because it includes ventilated front seats without requiring the top Calligraphy trim. Try the seats during your visit and compare their support, controls, and driving position rather than shopping by upholstery alone.
Let the cooler cast the deciding vote. Bring your beach gear, your usual passengers, and your toughest packing question to Allen Turner Hyundai. We’ll help you compare cabins, try seating layouts, and find a Hyundai that fits the trips you actually take. From Pensacola, Milton, and Navarre to Fort Walton Beach and Destin, your next getaway deserves a comfortable start. Contact us and put your shortlist through its packing test.
¹Source: IIHS.
²2026 TUCSON Hybrid SE HTRAC AWD 38 City/38 Hwy/38 Combined MPG. 2026 TUCSON Hybrid SEL Convenience HTRAC AWD, 2026 TUCSON Hybrid SEL HTRAC AWD and 2026 TUCSON Hybrid Limited HTRAC AWD 36 City/37 Hwy/36 Combined MPG. 2026 TUCSON Hybrid SE FWD and 2026 TUCSON Hybrid SEL FWD 40 City/35 Hwy/38 Combined MPG. All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
³2027 SANTA FE SE / SEL / Limited / Calligraphy FWD: 20 City/29 Highway/24 Combined MPG. 2027 SANTA FE SE / SEL / Limited / Calligraphy AWD: 20 City/28 Highway/23 Combined MPG. 2027 SANTA FE XRT AWD: 19 City/25 Highway/21 Combined MPG. All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
⁴2027 PALISADE SE FWD, SEL FWD, SEL Premium FWD, Limited FWD and Calligraphy FWD trims: 19 City/25 Hwy/21 Combined MPG. 2027 PALISADE SE HTRAC AWD, SEL HRAC AWD, SEL Premium HTRAC AWD, Limited HTRAC AWD and Calligraphy HTRAC AWD trims: 18 City/24 Hwy/20 Combined MPG. 2027 PALISADE XRT PRO HTRAC AWD: 16 City/ 22 Hwy/ 19 Combined MPG. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
