Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Palisade
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Tesla Model Y starts from $65,900 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Palisade opens at $66,800. That makes the Tesla Model Y the more affordable entry point by $900.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $72,490 and $73,480 respectively.
The Tesla Model Y qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Hyundai Palisade, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Palisade hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Tesla Model Y and 84% for the Hyundai Palisade.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model Y packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Hyundai Palisade.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Tesla Model Y stands out with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Hyundai Palisade. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Tesla Model Y uses a Electric Motor producing 194kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.
The Hyundai Palisade responds with a Petrol making 217kW and 355Nm, paired to a 8-speed auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The Hyundai Palisade has the clear power advantage at 217kW vs 194kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model Y is 3.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Tesla Model Y measures 4,792mm long on a 2,890mm wheelbase, 203mm shorter than the Hyundai Palisade at 4,995mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Palisade generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 854L in the Tesla Model Y and 311L in the Hyundai Palisade, giving the Tesla Model Y a 543L advantage. The Hyundai Palisade seats 8 vs 5.
For towing, the Hyundai Palisade leads with a 2,200kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m diameter
Large
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 80,000km (Tesla Model Y) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Palisade). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Tesla Model Y if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Palisade if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model Y takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model Y has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Palisade?
The Tesla Model Y is the cheapest at $65,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Palisade by $900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Palisade uses the least fuel at 10.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Palisade all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model Y has the largest boot at 854L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Palisade has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Palisade makes the most power at 217kW. The Tesla Model Y is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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