Hyundai Aims To Win Through Design; The 2026 Palisade Ups The Game

Forbes

26-05-2025

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade
Not all that long ago buyers looked at Hyundai and sister company Kia, wondering 'what's the difference?' and didn't see a clear answer. Sedans and SUVs built by the two brands shared (and still do) platforms, powertrains, and technology. They differed in design, but subtly; it was easy to see the shared DNA.
About that time the parent company Hyundai Motor Company set a new path to become a global player and drive future technology. This meant getting out of the budget rut that squeezes margins and can diminish reputations. The goal was set to turn the brands into premium carmakers.
This is where Hyundai and Kia began to diverge: Hyundai focused on 'modern lounge' designs with more intuitive, sophisticated interiors and evolving its track-worthy N trim. Kia focused on rugged modernity defined by its X-line and star map lighting signatures. Both created distinct design languages that apply across their landscapes and unify their lineups.
This idea of unified design comes through clearly in Hyundai's newest project, the redesign of the 2026 Palisade, a three-row SUV inflected with the brand's evolved design language. Inside you'll find elements we first saw in the Ioniq 5: Pixels, advanced technology and flexible, comfortable interiors that recognize that time in the car should be relaxing and social for everyone.
The pixel motif, denoted by small squares that create patterns in Hyundai's EVs, is less prevalent and more intimated on the Palisade; pixels replace the 'H' logo on the steering wheel, which now features four diminutive squares (Morse code for the letter 'H'). The pixel design is hinted in seat perforations and rear backup lights that form a vertical line next to the tail lights.
Other EV inspired details include the floating center console between the front seats, relaxation seats with a greater recline angle and foot rests and an updated flat-screen multimedia panel that spans the front dash.
The interior of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade features rounded corners and muted tones
An intentional sense of calm balances the pixels and technology that define modern Hyundai models, especially in its larger models such as the Palisade and the Ioniq 9. This was achieved using muted colors and tones, from light and medium gray leather or leatherette to softly-finished wood trims and a reduced use of chrome; those elements are further quieted by adding a matte finish.
Rounded corners and gently sloped surfaces add to the relaxed feel; the center console armrest, which floats between the dash and the front seats and allows space to stow a handbag, is curved on all sides. It rises slightly to meet your elbow, adding a more human scale by reducing the sharp-edged puzzle-piece assembly that can define a car's interior. The result is a sense of coziness that's still roomy and allows for stretching out.
New technology in the Hyundai Palisade also adds to the sense of calm with faster, more intuitive function. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now connect wirelessly; 'Hey Hyundai' voice assistance is now included and a rear occupant alert is so sensitive it can detect a sleeping baby.
New daytime running lights mirror the rear tail lights to create the Palisade's new lighting ... More signature
Probably most notable on the 2026 Hyundai Palisade are the front and rear ends flanked by stacked linear lights to create its lighting signature. Daytime running lights, which are etched metal panels designed to glow during the day and light up at night, flank the front corners of the Hyundai Palisade and frame new LED headlights.
On the rear, the tail lights nearly mirror the daytime running lights with a similar shape and also define its rear corners. Overall, the effect is distinct and allows the Palisade to show off its new signature in any light.
The Hyundai Palisade XRT model is designed for off road adventure
The biggest news for buyers are two new options for the Hyundai Palisade: a hybrid Ecco model and an off-road focused XRT model.
The Ecco model may shake the marketplace the most; it offers a powerful 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain that delivers 329 hp and is estimated to earn 34 MPG. Hyundai showed off the Ecco model in the Calligraphy trim, its most luxe level that features leather upholstery, heated power seats in all three rows and front massaging seats, among other pampering details.
The XRT model, following in the footsteps of the Santa Fe and the Ioniq 5 XRT, delivers more off-road capability with off-road driving modes for mud and sand, all-terrain tires, recovery hooks and a higher ground clearance. The Palisade XRT also features model-specific leatherette seating with a mountain motif and a unique front grille designed to better deflect brush and dirt.
The boxy SUV trend defines the 2026 Hyundai Palisade
If there's one thing that the automotive industry has learned, it's that SUV buyers like voluminous and muscular SUVs. Hyundai Motor Company learned first hand in 2020 when it rolled out the best-selling Kia Telluride and since, the mantra seems to have been 'boxy is better.' We saw this in the Hyundai Santa Fe and now the Hyundai Palisade.
Even the Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV, the first model to build on the pixel design language, delivered on the boxy trend, becoming not only one of the best-selling EVs but winning all sorts of awards including World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design of the Year for 2022.
For 2026, the Hyundai Palisade, through its design and attention to detail, illustrates just how far Hyundai has come on its journey to lead the automotive industry.