The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is bigger and smarter, just don't expect more power
The Palisade is a seven- or eight-seat SUV that competes with vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Grand Highlander.
It comes with front- or all-wheel drive. A gasoline model is in dealerships now, with a hybrid arriving later this year.
Palisade prices start at $38,935 for a front-drive model. The new XRT Pro model, with features including AWD and all-terrain tires, starts at $49,370.
A Palisade hybrid arrives later this year. Prices for it will start at $43,660. All prices exclude a $1,495 destination charge.
While the '26 Palisade is heavier than last year's model, it won't offer more power until the hybrid goes on sale.
2026 Hyundai Palisade selected trim levels and prices
Palisade SE FWD, $38,935
Palisade SEL AWD, $43,440
Palisade XRT Pro AWD, $49,370
Palisade Calligraphy AWD, $56,060
Palisade Hybrid Blue SEL FWD, $$43,660
Palisade Hybrid SEL AWD, $$45,660
Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD, $58,280
Source: Edmunds. Prices exclude $1,495 destination charge
What's new? What's better?
The 2026 Palisade is based on a new architecture it shares with Hyundai's midsize Santa Fe SUV. It's noticeably bigger than the previous model, with a longer wheelbase and shorter front overhang.
The Wheelbase grew 2.7 inches. Overall length increased 2.5. Height and width grew 0.2 and 0.6 inch, respectively.
The Palisade remains shorter than key competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander. It leads the group in passenger space, however. Cargo room behind the third row of seats rates in the middle of the pack.
The Palisade's profile is recognizable from the previous generation. New touches include geometric fender flares and vertical DRLs and taillights.
The outdoorsy XRT Pro model is new, adding capability to a trim package on the XRT. Functional changes include an electronic limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires and front and rear fascia modifications to improve approach and departure angles.
The XRT Pro has four chassis-mounted recovery hooks.
2026 Hyundai Palisade key features
Seats 7 or 8
Lighted second-row seat belt receivers
D-pillar grab handles
UV-C sterilizer for devices
Power adjustable second- and third-row seats
Factory-installed dash camera with four-day memory
100w USB-C charging ports
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Nappa leather seating
14-speaker Bose audio
Electronic limited slip differential on XRT Pro
All-terrain tires on XRT Pro
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Driving impressions
The Palisade is roomy and quiet on the road. Power is adequate, but not a selling point.
The ride was smooth on-road.
The XRT Pro I drove scrambled up steep inclines of loose clay and negotiated a series of bumps and hollows that frequently left one wheel suspended without undue drama.
Its suspension absorbed surface-street impacts well, but I wouldn't advise rock crawling. Steep hills, ruts and low-traction surfaces were easily navigable.
The 3.5L V6 generates 287 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque, the same as last year's 3.8L V6 did in the smaller 2025 Palisade. The engine is linked to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.
The hybrid will be the premium drivetrain, with 329 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque.
Interior look and feel
The interior is roomy and trimmed in materials that would look at home on a pricier vehicle from a ritzier brand.
Armrests, doors and dash — the spots you're most likely to look and touch — were wrapped in soft, attractive materials.
Controls include conventional switches and dials for key climate and audio functions. The touch screen is big, clear and reasonably responsive.
XRT was embossed on the head rests, and jagged lines on the seat backs recall mountain vistas.
Front and rear video cameras are useful for parking and on trails. The view turns off around 4 mph, though: fine for parking lots, but too low to be really useful off-road.
What could be better?
The gasoline-only Palisade's acceleration is adequate, but not a strong point. Commuters with heavily traveled routes may wish for more on-ramp oomph, or wait for reviews of the hybrid arriving later this year.
The XRT Pro provides more off-road capability than the previous Palisade SRT, but that's a low bar to clear. Its trail view cameras shut off at a very low speed and frequently left me seeking a forward view that was no longer available on a short off-road route.
Why buy a 2026 Hyundai Palisade?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a roomy and elegant three-row SUV. It packs a lot of passenger space into an easy to park footprint. It looks good inside and out.
I expect other automakers will scramble to match unique features like power sliding third-row seats, lighted second-row seat belt receivers and a factory-installed dashcam with memory.
2026 Hyundai Palisade at a glance
Front- or all-wheel drive full-size SUV
Seats seven or eight
Base price: $38,935. All prices exclude $1,495 destination charge.
On sale now
Model tested: Palisade XRT Pro AWD
Price as tested: $49,370
Power: 3.5L V6
Output: 287 hp @ 6,400 rpm; 260 pound-feet of torque @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Manufacturer estimated fuel economy: AWD 18 mpg city/24 highway/20 combined. Regular gasoline
Wheelbase: 116.9 inches
Length: 199.4 inches
Width: 78.0 inches with mirrors
Height: 69.5 inches
Passenger volume: 161.9 cubic feet
Cargo volume: 19.1 cubic feet behind rear seat, 46.3 behind second row, 86.7 behind front seat.
Curb weight: 4,872 pounds (est.)
Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
Assembled in Ulsan, Korea
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
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