The Hyundai Palisade is a standout in the competitive midsize three-row SUV market since its debut in 2018. With the 2026 model year introducing a fully redesigned second generation, the Palisade has a bold design, spacious interior, advanced technology, and versatile powertrain options.
Bold Design and Premium Aesthetics
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade boasts a modern, boxier design that aligns with contemporary SUV trends. It is characterized by a wider stance, vertical LED daytime running lights, and a bold grille featuring active airflow shutters.
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s exterior: It exudes a commanding presence, with a 2.5-inch longer body and a 2.7-inch extended wheelbase compared to its predecessor, enhancing both aesthetics and interior space. The rugged XRT Pro trim adds off-road flair with all-terrain tires and canyon red recovery hooks, while the top-tier Calligraphy trim offers a near-luxury experience with premium Nappa leather and 21-inch alloy wheels.
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s interior: It is equally impressive, inspired by mid-century modern furniture, with a curved dashboard housing dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and gauges. High-quality materials, such as soft-touch plastics and quilted leather, create a sophisticated cabin that rivals luxury brands like Genesis. Acoustic glass and enhanced sound-dampening materials ensure a quiet ride, making the Palisade a serene family hauler.
Spacious and Versatile Interior
The Palisade is designed for families, offering seating for up to eight passengers with a second-row bench or seven with captain’s chairs. The extended wheelbase provides generous legroom in the first two rows, though the third row remains best suited for children or short trips. A standout feature is the power-adjustable second and third rows, with controls accessible from the cargo area or touchscreen, simplifying reconfiguration for passengers or cargo. Cargo capacity ranges from 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row to 86 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, making it ideal for road trips or large hauls.
Advanced Technology and Connectivity
The 2026 Palisade has cutting-edge technology, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.
- The Calligraphy trim introduces a built-in dual-camera dash cam that records while driving or parked, with footage accessible via the infotainment screen.
- Hyundai’s Digital Key 2.0 Premium allows owners to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle using a smartphone, while over-the-air (OTA) updates keep the SUV’s software current.
- Additional conveniences include Hyundai Pay for secure in-car payments and up to seven USB-C ports, with 100-watt charging capability on higher trims.
Powertrain Options and Performance
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offers two powertrain options:
| Standard Variant | New Hybrid Variant |
| 3.5-liter V6 engineProduces 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torquepaired with an eight-speed automatic transmissionAvailable all-wheel drive (AWD)Slightly less powerful than the previous 3.8-liter V6Delivers smooth performance for daily driving, though acceleration is modest, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for AWD models. | 2.5-liter turbocharged engineDelivers 329 horsepower and an estimated 34 mpg combinedDriving range of up to 619 milesAvailable starting Fall 2025Enhances efficiency and towing capacity (up to 4,000 pounds), making it a compelling choice for eco-conscious families. |
The XRT Pro trim boosts off-road capability with an electronic limited-slip differential and terrain-specific driving modes, competing with rivals like the Honda Pilot TrailSport.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is a priority, with the 2024 Palisade earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.
- Standard Hyundai SmartSense: Features include automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
- Rear occupant alert (ROA): Prevents leaving children or pets behind, and a safe exit warning (SEW) system.
The XRT Pro and higher trims add a 360-degree camera and parking distance warning, enhancing driver confidence in tight spaces.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s price can be vary according to trim:
| Base SE trim | $38,935 |
| SEL Premium trim | $44,150 |
| hybrid model | $43,660 |
Pricing is competitive with rivals like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander, and Hyundai’s class-leading warranty—10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain—adds significant value.
Global Availability and Market Impact
Since its 2018 debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Palisade has been a global success, with strong sales in markets like South Korea, where it sold over 52,000 units by early 2019. It is offered in various configurations worldwide, including diesel options in markets like Thailand and Malaysia. In India, the Palisade is expected to launch in March 2026 with a price range of Rs. 40.00–50.00 lakh, positioning it as a premium alternative to competitors like the Toyota Fortuner.
Conclusion
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade builds on its predecessor’s strengths, offering a compelling blend of style, space, and technology. Its bold redesign, versatile powertrains, and luxurious features make it a top contender in the midsize SUV segment. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly hauler or an adventure-ready vehicle with the XRT Pro trim, the Palisade delivers exceptional value. As Hyundai continues to push boundaries, the Palisade remains a must-test-drive for anyone shopping for a three-row SUV.
