The Hyundai Palisade has been quietly climbing the three-row SUV ranks for years, but the 2026 redesign is the model’s biggest step forward yet. Bigger, bolder, smoother, and now available as a hybrid, the refreshed Palisade doesn’t just compete with rivals— it finally looks and feels like the one to beat. If your priorities are comfort, tech, quietness, and day-to-day ease, the new Palisade aims straight for the bullseye.
First impressions hit hard. The styling is more upright and confident, with cleaner lines, a broader stance, and noticeably more presence on the road. Hyundai stretched the footprint for better interior proportions and introduced the rugged XRT Pro trim, which brings extra ground clearance and off-pavement hardware without making the ride harsh. Up front, the lighting signature and squared-off nose give the Palisade a premium look that punches above its price.
The interior is where you feel the biggest leap. The cabin now carries a “luxury-lite” vibe even in mid-level trims, with improved materials, calmer design, and the kind of ergonomic touches families will appreciate. Twin 12.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard and feel crisp, quick, and modern. Controls are well-placed, storage is abundant, and the quietness on coarse pavement rivals some much pricier SUVs. Family-friendly upgrades include a built-in dual-camera dash cam, Digital Key 2.0 for phone-as-key convenience, plentiful USB-C ports in all three rows, and a thoughtful mix of real buttons and touchscreen space. Third-row room is improved, and the cargo area behind it still offers around 19 cubic feet—enough for strollers, sports bags, or a week’s worth of groceries.
Under the hood, buyers now have real choice. Most trims use the familiar 3.5-liter V6 making 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic. It’s smooth and quiet, though not particularly thrilling. The real headline is the all-new hybrid powertrain: a 2.5-liter turbo four plus dual electric motors delivering up to 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft. It uses a 6-speed automatic and brings stronger low-speed torque, quieter acceleration, and better city efficiency. If you spend most of your time commuting or hauling the family around town, the hybrid is the smarter long-term choice. Steering is relaxed but stable, body motions stay tidy on dips and uneven roads, and the Palisade’s ride quality is plush without ever getting floaty. XRT Pro models add confidence on dirt roads and snow, yet still feel comfortable on daily commutes.
Fuel economy numbers are still being finalized, but the V6 should land in the low 20s combined, while the hybrid will deliver a meaningful bump thanks to electric assist and smarter gearing. Towing is rated up to 5,000 lb for V6 models and 4,000 lb for hybrids—a solid spread for boats, small campers, or weekend equipment trailers.
Tech is now one of the Palisade’s strongest selling points. The dual 12.3-inch display setup is standard on most trims, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, OTA updates keep the system fresh, and an available Bose sound system rounds out the package. A built-in dash cam records while driving and can activate when the vehicle is parked, and the Digital Rearview Mirror helps visibility when cargo or passengers block the view. The Wi-Fi hotspot is strong, USB-C ports are everywhere, and wireless charging is available across multiple trims.
Safety is equally robust. Hyundai expanded its driver-assist suite with Highway Driving Assist 2, which now includes lane-change assist, better lane centering, improved collision avoidance, and enhanced radar for rear-occupant alerts. Blind-spot avoidance, rear cross-traffic braking, and forward collision mitigation are standard. The long warranty and generally low running costs continue to make the Palisade one of the most stress-free family SUVs to own.
In a segment packed with strong contenders, the Palisade stands tall. The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is more efficient, but the Palisade counters with a richer interior and quieter ride. The Honda Pilot has smart packaging but can’t match the Hyundai’s tech and value. The Mazda CX-90 drives with more European polish but sacrifices some third-row comfort. The Kia Telluride is still the closest rival, but the Palisade now pulls ahead with better tech, a broader hybrid lineup, and helpful touches like the built-in dash cam and Digital Key 2.0.
The 2026 Palisade delivers exactly what families want: quiet comfort, smarter tech, easier daily life, and real value. The SEL Premium sits at the sweet spot for most buyers, while the Hybrid SEL Premium offers the best mix of power, efficiency, and refinement. The XRT Pro is perfect for families who venture off the pavement. Loaded trims can climb in price, but the overall package remains one of the most compelling in the segment.
If the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is on your list, check real-time dealer invoice pricing and available incentives in your ZIP code at Quotes.EverymanDriver.com before you buy. It’s free, fast, and could save you hundreds or even thousands on your next three-row SUV.
