2026 Hyundai Palisade: A Refined SUV for Modern Families

Performance and Powertrain

Under the hood, the 2026 Palisade features a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth and responsive shifting. Front-wheel drive comes standard, while Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system is available across most trims, enhancing traction and stability in diverse road conditions, making it a capable Hyundai SUV. The SUV offers a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it capable of hauling trailers, boats, or recreational gear. Drivers can enjoy confident handling both on highways and winding backroads, ensuring versatility for daily commutes, family road trips, or weekend adventures. Adaptive suspension and responsive steering contribute to a comfortable, composed ride, even when the cabin is fully loaded, upholding its reputation for reliability.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The expansive list of Hyundai Palisade models and prices allows buyers to perfectly match features and budget. For 2026, the Palisade lineup includes seven trims: SE, SEL, XRT Pro, SEL Premium, Limited, Calligraphy, and the Calligraphy Night Edition. The new SEL Premium trim bridges the gap between the mid-range SEL and high-end Limited trims, offering additional luxury and tech features at a compelling mid-range price point. Initial 2026 Hyundai Palisade pricing options start affordably at $37,200 for the base SE trim and climb to over $54,500 for the fully equipped, luxurious Calligraphy Night Edition, providing clear tiers of features and premium appointments.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The interior of this Brand New Palisade SUV is engineered to be a spacious, well-appointed cabin that prioritizes comfort and technological integration across all three rows, solidifying its position as a near-luxury family hauler. The vehicle offers flexible seating that can accommodate up to eight passengers with the second-row bench seat or seven with optional captain’s chairs, providing flexible configurations for cargo or people. Higher trims significantly elevate the cabin experience with premium finishes, including soft-touch materials, refined wood trim accents, and Nappa leather upholstery, achieving a truly premium feel that rivals more expensive SUVs. Comfort enhancements include features like ambient interior lighting, ventilated and heated seats for both the front and second rows, and a panoramic sunroof that dramatically increases the sense of openness. For maximized front-row relaxation, select trims now offer Relaxation front seats with flip-up leg rests, a feature typically found in much higher-priced luxury vehicles, though only usable when the vehicle is parked. The thoughtful design extends to the third row, which offers ample space for children and comfortable accommodation for adults on shorter journeys, complete with dedicated USB ports and climate control vents.

The technological centerpiece of the cabin is the integrated curved display housing dual 12.3-inch screens, which provide a cohesive, futuristic look for both the digital gauge cluster and the infotainment system. The main 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard, offering seamless connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional connectivity features include a high-speed wireless charging pad and multiple high-output USB-C ports conveniently located in all three rows to keep everyone’s devices charged during long trips. For family utility, Hyundai’s innovative Passenger Talk intercom system allows the driver to communicate clearly with third-row passengers without raising their voice. Furthermore, to address modern health concerns, an available UV-C sterilization compartment is integrated into the center console, providing a dedicated space to sanitize small personal items like cell phones and keys, underscoring the Palisade’s commitment to safety and modern convenience. High-resolution Hyundai Palisade pictures of the interior showcase the attention to detail and premium craftsmanship across all trims, justifying the various 2026 Hyundai Palisade pricing options.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Hyundai has ensured the Hyundai SUV maintains its segment-leading safety profile by equipping the 2026 Palisade with an expanded and highly comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance features, collectively known as Hyundai SmartSense. Safety begins with passive protection, which includes an extensive system of ten airbags, now featuring standard second-row side airbags and seatbelt pretensioners for all three rows, providing robust protection in various collision scenarios. This passive safety foundation is significantly enhanced by a wide array of standard active assistance systems. These include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with enhanced pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. The inclusion of Safe Exit Assist (SEA) is particularly valuable for families, as it provides a warning and can temporarily lock the doors if the system detects oncoming traffic when occupants attempt to exit the vehicle. This standard package of features ensures that even buyers opting for the lowest Hyundai Palisade models and prices are not compromising on protection.

Stepping up to higher trim levels, particularly those with higher 2026 Hyundai Palisade pricing options, unlocks the full potential of semi-autonomous driving and enhanced situational awareness. These trims feature the enhanced Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), which provides advanced assistance by maintaining a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead while keeping the Palisade centered in its lane on compatible highways. HDA 2 even offers semi-automated lane change capability when the turn signal is engaged. For low-speed maneuvers, features like the Surround View Monitor provide a crucial 360-degree bird's-eye view, and the Blind View Monitor projects a live camera feed of the blind spot directly into the digital gauge cluster when the turn signal is activated, dramatically improving safety during lane changes. The available Remote Smart Park Assist system simplifies parking in extremely tight spots, allowing the driver to control the vehicle's forward and reverse movement remotely via the key fob. These advanced systems highlight why the Brand New Palisade SUV continues to receive top safety marks.

Fuel Efficiency and Hybrid Option

The 2026 Palisade offers competitive fuel economy for a large, comfortable three-row SUV while providing buyers with a new, highly anticipated hybrid powertrain option that significantly shifts the balance of power and efficiency, increasing the appeal of this Hyundai SUV. The standard powertrain, featuring the capable 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivers reasonable figures for its size and 5,000-pound towing capacity. Specifically, Front-wheel-drive models are estimated to achieve 19 mpg city / 25 mpg highway, resulting in a combined rating of 21 mpg. The all-wheel-drive variants offer only a slight reduction in efficiency, coming in at an estimated 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway, maintaining a good balance of year-round capability and running costs that impact the overall value proposition of the various Hyundai Palisade models and prices.

However, the most notable addition for the 2026 model year is the debut of the hybrid powertrain. This advanced system, which pairs a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, is designed for exceptional range and superior performance compared to the V6. Hyundai has internally targeted a highway efficiency of over 30 mpg for this new hybrid, with some projections reaching as high as 35 mpg for the most efficient front-wheel-drive Blue trim. With a total system output targeted at 329 horsepower, the hybrid variant not only crushes the V6 in terms of efficiency but also delivers a substantial power boost, making it a compelling choice for families prioritizing both long-distance economy and quick, responsive acceleration. This blend of efficiency and performance allows for an estimated driving range of over 600 miles on a single tank, drastically improving convenience for road-trip-loving families and providing a clear justification for the higher initial 2026 Hyundai Palisade pricing options associated with the hybrid trims.

Design Highlights and Exterior Refinement

The exterior design of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade has been substantially refined for the second generation, successfully merging a bold, commanding road presence with sophisticated, near-luxury detailing. The overall aesthetic is one of refinement, building upon the previous generation's success while adopting a more upright and powerful stance that is clearly visible in all Hyundai Palisade pictures. The front fascia is defined by a distinctive new vertical LED daytime running light signature and a horizontal light band that stretches across the grille, which itself is now a more prominent, commanding element with active airflow shutters. The adoption of a boxier side profile, coupled with a longer hood and upright A-pillars, creates a stronger, more premium silhouette reminiscent of high-end luxury SUVs. Large, striking alloy wheels, now available up to 21 inches, perfectly fill the wheel openings, underscoring the vehicle's planted and powerful look across the spectrum of Hyundai Palisade models and prices.

Beyond mere styling, the exterior integrates key elements that enhance functionality. The sophisticated design achieves a remarkably low 0.31 coefficient of drag for its segment, a feat of engineering that contributes directly to both the SUV's impressive fuel efficiency and a noticeably quieter cabin at highway speeds. Practicality is assured with integrated roof rails designed for securely mounting exterior cargo, and a hands-free smart power liftgate allows easy access to the cargo area when the driver's hands are full. Furthermore, recognizing the desire for adventure, the new XRT Pro trim elevates the Palisade's capability with rugged exterior styling cues, increased ground clearance, and unique dark-finish exterior accents, clearly differentiating it as the adventure-ready option in the diverse trim lineup. The culmination of these design elements ensures the Brand New Palisade SUV makes a statement without sacrificing the usability required by a modern family vehicle.