The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Gives ’Em What They Want

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has carved a niche as a go-to three-row SUV for families who crave comfort, tech, and style without breaking the bank. For 2026, Hyundai doesn’t just tweak the formula—it fine-tunes it with sharper looks, smarter tech, and more luxury. The result? A full-size SUV that truly gives the people what they want.

Bold New Looks, Same Family-Friendly Soul

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is visually more assertive, borrowing cues from Hyundai’s futuristic design language seen in models like the Ioniq 7 and Santa Fe. The front end now features a wider, flatter grille that seamlessly integrates with new full-width LED daytime running lights. The squared-off fenders and prominent beltline create a rugged yet premium SUV presence.

The rear has been overhauled too, with T-shaped taillights connected by a light bar and a beefier bumper. Hyundai adds a new range of wheel designs, including upscale 21-inch alloys on higher trims. It’s a mature, confident look without losing its approachable character.

Interior Comfort That Raises the Bar

Step inside the 2026 Palisade and it feels like entering a high-end lounge. Hyundai has enhanced interior materials across all trims, especially in the Calligraphy and new Calligraphy Night models. Soft-touch materials, woodgrain accents, ambient lighting, and a cleaner dashboard layout all come standard or optional, depending on the trim.

The centerpiece? A massive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster seamlessly integrated with a 12.3-inch infotainment display under a single curved glass panel. Hyundai’s new infotainment system includes faster responsiveness, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an intuitive voice assistant that can now control vehicle settings.

Rear passengers aren’t forgotten either. There’s more legroom in the second row, optional ventilated seats, and a larger panoramic sunroof that makes the cabin feel open and airy. Third-row passengers benefit from USB-C ports and easier access thanks to redesigned sliding second-row seats.

More Power, More Efficiency

Under the hood, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade comes with a revised 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque—up slightly from last year. Hyundai also offers a new hybrid option pairing a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, making a combined 320 horsepower and promising over 30 mpg combined.

Both powertrains are mated to an updated 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers smoother shifts. Front-wheel drive is standard, while Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system is available across the board.

Towing capacity remains a strong suit, with up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. New for 2026 is Tow Mode, which adjusts throttle and shift points to make hauling smoother.

Advanced Tech That Listens to You

Hyundai continues to push tech boundaries in the 2026 Palisade. In addition to the dual 12.3-inch displays, there’s now an available augmented reality head-up display that projects turn-by-turn directions and hazard alerts onto the windshield.

The digital key feature now supports Apple Wallet and Samsung Pass, allowing you to unlock and start your Palisade using your smartphone or smartwatch. A new AI-powered driver profile remembers your seat, mirror, and climate preferences—even based on who’s driving, detected through facial recognition or your phone.

Over-the-air (OTA) updates ensure your Palisade stays current with software upgrades, new features, and even new driver assistance capabilities without a trip to the dealership.

Safety Comes Standard—With Smarts

Hyundai’s SmartSense suite has been upgraded in the 2026 Palisade. Standard features now include:

• Forward Collision Avoidance with Junction Turning Assist
• Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assist
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist
• Highway Driving Assist 2 with hands-free lane change capability

New for 2026 is Predictive Driver Attention Warning, which uses an interior camera and driving behavior analysis to alert drowsy or distracted drivers before something goes wrong. A surround-view monitor with 3D view helps navigate tight parking spaces with ease.

Trims and Pricing

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is offered in five trims: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy—with a new Calligraphy Night edition that includes exclusive blacked-out styling cues. Pricing starts at approximately $41,000 for the SE and tops out around $56,000 for a fully loaded Calligraphy Night AWD model.

Estimated MSRP breakdown:

• SE: $41,000
• SEL: $44,000
• XRT: $46,500
• Limited: $50,000
• Calligraphy: $53,500
• Calligraphy Night: $56,000

Hybrid models are expected to add about $2,000–$3,000 to each trim but will be eligible for potential federal tax credits depending on final EPA figures and domestic battery sourcing.

The XRT Returns—Ready for Rougher Roads

Hyundai brings back the rugged-themed XRT trim for 2026, complete with a raised suspension, skid plates, roof rails, and all-terrain tires. It’s not quite a rock crawler, but it adds style and light off-road confidence for adventurous families.

The XRT also includes exclusive blackout trim, a unique front fascia, and approach lighting under the side mirrors—making it one of the most visually distinctive models in the lineup.

2026 Hyundai Palisade – Specifications

Final Thoughts: Hyundai’s Hit Just Got Better

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade checks every box that buyers care about: style, space, safety, and tech. It’s not trying to reinvent the family SUV—it’s simply perfecting the formula. Whether you’re hauling kids to soccer practice or escaping for a weekend road trip, the Palisade delivers a driving experience that feels thoughtful and upscale without the luxury-brand markup.

Hyundai is clearly listening to its customers—and for 2026, they’ve answered loud and clear.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Videos:

Stay tuned for more updates as the 2026 Hyundai Palisade hits dealerships this summer. Test drives begin in early June 2025.