2026 Hyundai Palisade Review
Hyundai’s flagship SUV, the Palisade, has been a major player in the large family SUV segment since its debut in 2020. The Palisade built upon lessons from the Verac Cruz and Santa Fe, offering a package tailored to American families. Its bold design, spacious interior, and practical features helped it achieve annual sales exceeding 100,000 units.
For 2026, Hyundai introduces the all-new second-generation Palisade, with a more distinctive design, upgraded interior, and refined powertrains. We tested the top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim to see whether Hyundai has redefined its flagship SUV once again.
Engine and Performance
Hyundai has redesigned the Palisade’s engine lineup while keeping a naturally aspirated V6 as the base option. Here are the key specifications:
Engine: 3.5 L V6, double overhead cam, gasoline direct injection
Power: 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque (slightly less than the previous 3.8 L V6)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drive Options: Front-wheel drive or optional HTRAC all-wheel drive (+$2,000)
Fuel Economy: 18 MPG city / 24 MPG highway / 20 MPG combined
Fuel Tank: 19 gallons, ~380 miles of range
Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
Weight: ~4,800 lbs, ~300 lbs heavier than previous generation
Hyundai also offers a hybrid variant, producing up to 329 horsepower and achieving 29 MPG combined. While we have not driven the hybrid yet, it promises better fuel efficiency and more power than the gas-only V6.
Performance Notes:
0-60 mph: ~7.9 seconds, slower than the previous generation’s 6.8 seconds
Top Speed: ~130 mph
Smooth and refined engine, light on vibration
Best suited for comfort-oriented driving rather than aggressive acceleration or heavy towing
Exterior Design
The 2026 Palisade adopts a bold and distinctive exterior, particularly in the Calligraphy trim we tested:
Front:
Large Hyundai grille with the new logo integrated above the hood
Illuminated light bar across the upper grille
Projector LED headlights for low and high beams
Large DRLs and turn signals
Silver metallic accents on lower fascia
Front camera and sensors for Hyundai Driving Assist and 360-degree view
Side Profile:
Extended wheelbase: 116.9 inches (+3 inches)
Overall length: 199 inches (+2 inches)
Exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels with 265/45 R21 all-season tires
Power folding, body-colored side mirrors
Panoramic sunroof (two-piece design)
Silver metallic trim along rocker panels
Ground clearance: 7.4 inches (XRT variant offers 8.4 inches)
Rear:
Full LED tail lights with vertical stacked LEDs
Integrated rear spoiler with third brake light
Digital rearview camera
Power liftgate with hands-free function
Cargo space: 19 cubic feet with third row up, 46 cubic feet with third row folded, 86 cubic feet with all seats folded
Exterior Summary:
The Palisade’s design is boxy and modern, with some robotic lines. While it may not appeal to everyone, it certainly stands out in its segment, particularly in premium trims.
Interior and Cabin Features
Hyundai has drawn inspiration from its luxury brand Genesis for the interior of the Palisade Calligraphy trim. Key interior highlights include:
Front Cabin:
Two-tone leather and navy interior (also available in all black or brown)
Heated, ventilated, and massaging ErgoMotion driver seat with 14-way adjustment
Digital key option and traditional egg-shaped key fob
12.3-inch touchscreen with latest CNCC software
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Head-up display
Tri-zone climate control
Ambient lighting with customizable colors
Wood-look trim on center console and dash
Extensive storage options with USB-C ports, wireless charging, and UVC phone sanitizer
Rear Cabin:
Power reclining captain’s chairs in second row
Heated and ventilated seats with adjustable legroom
Side exit assist and retractable sunshades
43 inches of legroom in second row
Third row features: 32 inches of legroom, power adjustment, recline, heated seats, USB-C charging ports
Panoramic windows provide excellent light and visibility
Driving Experience
Behind the wheel, the 2026 Palisade is tuned for comfort:
Smooth and refined V6 with pleasant engine sound
8-speed automatic transmission responds well in sport mode
Ride quality is composed even on 21-inch wheels
Excellent visibility from front and side; digital rearview mirror compensates for blocked rear view
Comfortable for long trips with massaging seats and multiple adjustment options
Acceleration feels light on torque; passing on highways may require revving the engine
While the V6 provides a refined driving experience, enthusiasts or those who frequently tow may prefer the hybrid variant for extra power and efficiency.
Cargo and Practicality
The Palisade excels in family-friendly practicality:
Hands-free power liftgate
Flexible third-row seating with power slide and recline functions
86 cubic feet of maximum cargo space
Flat load floor with all seats folded
Underfloor storage compartments for tools and small items
Verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a bold, luxurious, and family-focused SUV that blends practicality with premium features. Its redesigned exterior, upgraded V6, and luxurious interior make it a strong contender in the large SUV segment.
Pros:
Refined, smooth V6 with 8-speed automatic
Luxurious interior with massaging seats and advanced infotainment
Excellent second and third-row comfort
Hands-free liftgate and flexible cargo options
Cons:
Slightly slower acceleration than previous generation
Lacks fog lights and exposed exhaust tips
Higher trims carry a premium price
For buyers looking for a large, feature-packed family SUV with a refined driving experience, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is an excellent choice. Consider waiting for the hybrid version if you want additional power and fuel efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 Hyundai Palisade
What are the engine options for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?
The 2026 Palisade features a new 3.5 L naturally aspirated V6 producing 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid variant is also available, offering up to 329 horsepower and up to 29 MPG combined fuel economy.
How does the 2026 Palisade perform compared to the previous generation?
The new V6 is slightly smaller than the previous 3.8 L engine, resulting in a small reduction of 4 horsepower and 2 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is around 7.9 seconds, slightly slower than the previous generation's 6.8 seconds, largely due to increased vehicle weight.
What are the drivetrain and fuel options?
Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive and Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel drive system for an additional $2,000. The gas-powered V6 runs on regular fuel with a 19-gallon tank, providing around 380 miles of driving range.
What are the exterior design highlights?
The 2026 Palisade has a bold and distinctive design with a large Hyundai grille, illuminated light bar on the Calligraphy trim, and unique 21-inch alloy wheels. It maintains a boxy yet upscale appearance with metallic accents and panoramic sunroof on higher trims.
How spacious is the interior and cargo area?
The Palisade offers a luxurious interior with two-tone upholstery, massaging front seats, and premium materials. The second-row captain's chairs provide excellent legroom of around 43 inches. Cargo space is 19 cubic feet with the third row up and expands to 86 cubic feet with all rear seats folded down.
What technology and infotainment features are included?
The Calligraphy trim features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with CNCC software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, head-up display, digital cluster, and advanced driver assistance systems. The infotainment system allows control over heated and cooled seats in the first, second, and third rows, and includes a built-in dashcam with event detection.
What are the seating and comfort features for passengers?
Front seats offer 14-way adjustable massaging, heated and ventilated functions. The second row has power reclining captain's chairs with heating, ventilation, and slide/recline adjustments. The third row includes heated seats with 32 inches of legroom and adjustable positions for better comfort.
How safe is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?
Safety features include Hyundai Highway Driving Assist 2.0, 360-degree cameras, side exit assist, multiple airbags, and reinforced construction. Advanced assistance technologies are integrated for both driver and passengers, ensuring high safety standards across trims.
