When Hyundai first introduced the Palisade in 2020, it quickly became a family favorite among three-row SUVs. Fast forward to 2025, and the Korean automaker is ready to raise the bar again with the completely redesigned 2026 Palisade. This isn’t just a refresh—it’s a ground-up reimagining that promises to deliver more space, better technology, and premium features that rival luxury SUVs.
A Bold New Look That Commands Attention
The most noticeable change you’ll see in the 2026 Palisade is its dramatically different appearance. Gone are the flowing lines of the previous generation, replaced by a more angular, upright design that gives the SUV a commanding presence on the road. The front end features distinctive vertical LED daytime running lights and a horizontal center positioning light that creates a wider, more aggressive stance.
What’s particularly impressive is how Hyundai managed to achieve this bold, boxy look while maintaining excellent aerodynamics. The design team achieved a remarkable 0.31 coefficient of drag, one of the lowest in the three-row SUV segment. This means you get that premium, Range Rover-esque appearance without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
The larger dimensions aren’t just for show, either. The 2026 Palisade stretches 2.5 inches longer in overall length, with the wheelbase growing by 2.7 inches compared to the outgoing model. This translates to genuinely more usable space inside, particularly for second and third-row passengers who previously found the Palisade’s rear seats a bit cramped.
Inside: Where Luxury Meets Practicality
Step inside the new Palisade, and you’ll immediately notice the transformation. The interior design philosophy has shifted toward a more upright, commanding driving position with a dashboard that emphasizes both functionality and sophistication. The centerpiece is a dual 12.3-inch display setup that houses both the driver information cluster and the infotainment system.
But the real game-changer might be the available Relaxation seating for both first and second rows. These seats offer multiple degrees of recline with deployable upper-leg supports, essentially turning your SUV into a mobile lounge. For families who frequently take long road trips, this feature alone could justify the upgrade.
The third row has also received significant attention. Hyundai now offers power-folding, sliding, and power-reclining heated third-row seats on higher trim levels. This addresses one of the main complaints about the previous generation—that the third row felt more like an emergency seating option rather than a place where adults could comfortably spend time.
Hybrid Power Arrives at the Perfect Time
Perhaps the most significant mechanical change for 2026 is the introduction of a hybrid powertrain. The new system combines a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors integrated into a six-speed automatic transmission. The result is an estimated 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque—substantially more power than the standard V6 engine.
More importantly for families watching their fuel budgets, the hybrid system targets up to 34 mpg with an estimated driving range of over 600 miles. This means fewer gas station stops during family vacations and significantly lower operating costs over the life of the vehicle.
The standard engine option remains a naturally aspirated V6, though it’s now a 3.5-liter unit producing an estimated 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. While this represents a slight decrease from the previous 3.8-liter engine, the new powerplant should deliver better fuel economy and refinement.
Technology That Actually Makes Life Easier
Hyundai has loaded the 2026 Palisade with technology features that go beyond flashy gadgets to provide real-world convenience. The Digital Key 2.0 Premium system allows you to use your smartphone or smartwatch to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle—perfect for families who seem to constantly misplace their keys.
The built-in dash cam system on higher trim levels offers continuous recording while driving and can automatically activate when parked if sensors detect nearby movement. For parents concerned about teen drivers or anyone who’s dealt with parking lot incidents, this provides invaluable peace of mind.
The Wi-Fi hotspot capability with Alexa Built-in means passengers can stay connected and entertained during long trips, while the available UV-C sanitizing tray helps keep phones and other small items clean—a feature that feels particularly relevant in today’s health-conscious world.
Adventure-Ready with XRT Pro
For families who genuinely use their SUV for more than just school pickups and grocery runs, Hyundai has introduced the XRT Pro variant. This is the first Hyundai to wear the “XRT Pro” nameplate, and it’s designed specifically with American adventure-seekers in mind.
The XRT Pro includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential, an additional inch of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and specialized terrain modes for mud, sand, and snow conditions. The real-time pitch, roll, compass, and elevation displays help drivers navigate challenging terrain with confidence.
Visual cues like the prominent canyon red recovery hooks, beefier front fascia, and dark 18-inch wheels make it clear this isn’t your typical family hauler. Yet inside, you still get all the comfort and convenience features families expect, including heated and ventilated seats, premium audio, and the full suite of safety technologies.
The Price Reality Check
All these improvements come with a cost increase, but Hyundai has been relatively restrained in its pricing strategy. The base SE model now starts at $40,430, representing a $1,735 increase over the 2025 model. While no one likes paying more, the extensive list of new standard features helps justify the higher price point.
The hybrid models start at $45,155, which represents excellent value when you consider the significant fuel savings and increased performance. Even the range-topping Calligraphy trim, while experiencing the largest price increase at around $3,060, still undercuts many luxury three-row SUVs while offering comparable features and capabilities.
Should You Make the Jump?
The 2026 Palisade represents a compelling upgrade for families currently driving the outgoing model or considering alternatives like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, or Mazda CX-90. The combination of more space, better technology, improved fuel efficiency with the hybrid option, and genuine off-road capability with the XRT Pro makes this generation significantly more versatile than its predecessor.
For buyers who have been waiting for a three-row SUV that doesn’t require them to choose between capability and efficiency, the hybrid Palisade finally delivers both. The 600-plus mile range means you can handle the family vacation drive and the daily school run with equal confidence.
The 2026 Palisade begins arriving at dealerships this month for the standard models, with hybrid variants following in early fall. Given Hyundai’s track record with the previous generation and the significant improvements in this redesign, early buyers are likely to be rewarded with strong resale values and years of reliable family service.