Hyundai’s redesigned 2026 Palisade debuts with a powerful hybrid powertrain targeting 329 horsepower and an impressive 619-mile driving range, making it one of the most efficient three-row SUVs on the market. After dominating 2024 with a 23% sales increase, this flagship model arrives bigger, smarter, and more capable than ever.
What Makes This SUV Different?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade isn’t just another refresh—it’s a complete transformation. The wheelbase stretches 2.7 inches while overall length increases 2.5 inches, creating significantly more interior space for families. The bold new design takes cues from premium Range Rover styling while maintaining Hyundai’s distinctive character.
Hybrid Power That Actually Delivers
Two Powertrain Options for Every Driver
Standard V6 Engine: The gas-powered 3.5-liter V6 produces 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While slightly less powerful than its predecessor, it delivers refined performance for daily driving.
Revolutionary Hybrid System: The new 2.5-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain targets up to 329 horsepower, combining a turbo-four engine with dual electric motors integrated into a 6-speed automatic. The hybrid achieves an estimated 34 mpg combined with up to 619 miles of range—perfect for long road trips without constant fuel stops.
Real-World Performance
The Palisade Hybrid offers more power and greatly improved efficiency at a price only slightly higher than its nonhybrid sibling, making it the smart choice for value-conscious buyers. The hybrid delivers smooth, quiet acceleration that rivals luxury SUVs while maintaining impressive fuel economy.
Off-Road Beast: Meet the XRT PRO
The first-ever Palisade XRT PRO packs more off-road hardware and greater design differentiation than preceding XRT models. This rugged variant features:
- Raised suspension providing an extra inch of ground clearance and electronic limited-slip differential for the rear axle
- All-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels with Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain modes
- Bold canyon red recovery hooks and aggressive styling
- 360-degree camera with forward ground-view mode
Interior That Rivals Luxury Brands
The third row offers notable improvements, with enough space for a 5-foot, six-inch adult to sit comfortably, surrounded by USB ports, cupholiers, and ceiling-mounted air vents. Both second and third rows power back and forth electrically in Calligraphy models.
Premium Tech Features
New available convenience technologies include first- and second-row Relaxation seating, Digital Key 2.0, and 100-watt capable USB-C ports. The system lets you control your Palisade using your smartphone or smartwatch—no key fob needed.
Additional standout features:
- Built-in two-camera Dash Cam providing continuous recording while driving and automatic recording of nearby movement while parked
- Wireless Over-The-Air (OTA) update capability ensuring major controls remain current with software additions
- Curved 12.3-inch dual displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available UV-C sanitizing tray
Safety That Protects What Matters Most
New safety technologies include built-in dual-camera Dash Cam, ten airbags, and third-row seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters. The comprehensive SmartSense suite includes:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Advanced Rear Occupant Alert with camera monitoring
2026 Hyundai Palisade Price & Availability
The Palisade Hybrid starts at $44,160, plus $1,600 destination, for the SEL Blue trim with front-wheel drive, peaking at $58,780 plus destination for a fully loaded all-wheel drive Calligraphy model.
The V6-powered Palisade hits dealerships this summer, while hybrid models arrive in showrooms this fall. With manufacturing based in Ulsan, South Korea, availability and pricing may be subject to tariff considerations.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade competes directly with the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-90, and Ford Explorer. The price premium for a Palisade Hybrid over the standard Palisade is only $2,220, with far superior fuel economy making it the obvious choice.
Key advantages over competitors:
- Superior hybrid range (619 miles vs. competitors)
- More horsepower than most rivals (329 HP hybrid)
- Advanced tech at lower price points
- Longer warranty coverage (Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty)
Bottom Line: Should You Buy It?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade represents everything modern families need: space, efficiency, technology, and safety. The Palisade Hybrid is simply one of the best SUVs you can buy, if not the best, addressing the only real complaint reviewers had about the gas-only model—not quite enough power.
For just $2,220 more than the standard model, the hybrid delivers 42 additional horsepower, drastically better fuel economy, and a driving range that eliminates range anxiety. Whether conquering off-road trails in the XRT PRO or cruising in Calligraphy luxury, the 2026 Palisade sets a new standard in the three-row SUV segment.
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