Our Opinion - 2026 Hyundai Palisade Review The Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade, both with three rows of seats, share the same base. The first-generation Palisade has been a great mid-size crossover option since its introduction in 2020, thanks to this link. But this new second-generation model is making a big splash with its completely new look. The Palisade looks more modern because it has straighter lines and more intricate details, like the big silver D-pillar. The 2026 Palisade is still a three-row SUV that can fit up to eight people. A V-6 engine with 287 horsepower is the base engine. The top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim level of luxury is Genesis-level, and the inside is nicely equipped with useful features. What's New? The second generation of the Palisade starts with the 2026 model year. It is bigger than the first generation and has a longer wheelbase. The updated Palisade’s brighter lights and blockier shape go well with Hyundai’s new electric Ioniq 9 SUV. The updated interior has high-end materials and a more modern look. The more luxurious Calligraph trim still has a better cabin, but the more rugged-looking XRT Pro model has a higher suspension and different driving modes for different types of terrain. Pros and Cons Pros Redesigned from scratch. Choose a power source that works better. A new car for off-road use. Cons Longer waiting time for hybrid cars. V-6 makes almost the same amount of power as before. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 (487 horsepower). Automatic transmission with eight speeds. Powertrains with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. There are 287 horsepower in the Palisade’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The automatic transmission has eight speeds and comes with all models. You have the option to select either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. There is also a 329-hp hybrid engine, which we reviewed separately from the Palisade Hybrid. The XRT Pro trim is more robust than the other Palisade versions, featuring an additional inch of ground clearance along with an elevated suspension. The driver can also switch between weather modes to get the best grip in mud, sand, and snow. The V-6 has enough power for normal driving, even though it doesn’t accelerate very quickly. The ride is relaxing and good for family chores, but it’s hard to control. Safety There are a number of driver-assistance systems that come standard on all Palisades. Among these features are adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. You can get a more powerful adaptive cruise control system that can center the car in its lane. Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping aid are all safety features that come as standard. Adaptive speed control, lane centering, and parking sensors are all safety features that can be added as options. Internal and External Cargo Capacity First Row: The Palisade has three rows of seats, and the first row is very roomy. The dashboard’s curved edges make it look like mid-century modern furniture. The whole family can fit. The inside looks and feels very high-end all over, especially in the top Calligraphy trim, which has standard technology and better-than-average finishes. There are still a lot of comfort and convenience options in the lower trim levels. Inside, the cabin offers several cupholders, USB-C charging outlets, a digital rearview mirror, a UV-C sanitizing compartment, and a wireless phone charging pad. Second Row: With its standard three-person second-row bench seat, the Palisade can fit eight people. However, it can only fit seven people with an optional pair of second-row captain’s chairs that can recline and extend their footrests for the best comfort. Third Row: The bench seat in the back of the Palisade is big enough for kids and can sometimes fit an adult. If you need to drop the seats to make room for goods, the third row on higher trim levels has power adjustments and extra controls in the cargo area. Cargo Space: Behind the third row of seats, the Palisade can only hold 19.1 cubic feet of stuff. When the back seats are folded down, the trunk space grows to a roomy 46.3 cubic feet, which should be more than enough for long road trips and shopping trips. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG According to EPA estimates, it delivers around 18 to 19 miles per gallon in city driving. The EPA says it gets 24 to 25 mpg on the highway. In total, the front-wheel-drive Palisade achieves 19 mpg in city conditions, 25 mpg on the highway, and an average of 21 mpg combined. Everything in this list goes down by an even 1 mpg when all-wheel drive is added. Infotainment and Connectivity A large, curved screen with two 12.3-inch panels provides the driver with access to tools and entertainment. No wires, A Wi-Fi hotspot on board, mapping in the dash, Amazon Alexa, Hyundai Pay, an in-car payment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all standard features. You can add a 14-speaker Bose sound system if you want to. Range, Charging, and Battery Life 60 miles per hour, about 6.6 seconds. The 2026 Palisade will take a little longer to hit 60 mph than the 2025 model, which did it in 6.4 seconds on our test track. Towing and Payload Capacity All-wheel-drive versions of the 2026 Palisade have a tow mode that lets the automatic transmission stay at lower speeds for longer. These models are capable of towing as much as 5,000 pounds. The Palisade XRT Pro, Limited, and Calligraphy trims include a factory-installed hitch that is concealed behind a rear bumper panel. Price and How to Choose Different trims and choices can change how much the 2026 Hyundai Palisade costs. When it comes to price and options, the SEL Premium trim is the best deal. A 360-degree video system, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and heated back seats are some of the optional features that come with the SEL standard increase.
