2026 Hyundai Palisade: Enhanced Luxury and Off-Road Capability
Hyundai has introduced a significantly updated version of its popular Palisade SUV, a crucial model for the brand's sales and market presence. The 2026 Palisade seeks to elevate the brand's flagship offering, building on the success of its predecessor, which was lauded for its premium interior and comprehensive standard features. The new generation showcases a more sophisticated exterior design with sleek, swept-back lines, hinting at a luxury aesthetic reminiscent of higher-end vehicles.
The latest Palisade boasts larger dimensions, being 2.5 inches longer overall with a 2.7-inch extended wheelbase, and slightly wider and taller than before. This expansion translates into more generous passenger space across all three rows, though the third row remains best suited for children. Inside, the Calligraphy trim offers a truly upscale experience, blending modern design with mid-century furniture inspiration. The interior is characterized by a rounded dashboard, meticulously placed trim, and a large, curved-glass display that provides high-resolution visuals. Acoustic enhancements, including additional sound-dampening materials and acoustic glass for the windshield and front windows (and second-row windows on higher trims), contribute to a remarkably quiet cabin, matching the serene cruising experience of much more expensive luxury SUVs. However, the driving dynamics have shifted towards a more subdued feel; the steering provides less feedback, and the brake pedal offers minimal resistance, indicating a comfort-oriented tuning that may appeal to a broader audience, despite some minor jitteriness experienced on 21-inch wheels over certain road surfaces.
Beyond its refined comfort, the 2026 Palisade introduces the new XRT Pro subbrand, designed for more challenging off-road adventures. This variant comes equipped with all-terrain tires, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and redesigned bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. During testing on a demanding off-road course, the XRT Pro demonstrated impressive capability, confidently navigating steep hills, slippery gravel, and uneven terrain, proving itself more than capable for typical off-road excursions. Despite these advancements, both the Calligraphy and XRT Pro models exhibit somewhat slower acceleration compared to the previous generation, attributed to a new 287-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a notable increase in curb weight. Nonetheless, the Palisade continues to offer compelling value across its diverse trim levels, from the well-equipped base SE to the feature-rich Calligraphy, catering to a wide range of family needs and preferences. A more powerful 329-hp hybrid model is also anticipated, promising to address performance concerns for those desiring more vigorous acceleration.
The new Hyundai Palisade, while making concessions in raw performance, has masterfully evolved to offer enhanced luxury, spaciousness, and off-road prowess. This strategic shift reflects an understanding of the modern family SUV market, where comfort, utility, and a touch of sophistication often take precedence over sheer speed. By prioritizing these attributes, Hyundai reinforces its commitment to delivering vehicles that not only meet but exceed the practical and aspirational demands of its customers, setting a new benchmark for versatile and family-friendly automotive excellence.