Electric Cars

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro emerges as a compelling contender in the competitive SUV market, successfully bridging the gap between daily usability and adventurous capability. Over a week of rigorous testing, this vehicle demonstrated a thoughtful balance of bold design, a comfortable and technologically advanced interior, and surprising off-road prowess. While it faces stiff competition in terms of raw power-to-price ratio, its distinctive character, high-quality build, and family-friendly features carve out a unique niche. It's an SUV that defies initial preconceptions, proving itself to be more than just an aesthetically rugged vehicle, offering a premium experience without sacrificing versatility. For those seeking an adaptable family vehicle that inspires outdoor exploration, the Palisade XRT Pro presents a well-rounded and engaging option.

Detailed Examination of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro

Last week, as I embarked on a journey to retrieve my test vehicle, an initial skepticism loomed. The description of a 'brown Hyundai crossover' conjured images of mundane, uninspired vehicles. However, these preconceived notions were quickly dispelled upon encountering the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro. This vehicle proved to be a far more captivating and exciting experience than anticipated, prompting a thorough evaluation of its many facets.

From a visual standpoint, the Palisade XRT Pro immediately commands attention. Its design ethos noticeably draws inspiration from the robust, boxy silhouette and rear-end aesthetics of the L405-generation Range Rover (2013-2021). Yet, it distinguishes itself with confident precision, offering an aesthetic that is both sophisticated and uniquely its own. Its striking LED light towers, both at the front and rear, impart an imposing presence, while the blocky grille, though somewhat unconventional, contributes to its overall distinctive character. The Earthy Brass Matte finish, in particular, enhances its off-road appeal, making it appear perfectly at home on remote logging roads alongside more traditional off-roaders like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler, despite its unibody construction. In urban settings, its commanding road presence is undeniable, often eliciting admiring glances that speak to its adventurous allure, catering to the aspiration for an adventurous lifestyle that often motivates SUV purchases.

Stepping inside, the Palisade XRT Pro presents an interior characterized by a prevalence of black tones, which, while premium in material quality and assembly, can appear somewhat monotonous. This uniform color scheme occasionally led to minor user experience challenges, such as the initial difficulty passengers faced in locating the door handle. Despite this, the cabin excels in comfort and functionality. Its seating offers excellent support and cushioning, extending even to a more spacious third row. The interior's strength lies in its harmonious integration of advanced infotainment with accessible physical controls. Dual 12.3-inch screens provide a versatile gauge cluster and a responsive, high-definition central display that seamlessly supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, positioned optimally for driver visibility. Crucially, the presence of numerous physical buttons for climate control and audio, along with various drive mode selectors, enhances user-friendliness. A minor ergonomic critique, however, is the placement of the engine start/stop button on the steering column-mounted gear selector, which can be awkward to access. Nonetheless, the interior remains a comfortable and practical space, equipped with wireless charging, ample USB ports, and a quality Bose sound system, ensuring a pleasant experience for all occupants.

The performance of the 2026 Palisade XRT Pro on the road and beyond reveals a complex character. My journey up the scenic west coast of Vancouver Island, from the Pat Bay Highway to the rugged trails near Port Renfrew, provided a diverse testing ground. On paved roads, the vehicle exhibits commendable handling, surprising with its stability around corners despite its all-terrain tires. The HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system ensures robust grip. However, in normal driving modes, the eight-speed automatic transmission occasionally struggles with gear selection, and the 3.5-liter V6 engine, with 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, can feel somewhat lacking in low-end torque, especially when navigating heavy traffic or seeking quick acceleration. Engaging sport mode significantly improves transmission responsiveness, although accessing the engine's full power often requires high revs.

Off-road, the Palisade XRT Pro demonstrates capabilities that exceed expectations for a crossover. It effortlessly ascended sandy slopes without slippage, and its enhanced approach (20.5 degrees) and departure (22.4 degrees) angles, along with a 1-inch lift, effectively prevent bumper scrapes on steep inclines. While its unibody construction makes it less adept at handling extreme rock crawling compared to true body-on-frame SUVs, it maintains impressive structural integrity, free from creaks or squeaks even on rough terrain, underscoring its build quality and validating its XRT Pro designation as more than just cosmetic. A notable drawback during driving was the intrusive lane-keep assist system, which frequently provided unnecessary steering corrections and warnings, prompting its deactivation for a more intuitive driving experience.

Priced at $49,870, the Palisade XRT Pro, while offering a premium feel and distinctive design, faces rivals like the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek ($44,490, 295 hp, 270 lb-ft) and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited 4x4 ($46,905, similar power with a rear-biased platform). Despite its slightly higher cost and modest power figures, its unique charm, robust build, and refined interior aim to justify the investment.

This extensive week-long trial revealed that the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro is more than just a stylish SUV; it's a testament to Hyundai's evolution and commitment to offering a versatile, comfortable, and capable vehicle for modern families. The vehicle adeptly handles the daily commute while being ready for more adventurous excursions, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate both luxury and rugged functionality in one package. It masterfully blends the practicality of a family hauler with the spirit of an off-road explorer, embodying a successful synthesis of form and function.

The recently re-introduced Honda Prelude has demonstrated remarkable success in Japan, particularly appealing to an older demographic, substantially outperforming the manufacturer's initial sales projections. This hybrid performance coupe, despite facing skepticism in the United States regarding its market fit, has resonated strongly with Japanese buyers, many of whom are in their fifties and sixties. Their enthusiastic reception highlights a distinct difference in automotive tastes between the two regions. The Prelude's impressive sales figures in Japan, leading to a temporary halt in new orders, underscore its immediate popularity, contrasting with the more cautious outlook for its American debut.

In Japan, the new Honda Prelude has swiftly become a sales phenomenon. Honda's initial sales target was modest, aiming for around 300 units per month for the first two months. However, the actual demand far exceeded these expectations. Between September 5th and October 6th, approximately 2,400 orders were placed, indicating an overwhelming market response. This surge in popularity has led dealers to temporarily suspend new orders as they await increased supply, with Honda announcing plans to ramp up production to meet this unforeseen demand.

A notable aspect of the Prelude's Japanese success is the demographic of its buyers. Data from Honda Japan reveals that the majority of purchasers are individuals in their 50s and 60s. These older consumers often intend to use the Prelude either as their primary vehicle or as a secondary car. The pricing for the Prelude in Japan is set at 6,179,800 yen, which converts to approximately $41,000 USD. This price point is also anticipated for the US market, where the vehicle is expected to launch later in the fall.

The outlook for the Prelude in the US market presents a different picture. American consumers have shown a strong preference for crossovers, and while hybrid vehicles are popular, the sporty nature of the Prelude might not align with the typical hybrid buyer's expectations. Nevertheless, it has been a considerable period since Honda offered a small hybrid coupe in the US, with the CR-Z discontinuation more than a decade ago. It is conceivable that market attitudes towards this segment could have evolved since then.

The ultimate success of the Prelude in the United States will largely hinge on its pricing strategy. Current economic conditions mean that many American car buyers are operating on tight budgets and are actively seeking value rather than merely the best vehicle. High tariffs and the rising cost of living have made new car purchases challenging for many. If Honda can position the Prelude as a valuable offering or introduce attractive incentives, the coupe might achieve a degree of success. However, it is clear that the Prelude faces significant hurdles in capturing the American market.