The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Goes Boxy, Hybrid and Adds Off-Road Muscle
This family favorite added a lot more to love.
Hyundai threw us all for a loop last year when they retooled the Santa Fe mid-size SUV with boxier proportions and a very modern-forward look and feel.
Then, they did it again. This time with the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, which is larger, boxier, more modern, and for the first time, comes in a more powerful,l more efficient hybrid version as well as an off-road ready XRT Pro model.
Not only does the 2026 Hyundai Palisade give Santa Fe vibes, but it also takes some smart cues from Hyundai’s EV lineup, including the brand new IONIQ 9 and the IONIQ 5. It’s really nice to see Hyundai’s design language become so strong and consistent across the lineup.
We got a sneak peek at the Palisade and all its goodies, and there are a lot of them. There is so much to tell.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
The Most Exciting News: 34 MPG. Really!
For 2026, Hyundai is introducing a new Ecco model, a 4-cylinder turbo hybrid that generates 329 HP, the most powerful in the lineup. This setup in the Palisade is estimated to get 34 MPG. For fans of quiet, efficient hybrids, this is huge news.
The hybrid system includes feedback screens on the multimedia system, allowing you to monitor the battery charge and efficiency so you can always do your best.
Even better, though, unlike some other hybrids, Hyundai took the opportunity to offer more power in the Pallisade, not less, as with the Santa Fe hybrid, which carries less HP than the purely gas-powered model. This is another big win in my opinion. Buyers can be assured they will always have enough power to put butts in all the seats and still be able to merge easily onto the highway.
Ramping Up Capability, Palisade Now Has an XRT Pro Model
Recognizing that everyone wants to be a bit more muscular and capable, Hyundai is adding an XRT Pro model designed for getting off the pavement. Based on the Palisade’s platform, I’d call this a light off-roader, not a heavyweight.
But it does a nice job and will be capable thanks to an additional 1” of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, a surround-view monitor, standard AWD, mud, sand, and snow modes, downhill brake assist, and front and rear recovery hooks. Inside, buyers will find leatherette seating embossed with a mountain scene, XRT Pro badging, a power moon roof, and front and ambient lighting.
The one downside (for now)? The XRT Pro version is not available in a hybrid, so if you value both, you’ll have to pick between them.
A Completely New Exterior Goes Modern and Moody
For 2026, Hyundai eliminated many of the “components” on the exterior, such as the headlights and grille separated by trim pieces and unified by paint color. Instead, the new light panels are integrated into the front corners.
The new Palisade takes a technical approach that allows the panels to look as if they are glowing during the day and glow at night; they frame new headlights that are tucked in between the light panels and the wide, simplified front grille.
The lighting design is replicated on the rear tail lights, simplifying the look. With a windshield wiper that’s tucked under the rear spoiler and a simple lower bumper, the new look is sophisticated and modern.
An All-New Interior Will Make You Crave Downtime
Hyundai found everyone wants its relaxation seats that recline and let you relax, so both the front and center row seats will have this option: They can slide back, recline, and are heated and vented; front seats can be ordered with massage capability. Yes, in a family-friendly 3-row SUV.
Then, the center console floats between the front seats, allowing for open storage below; on the top are USB ports, a wireless phone charger, and cup holders. Under the armrest is an optional UV-C sanitizing box to keep phones and pacifiers clean.
A New Multimedia System That’s the Most Powerful and Functional Ever
Hyundai has been moving toward single-pane multimedia systems for a while, and now it’s Palisade’s turn. But for 2026, it’ll get the most updated, with “Hey, Hyundai” voice activation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a faster processor that will do everything more quickly.
I didn’t get much opportunity to play with it, but I did find a few things that I found exciting, including the seat controls (keep reading for more on this), and I can’t wait to get to know it better.
READ MORE: Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition Review: One Badass 3-Row SUV
Seat Controls That Will Amaze You… And Your Kiddos
Third-row seats that can be controlled from the front screen are the new cupholders—truly— and Hyundai didn’t skimp on this. In the Calligrapy model, we toured a seating screen that allows both second and 3rd row seats to be folded or unfolded from the front screens as well as second row seats. All can be controlled from the seat or from the cargo area, too.
Now, you don’t need to get out of the car or out of your massaging seat to put the rear seats down or up. You can just pull up the screen and do it there, or let your co-pilot do it.
The Hyundai Palisade Can Hear Your Baby Breathe
I love this detail too: the rear seat reminder is now motion-detected and is so sensitive that it can sense a baby breathing. Not only will it flash the lights and honk the horn, but it’ll send a message to your phone. So if someone leaves a sleeping baby in the car, you’ll get a message. If your little hooligan decides to play in the car and gets locked in, you’ll get a message. If you leave your dog in the car, everyone will know.
The new rear seat reminder is added to a whole slew of new and improved safety tech including safe-exit assist which flashes a light in the door speaker when the door is opened to let you know a vehicle or bicycle is approaching; an enhanced drive monitor system; improved cruise control that uses navigation to anticipate curves in the road and slow; rear cross traffic collision avoidance; and a next-generation Bluelink connected car system.
READ MORE: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9 All Electric 3-Row SUV: Everything Hyundai Does Well, Elevated
And Now the Bad News: You’ll Have to Wait Until Fall for this Baby
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade will go into production this summer and be on sale in the early fall of 2025. Hyundai hasn’t announced pricing yet and likely won’t until closer to the launch of the new Palisade. At least it’ll make its way to dealers in time for fall foliage road trips and winter snowstorms that are sure to put its AWD and new capability to the test.
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