Hyundai Palisade & Palisade Hybrid – A Narrative Product Review
First Impressions
Even in a crowded three-row SUV segment, Hyundai’s largest utility vehicle leans hard on style. Hyundai touts the 2026 model’s face as having a distinctive presence with a robust premium design, and that confidence shows the moment the LED DRLs light up.
Design & Exterior
The sheet-metal gets crisper for 2026, with a taller grille framed by slimmer headlamps, while Calligraphy trims add signature 21-inch alloys and satin-chrome brightwork. Buyers looking for something more understated can still spec the PALISADE SE or SEL, but the halo Calligraphy trim wears its upscale intent proudly with unique lighting signatures and a dual-pane sunroof.
Color & Wheel Options (Gas Model)
Trim | Wheel Size | Notable Exterior Details |
SE | 18" alloy | Body-color mirrors, silver skid plates |
SEL | 20" alloy | Black roof rails, optional sunroof |
Limited | 20" machined alloy | Acoustic glass, puddle lamps |
Calligraphy | 21" alloy | Exclusive grille & lighting package |
Pricing shown later in article; all freight, tax, and fees extra.
Powertrain & Performance
The conventional PALISADE keeps its new 3.5-liter V6 (final output TBA at press time) and a smooth eight-speed automatic. Properly equipped, the gasoline model can tow up to 5,000 lbs, making it weekend-RV friendly.
Introducing the 2026 Palisade Hybrid
Hyundai finally adds electrons to the family hauler without dropping cylinders entirely. A turbocharged 2.5-liter GDI four teams with an electric motor for a stout 329 hp and an EPA-targeted range of 619 miles , besting key rivals by roughly 20-plus miles.
Hybrid Performance Snapshot
Spec | FWD | HTRAC AWD |
Combined HP | 329 hp | 329 hp |
Est. mpg (City/Hwy/Comb.) | 33 / 35 / 34 | 29 / 30 / 29 |
Max Tow | 4,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs |
Those numbers mean the hybrid sacrifices only 1,000 lbs of towing versus the V6 while offering serious pump-side savings.
Interior, Comfort & Tech
Open the soft-close door and you’re greeted by a horizontal dash capped by dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays. Ergonomic haptic steering-wheel controls replace many physical buttons, and a column-mounted shifter frees up console space for Qi chargers and cupholders.
Second-row passengers can spec heated/ventilated captain’s chairs with the Relaxation recline function, while the third row power-folds at the press of a switch. Folding both rear rows unlocks 86.7 cu-ft of cargo room, enough for plywood sheets or a college move-in run.
Connectivity remains a strong suit: Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Hyundai Digital Key 2 come standard; Bose Premium Audio, Alexa Built-In, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot keep the whole crew entertained.
Safety Suite & Driver Assistance
Every trim ships with the latest Hyundai SmartSense stack that rolls in Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keeping, and high-resolution cameras. Upper trims add Highway Driving Assist II with hands-on lane-centering and a Surround View Monitor for parking confidence. Families will appreciate the Advanced Rear Occupant Alert and Remote Smart Parking Assist that can inch the SUV into a tight garage while you stand outside.
Trim & Pricing Guide (MSRP*)
Trim | Gasoline | Hybrid** | Key Upgrades |
SE | TBA | N/A | 8-passenger cloth, 18" wheels |
SEL | TBA | $44,160 | Htd seats, wireless charger |
Limited | TBA | TBA | Nappa leather, 12-speaker Bose |
Calligraphy | $54,560 | TBA | 21" alloys, suede headliner |
MSRP excludes freight, taxes & fees.
Hybrid arrives Winter 2025; final pricing pending for upper trims.
Ownership Costs & Warranty
Value remains a Hyundai hallmark. Each PALISADE ships with America’s Best Warranty — 10 yr/100k-mile powertrain coverage plus 5-yr/60k-mile bumper-to-bumper — and three years of complimentary maintenance. For shoppers wanting ultimate flexibility, the brand’s Evolve month-to-month subscription bundles insurance, 1,000 miles, service, and roadside assistance into one payment.
Verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade was already a value-rich family shuttle; the hybrid powertrain turns it into a category disruptor. It delivers true full-size interior space, a segment-leading 619-mile range, and upscale amenities that make some luxury SUVs blush — all while undercutting rivals on price and over-delivering on warranty. Families who want capability without sacrificing conscience (or bank account) should move the new Palisade straight to the top of their test-drive list.
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