The 2026 Hyundai Palisade: A Bold, Upscale Redesign for America’s Favorite Three-Row SUV
Hyundai has completely reinvented its flagship three-row SUV with the all-new 2026 Palisade, elevating it to near-luxury status while keeping its family-friendly appeal and exceptional value intact.
Debuted at the 2025 New York International Auto Show, this second-generation model features a striking boxier exterior, a more spacious and premium interior, and—for the first time—a hybrid powertrain option. It’s bigger, more efficient, and packed with advanced tech, making it an even stronger contender in the competitive U.S. midsize SUV market.
The new design draws inspiration from modern luxury SUVs, with angular lines, stacked rectangular LED lighting, and a commanding presence on wheels up to 21 inches.
Availability in the USA
As of December 2025, the gas-powered 2026 Palisade models are arriving at dealerships, with hybrid variants following closely. Pricing starts at around $38,935 (including destination), making it a standout value against rivals like the Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Honda Pilot.
Exterior: Boxier and More Premium
The 2026 Palisade grows modestly but meaningfully: longer by 2.5 inches, with a 2.7-inch longer wheelbase for better interior room and stability. The design shifts to a bold, upright stance with:
- Distinctive stacked LED daytime running lights and hidden headlights.
- Forward-raked D-pillars and larger panoramic side glass for improved visibility.
- A low drag coefficient of 0.31 despite the boxier shape.
- New colors like Ecotronic Gray Pearl, Robust Emerald Pearl, and Earthy Brass Matte.
A standout addition is the XRT Pro trim—a rugged off-road-focused variant with extra ground clearance (up to 8.7 inches), all-terrain tires, orange tow hooks, and an electronic limited-slip differential.
For comparison, here’s the outgoing model:
Powertrain Options and Performance
Two powertrains are available:
- Standard 3.5L V6: ~287 hp, paired with an 8-speed automatic; up to 5,000 lbs towing.
- New Hybrid: 2.5L turbo-4 + electric motors for ~329 hp and 339 lb-ft; estimated up to 34 mpg combined and 619-mile range; 4,000 lbs towing.
Both offer front- or all-wheel drive, with smooth, refined performance ideal for family hauling.
Interior: Luxurious and Tech-Loaded
The cabin takes a huge leap upscale with premium materials (up to Nappa leather), relaxation seats in the first and second rows, and enhanced sound insulation.
Key features:
- Curved panoramic dual 12.3-inch displays for gauges and infotainment.
- Standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, Alexa Built-in, and Hyundai Pay.
- Bose 14-speaker audio, 100W USB-C ports, Digital Key 2.0, and OTA updates.
- Seating for up to 8 (or 9 in some configurations), with massive third-row space.
- Advanced safety: 10 airbags, dual-camera dash cam, and full Hyundai SmartSense suite.
Why the 2026 Palisade Stands Out for U.S. Buyers
In a segment dominated by practical family haulers, the refreshed Palisade combines bold styling, hybrid efficiency, and luxury touches at a mainstream price. It’s perfect for large families, road trips, or light adventures—especially with the XRT Pro. With strong sales momentum from the previous generation, this upscale evolution cements the Palisade as a top choice. Head to your local Hyundai dealer now to check out the latest arrivals and see why it’s turning heads across America.
