Since its debut in 2018, the Hyundai Palisade has established itself as a top-tier three-row SUV by combining style, space, and substance. But in 2026, Hyundai pushes the envelope even further. This is more than just a refresh; it's a complete redesign of the Palisade as a more rugged, premium, and technologically advanced SUV. Let's take a look at what distinguishes the 2026 Palisade in a highly competitive SUV market.
Hyundai Palisade Evolution: From Past to Present
Before we get into what sets the 2026 Hyundai Palisade apart, let's take a look at how this flagship SUV has evolved. The Palisade has become one of the most elegant and functional mid-size SUVs available on the market since its daring debut and most recent redesign.
First-Generation Hyundai Palisade (LX2; 2018-2023)
The first-generation Hyundai Palisade, introduced in 2018 for the 2019 model year, marked Hyundai's bold entry into the three-row SUV segment. It replaced the Hyundai Santa Fe XL and immediately impressed with its upscale design, spacious cabin, and advanced safety features. Hyundai's V6 engine, premium interior options, and available all-wheel drive demonstrated that it could compete with established SUV giants.
Second-Generation Hyundai Palisade (LX3; 2024-Present)
The second-generation Palisade went into production in 2024, with a more sculpted and modern design, new underpinnings, and improved technology. This generation focuses on refinement and connectivity, with an even quieter cabin, improved ride quality, and more driver-assistance technology as standard. From its striking new front fascia to its redesigned interior with a sleeker dashboard and panoramic displays, the LX3 Palisade assertively pushes the brand into premium territory. This generation will be launched as the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, which is now available for preorder.
What’s New for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade receives its most extensive overhaul to date. Here’s what’s new:
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Redesigned Exterior Styling: The Palisade sheds its smooth, rounded edges for a boxy, upright stance. Its longer wheelbase (+2.7 inches) and stretched body (+2.5 inches) give it a bolder, more premium road presence. Vertical LED lighting and squared-off design cues give it a Range Rover-inspired aesthetic.
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All-New Hybrid Powertrain: For the first time, Hyundai offers the Palisade as a hybrid. The hybrid pairs a turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with dual electric motors to produce 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, making it both powerful and efficient.
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XRT Pro Off-Road Trim: Hyundai expands the lineup with a rugged, adventure-focused trim. The XRT Pro features 8.4 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, underbody skid plates, and standard AWD with terrain drive modes. The XRT Pro is the most capable Palisade ever designed for off-roading.
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Next-Gen Tech and Features: Inside, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade gains dual 12.3-inch curved displays, wireless smartphone integration, OTA updates, built-in dash cams, a UV-C sanitizing console, a rearview camera mirror, and a Digital Key 2.0 system.
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Refined Interior and Noise Suppression: Enhanced cabin insulation, thicker glass, and upgraded carpet materials create a quieter, more luxurious experience.
This complete transformation positions the Hyundai Palisade as a true flagship SUV, not just in Hyundai’s lineup but within the midsize SUV market as a whole.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Engine and Performance
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers two powertrain choices to better suit different driver needs:
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Gasoline Powertrain: The 2026 Hyundai Palisade 3.5L V6 gasoline engine delivers 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. It pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering FWD or HTRAC AWD options.
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Hybrid Powertrain: The 2026 Hyundai Palisade turbocharged 2.5L inline-4 hybrid powertrain provides 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft. It pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission and offers standard AWD.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Towing Capacity
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is built with utility in mind, and its towing capabilities are a testament to its versatility. When equipped with the V6 engine, the Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than enough for trailers, small boats, and family campers. The new hybrid model, while more fuel efficient, still maintains a strong towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. Whether you're towing for fun or work, the Palisade gives you confidence and control with features like trailer sway assist, an available Tow Mode on AWD models, and a reinforced cooling system built for long hauls.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency has improved significantly for the 2026 Palisade, especially with the addition of the hybrid option. While final EPA numbers are still pending, Hyundai expects the Palisade Hybrid to get more than 30 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most efficient three-row SUVs available. This is a significant increase over the gasoline-only version, which is also expected to improve slightly from previous models, delivering around 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Interior
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade interior combines luxurious materials with thoughtful innovation. Quilted Nappa leather, satin-metal accents, and soft-touch finishes create a refined atmosphere, which is enhanced by ambient lighting and an expansive curved dual 12.3-inch digital display. This SUV seats seven to nine people and includes Relaxation seating in the first and second rows, motorized third-row access, standard USB-C ports, cup holders, wireless charging, a Bose premium audio system, and an optional UV-C sanitizing console for increased comfort, connectivity, and cleanliness.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Exterior
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade gets a new look on the outside with a bold, upright profile. Its length grows by 2.5 inches to reach 199.2 inches, and its wheelbase grows by 116.9 inches to make it stand out on the road and give the interior more space. It strikes a commanding stance with a trimmed front overhang and sleek vertical LED daytime running lights. The sheet metal flows into sharp, boxy body lines and large 21-inch alloy wheels, while the high-mounted rear stop lamp aligns with vertical taillights and integrated roof rails for a unified, upscale finish.
What are the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Trim Levels?
Here are some of the key features for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade trim levels:
Hyundai Palisade SE
As the base trim, the Palisade SE is a great deal. It has a curved digital cockpit with two 12.3-inch screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in, and the full Hyundai SmartSense safety suite. It has 18-inch wheels and LED lighting inside and out, which makes it a stylish but easy-to-use addition to the lineup.
Hyundai Palisade SEL
Building on the SE’s foundation, the Hyundai Palisade SEL adds refinement like 19-inch wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, and available second-row captain’s chairs for improved comfort and access. A panoramic sunroof and wireless charging pad elevate the cabin experience, along with enhanced safety and convenience features.
Hyundai Palisade XRT
The Hyundai Palisade XRT caters to outdoor enthusiasts with rugged styling elements including dark grille accents, roof rails, and distinctive wheels. Though its underpinnings remain similar to the SEL, its athletic visuals and lifestyle-oriented design speak to those seeking a sporty twist on premium family transport.
Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro
New for 2026, the Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro evolves from styling into serious off-road capability. It comes standard with AWD, a locking rear electronic differential, and a lifted suspension with 8.4 inches of ground clearance. Off-road enhancements include all-terrain tires, skid plates, tow hooks, and three terrain modes (mud, sand, and snow). It also has rugged styling and additional functionality, such as an integrated tow hitch and power moonroof.
Hyundai Palisade Limited
The Limited takes luxury to a whole new level with features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bose premium audio, and third-row seats that fold down automatically. It also has bigger wheels and a nicer interior, making it a good mix of luxury and value.
Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
The highest level of luxury comes with the Calligraphy trim, which has Nappa leather seats, ambient lighting, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. It's aimed at people who want near-luxury comfort and a lot of features. It has 21-inch wheels and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
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