Hyundai’s flagship SUV has just enjoyed its best sales year to date, and that achievement will soon be followed by an exciting redesign. The 2026 Palisade will be an all-new edition with a number of firsts, both for the brand and the model itself. For starters, this new generation will kick off with the first-ever Palisade Hybrid, with Hyundai’s electrified lineup gaining another highly efficient and powerful option that’s certain to make waves in the gas-electric three-row SUV segment.
The 2026 Palisade will also debut the XRT PRO nameplate, as an adventurous trim equipped with off-road-ready styling and hardware, including a factory-installed tow hitch (the first ever from Hyundai). Finally, Hyundai’s all-new Dash Cam, a two-camera system designed to record driving footage and monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, will be introduced in this model. The next-generation Palisade promises to be more innovative, more capable, and safer than ever before, with its release planned just in time for the summer road-trip season.
3.5L V6 Engine
of Torque
Maximum Towing Capacity
Although Hyundai hasn’t as of this writing announced the full trim lineup, the all-new XRT PRO, Limited, and Calligraphy will be among them. What has been confirmed is the pair of powertrain choices. The standard setup will be a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is estimated to churn out 287 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The available hybrid powertrain will consist of a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and two electric motors. Hyundai has stated that this gas-electric system is going to generate up to 329 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque, with expected fuel economy around 30 mpg on the highway. Its towing capacity will be a bit less than the non-hybrid version, at 4,000 lb. Regardless of the powertrain, all-wheel drive (AWD) is expected to be available on every trim, along with selectable driving modes for Sport, Smart, and Normal.
The 2026 Palisade should reach peak performance onboard the new XRT PRO with standard features that will include AWD, an electronic rear limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires, downhill brake control, over an inch more of ground clearance, enhanced approach and departure angles, an OEM tow hitch, and a drive-mode selector with settings for Mud, Sand, Snow, and Tow. You can also expect a surround view monitor with ground view, real-time pitch and roll, and elevation displays.
Hyundai has shared specific details regarding the 2026 Palisade’s new look. It will show off a more upright and refined look, with a vertically oriented LED daytime running light signature and horizontal positioning lights that emphasize its wider stance. The confident front grille has active airflow shutters for improved aerodynamics and a sporty look. The hood is flatter, with steeper A-pillars that contribute to a stronger side profile. From the wheelbase to the overall length, every key dimension will be bigger, resulting in more space for both passengers and cargo. Yet, despite its taller proportions, the new Palisade is projected to have one of the lowest coefficients of drag in its class. At the rear, a wide upper stop lamp, vertical taillights, and integrated roof rails frame the SUV’s squared silhouette. Expanded side glass and redefined D-pillars should also improve third-row visibility and natural light inside the cabin.
The interior will have elegant finishes, soft-touch surfaces, and materials inspired by luxury home furnishings. The first and second rows will be outfitted with relaxation seats for more upper-leg support and increased reclining capability, while all three rows will have multiple beverage holders and 100-watt USB ports. Every trim will also have a 12.3-inch curved and panoramic digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch color touchscreen, and a wireless charging pad in the center console. Seating surfaces will range from premium cloth on lower trims to either synthetic or real leather on higher grades, with Nappa leather a given for the Calligraphy.
After Hyundai’s most recent press release, one thing we know for certain is that the debuting XRT PRO is going to be well equipped with off-road design elements and functional upgrades. It will be accented by red-painted front and rear recovery hooks, 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark finish, other dark exterior accents, and a more aggressive front-facing appearance with a dominant grille and sculpted lower fascia. Heated and ventilated front seats and H-Tex leatherette upholstery, will be among the interior highlights, along with a heated steering wheel, a Bose sound system, ambient lighting, a power moonroof, and interior design patterns inspired by natural terrain.
Even though the current Palisade is brimming with the latest safety equipment and advanced driver-assist technologies, the 2026 model may raise the bar even higher within Hyundai’s award-winning ranks. Hyundai says to expect 10 airbags, third-row seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters (unique to this segment), and for the first time ever, a built-in dash cam. This integrated dual-camera system will capture driving footage and can automatically record activity when the vehicle is parked. These video clips can be watched on the touchscreen or can be transferred via the MicroSD card in the glovebox.
The 2026 Palisade will also come with 10 Hyundai SmartSense features: blind-spot collision warning, forward attention warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, high beam assist, lane following assist, navigation-based smart cruise control, parking collision-avoidance assist (reverse), rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and safe exit assist. A blind-spot view monitor will be available, as will advanced rear occupant alert.
While all trim specifics have yet to be disclosed, Hyundai has confirmed that the 2026 Palisade will have abundant multimedia technology. The standard and available features will include a 12.3-inch color touchscreen with onboard navigation, Alexa Built-in voice assistant, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, Wi-Fi Hotspot access, next-generation Bluelink connected car services, Hyundai Pay, and wireless over-the-air updates. For high-quality sound, the XRT PRO and above will be outfitted with a 14-speaker Bose audio system.
