Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Hyundai Palisade

Do you remember when we first encountered the Hyundai Palisade?

It’s been a long journey since the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, when we did a brief video on it. Later that year, we did a drive in Northern Illinois to acquaint ourselves with it. A few more came through in the next few years – all pointing to how Hyundai cracked the code on the mid-size three-row SUV.

They wanted to demonstrate how important it is to carve out more than enough third row room for adults, while maintaining its size. Hyundai accomplished it by emphasizing space and balance within the cabin. 

While competing in a very hotly contested segment where families are key to choosing the right vehicle, Hyundai figured it was a good time to introduce a second generation of the Palisade. If you stretch this a bit, you can consider this the fourth generation mid-size three-row SUV for its North American lineup – if you include the Veracruz and Santa Fe – the big three-row version from about 12 or so years ago. 

Here we are. A new generation 2026 Hyundai Palisade with a cleaner design, more alignment with current brand design elements, a new engine with an upcoming hybrid arriving later in the model year. Of course, we had to try it. Thanks to a local dealer/professional friend who offered it upon its arrival at their store. 

Right off the bat, you cannot ignore that new front clip. The large grille dominates it with “layers” of LED lightning elements on each side. Between the corner units, which double as driving lights and turn signals, are the actual headlamp units. The lighting of a vertical orientation. In this Calligraphy test vehicle, it offers an elegant look with its intricate grille texture with subtle chrome elements. 

The side profile has been squared off. Again, with elegance and flair. The glasshouse is very straightforward, chromed by a satin trim in the D-pillar. All doors open wide, with the rear ones offering a large entry/exit point. That leads to a set of corner LED taillights that run vertically against the liftgate. The whole design is clean, without any embellishments. 

Since we have the Calligraphy trim, this 2026 Palisade rides on 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. This is the finishing touch to this elegant package. 

Stepping inside and you would think you’re entering into a luxury sedan from the 1970s. Further examination of the dashboard shows a modern 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen embedded into the opulent dashboard housing. A head-up display augments key readouts for you to concentrate on the road ahead.

One thing you also notice is the Hyundai switchgear that is found on other models seen throughout the cockpit. On the right of the steering column, you will find the transmission “stalk” that uses a knob to change between drive and reverse – along with the ignition button. The center console has an open design with plenty of stowage all around and inside of it. 

Nappa leather adorns the seating surfaces inside this Calligraphy test vehicle. The front seats were fine with a mix of comfort and support. The second-row captain’s chairs have a slightly raised center pass-through, yet they were equally fine. Access to the third row was done through a push of the button. Passengers up to average-sized adults would be seemed fine with space in far back. 

For cargo management, both the second and third row seats can be folded down through a series of buttons just inside the liftgate. Before you fold any of the seats, you start with a 19.1 cubic feet space which is great for luggage and groceries. Ultimately, there is 86.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats for longer items. The entire load area is flat with the liftgate.

In North America, the first 2026 Palisades will be available with a new 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 – smaller in displacement than the outgoing model. It is also slightly down on power, with 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic is coupled to the new V6. Our Calligraphy test vehicle came with the HTRAC all-wheel drive. There is no change in towing limits, with a maximum 5,000-pound capacity. 

We found overall performance to be comparable with the outgoing V6. It does a decent job accelerating and cruises quite confidently. You can enable Highway Driving Assist with a single touch of the cruise control button. As far as fuel economy is concerned, we observed an average of 17.7 MPG

When we picked up the 2026 Palisade, we had some expectations on how it should drive. It feels larger than before. The ride quality was smooth, and it seems to be well dampened. It is poised around the bends but pushing it would expose its limits in lean and roll. You may hear rougher road surfaces, but cracks and exposed expansion joints will not transmit into the cabin. 

Turning the 2026 Palisade was fine and easy. On-center feel was also fine, as it held its lane just fine. Maybe a bit more feel would help. For the brakes, they were OK. Normal stops were fine with the right amount of pedal pressure. Pedal feel was fine, but it seemed to be located too close to the accelerator. 

The new 2026 Hyundai Palisade is available in six trim levels with the V6. A turbocharged Hybrid is just around the corner. Pricing starts from $39,435. This Calligraphy test vehicle came with a sticker price of $58,815. 

While the 2026 Palisade looks great, one is curious about how the new turbocharged hybrid will add to a solid package. It has everything a family is looking for – seven-to-eight seats, plenty of connectivity, cupholders, and space. Let’s not forget its looks inside and out.

Is it enough to sway families towards Hyundai’s way? Or, an elevated enough experience for repeat customers to embrace the new generation model. That is a question I will leave open for you to answer. 

Meanwhile, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is looking smart, elegant, and ready for your family to enjoy. We are anticipating the arrival fo the hybrid driveline. Could that be the deal maker? Watch this space…

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Walser Hyundai Coon Rapids, Coon Rapids, MN – our opinions are of our own.

All photos by Randy Stern