Introduction
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade returns as one of the most luxurious and family-friendly SUVs in its class. With its elegant redesign, powerful V6 engine, and premium features, the new Palisade combines practicality with sophistication.
Let’s dive into a full review covering performance, features, interior comfort, design, and pricing of the 2026 Palisade.
🚗 Powertrain and Performance – Smooth and Confident
The 2026 Palisade introduces an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
| Specification | Gas Model | Hybrid Model |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.5 L V6 | 2.5 L Turbo 4-cylinder Hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 287 hp | 329 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 339 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain (Canada) | Standard AWD | Standard AWD |
| Drivetrain (US) | FWD / AWD Options | FWD / AWD Options |
| Estimated Range | — | 996 km / 619 miles |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline | Regular Gasoline |
The downsized 3.5 L engine replaces the old 3.8 L V6 while maintaining nearly identical horsepower and fuel economy. Hyundai claims the new engine is more efficient and meets stricter emission standards.
The upcoming Palisade Hybrid 2026 delivers higher torque and better efficiency, making it ideal for families wanting power and eco-friendliness together.
🧭 Driving Impressions – Quiet Confidence on Every Road
After spending a full week with the 2026 Palisade, the overall experience feels premium. The SUV is remarkably smooth, quiet, and stable, giving a sense of a luxury brand ride.
- The cabin insulation minimizes road and engine noise.
- The auto start-stop system feels more refined after the initial use.
- The turning radius is excellent for a vehicle of this size.
- Auto-leveling rear suspension soaks up bumps beautifully.
Even though the Palisade has grown 2.5 inches longer with a 2.7-inch increase in wheelbase, it remains easy to maneuver thanks to its boxy shape and good visibility.
🌄 Exterior Design – Bold and Sophisticated
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade takes a big leap forward in design, adopting a bolder, Range Rover-inspired look.
Exterior Highlights
- Standard LED projector headlamps and taillamps
- Power-folding side mirrors
- 20 to 21-inch alloy wheels
- Strong, square profile with commanding presence
The new Palisade is 2.5 inches longer than before and feels more substantial. Its design is both muscular and elegant, giving the SUV a premium stance on the road.
For those seeking ruggedness, the XRT trim offers:
- Black exterior accents
- Unique XRT front grille and bumpers
- All-terrain tires on dark 18-inch wheels
- Slightly higher ride height (8.4 inches vs 7.4 inches)
🏠 Interior Comfort and Technology – Luxury Lounge on Wheels
Step inside the 2026 Palisade, and you’ll immediately notice a premium, plush ambience. Hyundai has crafted a spacious and well-appointed cabin that feels closer to a luxury SUV than a mainstream model.
Standard Interior Features
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation
- 12.3-inch digital driver display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 15-watt wireless charger
- Heated front and second rows
- 8-way power front seats with lumbar support
- Leatherette upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- Smart power liftgate and sunroof
In Canada, most of these features are standard; in the US, some come on higher trims.
🪑 Cabin and Seating Layout
The SUV is available in 7- and 8-passenger configurations. However, only the base trim offers a bench seat; higher trims like Calligraphy and XRT come with captain’s chairs.
| Seating Row | Legroom (inches) |
|---|---|
| Front Row | 41.4 in |
| Second Row | 43.0 in |
| Third Row | 32.1 in |
The second and third rows are power adjustable, making it easier to fold or recline the seats at the touch of a button. This SUV also includes power sliding third-row seats, a rare feature in its segment.
💺 Luxury Upgrades in Higher Trims
- Head-up display
- 14-speaker Bose sound system
- Ergo motion driver seat with massage function
- Ventilated front and second rows
- Four-way power third-row seats
- Dual-pane sunroof
- UVC sterilizer compartment
- Front and rear dash camera
The Calligraphy trim uses Nappa leather, soft-touch materials, and an elegant floating center console for maximum storage.
📱 Smart Connectivity and Controls
The dual 12.3-inch screens are seamlessly integrated into the dashboard for a modern look (not just a tablet stuck on top). Physical buttons and knobs are retained for easy access to climate and audio controls – a feature many drivers appreciate.
There are seven USB-C ports, and the front ports support up to 100 W charging output. Hyundai has clearly focused on comfort and convenience for families who spend a lot of time on the road.
🎨 Interior Color and Design Notes
While the build quality is top-notch, some may find the caramel brown interior too bold. It looks warm and premium but can be subjective. Lighter interiors feel airier but are harder to maintain.
Either way, the Palisade’s interior feels luxurious, plush, and modern — from its soft headliner to its brushed-metal trims and well-crafted controls.
📦 Cargo and Storage Capacity
| Cargo Area | Capacity (Cu Ft) |
|---|---|
| Behind 3rd Row | 19.1 cu ft |
| Behind 2nd Row | 46.3 cu ft |
| Maximum Capacity | 86.7 cu ft |
The power liftgate makes loading easy, and the spare tire is mounted under the vehicle.
⚙️ Fuel Economy, Towing & Warranty
| Specification | Gas V6 Model | Hybrid Model |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Economy (City) | 12.2 L/100 km (18 mpg) | — |
| Fuel Economy (Highway) | 9.7 L/100 km (24 mpg) | — |
| Combined Hybrid Fuel Economy | — | 7 L/100 km (34 mpg) |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lb | 4,000 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years / 100,000 km (60,000 mi) | Same |
The Palisade Hybrid’s efficiency is expected to match the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, making it one of the most balanced powertrains in its segment.
💰 Pricing – Canada vs USA
| Region | Gas Model (Starting) | Hybrid Model (Starting) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | CA$ 56,000 (approx.) | CA$ 63,000 (approx.) |
| USA | US$ 39,500 (FWD) / + $2,000 for AWD | US$ 43,500 (approx.) |
(Prices include freight and fees; MSRP may vary by region.)
⚖️ Comparison & Competitors
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade competes with other three-row SUVs like:
- Kia Telluride 2026
- Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
- Chevrolet Traverse 2025
- Volkswagen Atlas
Among these, the Palisade stands out for its luxury-level refinement, strong feature list, and excellent ride comfort at a non-luxury price point.
🚦 Final Verdict – Is the 2026 Palisade Worth It?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade continues to raise the bar in the three-row SUV segment. It offers a luxurious driving experience, modern tech, and spacious comfort for families.
✅ Two Things to Love
- Smooth, quiet, and refined driving feel that rivals luxury brands.
- Feature-packed interior with thoughtful design and quality materials.
⚠️ Two Things to Improve
- Offer a bench seat on higher trims for eight-passenger flexibility.
- Limited color choices for interior may not suit everyone’s taste.
🌟 Overall Rating: 9 / 10
The 2026 Palisade is no longer just a family SUV — it’s a statement of comfort, technology, and refinement. And with the upcoming hybrid variant, Hyundai is ready to take on both mainstream and luxury competitors.
Md Imran Rahimi is the founder and main author of TechScopeHub.in. He is passionate about technology, gadgets, and automobiles, and loves to share simple yet valuable insights with readers. With a focus on honest reviews and clear comparisons, Imran’s goal is to make technology easy and useful for everyone.”