Hyundai’s flagship Palisade SUV gets a makeover for 2026 and the three-row SUV not only grows bigger but adds a new hybrid option that can log more than 600 miles between fill-ups. For those who don’t want to stick to the pavement, meanwhile, there’s the brand’s first new XRT Pro package. Headlight.News has more.
Hyundai gave its flagship SUV, the Palisade, a bit of a makeover for the 2026 model year.
When it comes to the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, the active word is “more.” More space, more miles per gallon, more features and, for those who like to get off the beaten path, more trails are now within their reach.
First introduced six year ago, Palisade has racked up a showcase full of awards, and a substantial number of buyers. Even in 2024, the last full year for the outgoing model, sales set a record, with a 23% jump in demand. The automaker is hoping the second-generation SUV can keep that momentum going.
“We wanted to offer a vehicle that truly meets the needs of today’s drivers,” said Olabisi Boyle, SVP, product planning and mobility strategy. “The introduction of a hybrid variant, alongside our robust internal combustion engine and the adventure-ready XRT model, ensures that every driver finds their perfect fit.”
What’s new
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade grows bigger in virtually every dimension, adding 2.5 inches in length and 2.7 inches to its wheelbase.
To start with, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade grows bigger in virtually every dimension, adding 2.5 inches in length and 2.7 inches to its wheelbase. That translates into a roomier cabin, much of it going into the rear of passenger compartment for third-row passengers and cargo.
Two powertrains will be available for the new model year, notably including Palisade’s first hybrid. Final EPA numbers aren’t available yet, but the automaker anticipates fuel economy will top 30 mpg and deliver up to 619 miles on a full tank.
And while the original version of the SUV offered a more capable XRT package for those who might have to deal with occasional mud and ruts, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade takes off-roading to the next level with a first-time XRT Pro package.
Design
The longer wheelbase translates into a roomier cabin, much of it going into the rear of passenger compartment for third-row passengers and cargo.
The 2026 Palisade picks up on some of the design cues we’ve seen on other recent updates from Hyundai, starting with the distinctive H-shaped headlights.
The overall look is more upright, with a classic SUV stance that gives the 2026 Palisade a more imposing presence. But there’s also been more attention paid to fuel-saving aerodynamics with details such as active airflow shutters behind the front fascia. That, claims the automaker, gives the gen-2 model one of the lowest drag coefficients in its segment.
Inside, the roomier cabin maintains its seating for eight layout, with optional captain’s chairs for the featuring a tilt-and-slide function for easy third-row access. New “Relaxation chairs,” meant to reduce fatigue are standard for the first two rows.
Reflecting the general direction other Hyundai products have taken in recent years, Palisade’s new cabin is more lavishly appointed, with what the automaker describes as “soft-touch materials (and) sophisticated finishes.”
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Technology and Safety
Twin 12.3-inch displays are signature features on the new instrument panel, the touchscreen operating an updated infotainment system .
Twin 12.3-inch displays are signature features on the new instrument panel, the touchscreen operating an updated infotainment system that comes with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Palisade also includes Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant with the optional WiFi hotspot.
The big SUV now comes with two built-in dash cams and adds plenty of other useful tech features, such as a fast 15-watt wireless charger in the center console. You can even order a UV smartphone sanitizer that tucks away in the center console.
Considering Palisade’s popularity with family buyers, the SUV comes with a number of advanced driver assistance systems standard, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Forward Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
Powertrain
The addition of a first-ever Palisade hybrid is the headline grabber for the 2026 model. The package pairs a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four with two electric motors, directing power through a six-speed automatic. Combined, the hybrid delivers up to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft.
For 2026, the second-generation Palisade upgrades the capabilities of its original XRT option with the new XRT Pro package.
Final EPA testing is expected to yield a highway mileage number of “30+” mpg, Hyundai said. And that would translate into a total range of 619 miles on a single tank of fuel.
The standard powertrain for most 2026 packages features a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6 coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Making 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, The ICE powertrain will be offered in both two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive configurations.
The hybrid can tow up to 4,000 pounds, the naturally aspirated alternative bumps that to 5,000 lbs.
New XRT Pro Package
“We wanted to deliver a vehicle where affordability can meet lifestyle — no matter where off-road you want to go,” said product planning chief Boyle.
For 2026, the second-generation Palisade upgrades the capabilities of its original XRT option with the new XRT Pro package. Unique features include:
- An extra inch of ground clearance;
- All-terrain tires;
- Driver-selectable terrain modesl
- A built-in tow hitch.
Add touches such as 18-inch dark-finish alloy wheels, a 115-volt outlet, XRT dark exterior accents, a heated steering wheel and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.
The numbers suggest some real off-road manners, with Palisade XRT Pro handling approach angles of up to 20.5 degrees, departure angles of 22.4 degrees, and breakover of 18.3 degrees.
The numbers suggest some real off-road manners, with Palisade XRT Pro handling approach angles of up to 20.5 degrees, departure angles of 22.4 degrees, and breakover of 18.3 degrees.
Pricing and Availability
With the exception of the hybrid package, the first 2026 Hyundai Palisade should roll into U.S. showrooms by early summer.
The gas-electric model will begin production a bit later at the automaker’s factory in Ulsan, South Korea and reach this country by early fall.
Pricing could be impacted by the new Trump administration tariffs on imported autos so Hyundai plans to hold back on the numbers until closer to the on-sale date. But the outgoing 2025 Hyundai Palisade starts at $36,800.
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