For 2026, Hyundai builds upon its strong three-row Palisade SUV offering with an avant garde styling update and an available hybrid powertrain. Also new for 2026 is a Palisade XRT Pro trim level that adds an extra inch of ground clearance and exclusive off-road upgrades for families who want to travel further off the beaten path.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade
The biggest news for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the addition of an optional hybrid powertrain. With 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, the hybrid Palisade is both more powerful and more efficient than variants with the standard powertrain. Official EPA figures will complete the efficiency picture, but Hyundai expects the hybrid-fueled Palisade to achieve more than 30 miles per gallon.
A striking new design is another noteworthy change for 2026. With its aggressive new looks, not only does the Palisade more closely resemble the smaller Santa Fe, but its blocky look may also appeal to buyers who prefer a rugged style as compared to the previous version’s more flowing design.
Design
Hyundai grafted on a rugged new sense of style to the previously smooth and refined Palisade design. A strong horizontally oriented look defines the 2026 Palisade, particularly from the straight-on frontal view. The grille takes on the appearance of a multi-bladed razor, and it’s bracketed by stacks of rectangular lighting elements that give the redesigned Palisade a unique appearance. The new XRT Pro trim adds a slight lift that lends the SUV a rugged profile. Regardless of trim, the 2026 Palisade adds nearly three inches to its wheelbase, which ought to make the interior feel even roomier than before.
The 2026 Palisade’s upright body sides and large glass windows should offer passengers an airy cabin.
Powertrain
For 2026, Hyundai offers two distinct powertrain options for the Palisade. Standard is a 3.5-liter V6 coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Except for the off-road-oriented XRT Pro model, front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. The towing capacity for gasoline-fueled Palisade models stands at up to 5,000 pounds.
The 2026 update introduces a new hybrid powertrain to the Palisade platform. With 329 horsepower and, perhaps more importantly, 339 lb-ft of torque, the Palisade’s hybrid powertrain ought to prove a strong performer. The towing capacity drops to 4,000 pounds with the hybrid, which means buyers who intend to haul campers or trailers may want to opt for the standard V6. Regardless, everyone who opts for the hybrid will benefit from its expected range of more than 500 miles for every full tank of fuel.
For those comparing the hybrid Palisade to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the Hyundai easily produces more power than the 243-hp Toyota. The Palisade Hybrid can also tow 500 lbs more than the Highlander Hybrid.
The new-for-2026 XRT Pro trim includes an electronic rear limited-slip differential that, along with its extra inch of ground clearance (up to 8.4 inches), should help keep the vehicle moving in low-traction situations.
Interior
Dual 12.3-inch displays housed in a curved digital instrument cluster dominate the view from the driver’s seat in the 2026 Palisade. The wide, horizontally oriented theme carries over from the exterior, with an almost bulbous oval dashboard that stretches from one side of the Palisade to the other. Trim varies by model, but the XRT Pro’s dark, brushed look stands out. By way of contrast, the up-level Calligraphy trim boasts a softer look that rivals offerings from established luxury competitors.
Passengers in the front and middle rows will benefit from what Hyundai calls Relaxation seats, featuring additional degrees of recline along with deployable upper-leg supports that the automaker says are designed to help reduce fatigue on long drives.
Technology
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard across the board in the 2026 Hyundai Palisade. A wireless charging pad can be found in the console, and it features an integrated device-cooling fan to help keep devices from overheating. The charging pad provides a generous 15 watts, which allows for quick recharging. A Bose-branded 14-speaker surround audio system is optional.
Also new is a built-in front and rear dashcam recorder that works with the vehicle’s exterior sensors to automatically record nearby movement.
Hyundai’s Digital Key is also available with the 2026 Palisade. This system allows a supported smartphone or smartwatch to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. In addition, Digital Keys can be shared with family and friends to allow for immediate access to the vehicle.
Wireless over-the-air (OTAc) onnectivity means the 2026 Palisade can be upgraded and improved over time.
Safety
Hyundai’s extensive package of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) includes forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, safe exit assist, driver-attention warning, high-beam assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, lane-following assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, reverse parking collision-avoidance assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade comes equipped with 10 airbags, including dual front, dual side-front and rear, driver’s knee, centre console, and side-curtain airbags. A full-length side-curtain airbag covers the third row. Third-row occupants are additionally covered by new seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters.
Pricing and Release Date
Hyundai expects 2026 Palisade models powered by the standard internal-combustion powertrain to arrive at dealers in early summer. The brand-new hybrid models are scheduled to go on sale early fall.
So far, Hyundai hasn’t announced any pricing information for the 2026 Palisade. The 2025 Palisade starts under $33,000. We expect the new version to cost a little more than the outgoing model, but we’ll have to wait a couple of months for official figures.