How the 2026 Hyundai PALISADE Helps Keep Families Safe
How the 2026 Hyundai PALISADE Helps Keep Families Safe
With Hyundai, safety comes standard
Hyundai understands the need to keep families safe. That’s because safety isn’t one thing — it’s everything. The PALISADE’s approach to help protect families starts with 10 standard airbags and extends through advanced driver assistance technologies. More importantly, many of these safety features come standard rather than hidden in expensive option packages, making peace of mind accessible across the model range.
Active safety: Hyundai SmartSense
Hyundai’s philosophy is that the best way to help keep families safe is by striving to avoid accidents in the first place, which is why the SmartSense suite is the centerpiece of the PALISADE’s active safety and driver assistance technology offering.
The foundation is Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist[1], which monitors for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The system doesn't just watch straight ahead; it also monitors cross traffic when turning at intersections, tracking oncoming vehicles during left turns.
Highway Driving Assist (HDA)[2] combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. The standard HDA system helps maintain your set speed while keeping a safe following distance. Calligraphy models upgrade to HDA 2[3], which adds lane-change assist to aid the driver when merging or changing lanes.
Lane Keeping Assist[4] and Lane Following Assist[5] work together to help prevent unintended lane departures. Rather than just warning when you drift, these systems can provide subtle steering inputs to help keep you centered — particularly valuable during those long family road trips when attention can waver.
Driver Attention Warning[6] monitors your driving patterns for signs of drowsiness or distraction. The system tracks inputs like steering corrections and lane position, alerting you when it's time for a break. This extra vigilance provides valuable backup for parents traveling with children in the car.
The PALISADE offers a Blind-Spot View Monitor[7] on SEL Premium and higher trims. The idea is simple, the execution brilliant: a live camera feed video appears on the digital gauge cluster when you engage your turn signal, showing drivers a view of the rear blind spot to the right or the left of the back of the vehicle, depending on which way the turn signal is indicating.
FeatureFunctionAvailability | ||
|---|---|---|
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist | Automatic emergency braking | Standard all trims |
Highway Driving Assist | Adaptive cruise + lane centering | Standard all trims |
Highway Driving Assist 2 | Adds lane-change assist | Calligraphy only |
Blind-Spot View Monitor | Live camera in gauge cluster | SEL Premium and above |
Airbag protection: Passenger coverage
The 2026 PALISADE comes with a 10-airbag system to help protect passengers in the event of an accident. Beyond the expected front airbags for driver and passenger, the system includes a center airbag positioned between the front seats to help prevent occupant collision during side impacts. A driver's knee airbag adds lower body protection, often overlooked in family vehicles.
Side impact protection comes from airbags in both front and second-row seating positions, in addition to full-length side curtain airbags. These extend across all three rows, ensuring third-row passengers receive head protection, a critical detail since children often occupy these rear-most seats.
Third-row safety features extend beyond airbags. The 2026 PALISADE includes seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters for third-row positions. These systems work together during a collision: pretensioners remove slack from the belt for better positioning, while force limiters allow controlled belt extension to help reduce chest injuries.
Airbag locationTypeCoverage | ||
|---|---|---|
Front | Dual + Center + Knee | Front occupant protection |
Side | Impact airbags | Front and second-row torso protection |
Curtain | Full-length | Head protection for all three rows |
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Child-specific safety technologies
The PALISADE's Advanced Rear Occupant Alert[8], available on SEL trims (coming late 2025) and above, features ultrasonic motion sensors calibrated to help detect a child or pet. The system monitors the rear cabin after you've exited and locked the vehicle. If movement is detected, it progresses through alerts — first sounding the horn, then sending notifications to your smartphone through the Hyundai Bluelink app.
This technology surpasses basic door-logic systems that only check if rear doors were opened. The ultrasonic sensors can help detect a sleeping child who hasn't moved during the drive, providing an extra safety net during those exhausting days when routines get disrupted.
Standard Safe Exit Assist[9] adds protection during daily routines like school drop-offs. Using external sensors to monitor traffic, the system can detect vehicles approaching from behind. When it identifies a collision risk, it provides visual and audible warnings to the driver and rear passengers and can temporarily prevent the rear doors from opening. This split-second intervention can prevent the all-too-common accident of a door opening into passing traffic.
Standard rear door child locks provide basic protection, but the integration with Safe Exit Assist elevates this simple feature into an active safety system that adapts to everyday, real-world hazards.
Meet Hyundai’s built-in Dash Cam
The range-topping Calligraphy trim introduces a unique safety feature: a built-in dual-camera Dash Cam system[10]. Unlike aftermarket solutions that can clutter your windshield and require separate wiring, this integrated Dash Cam records from both front and rear cameras simultaneously.
The Dash Cam provides continuous recording while driving, storing footage on an internal memory card, readily available when needed for insurance claims or incident documentation.
Motion detection video recording adds parking protection. The system automatically begins recording video when it detects movement near the parked vehicle. This feature can catch everything from parking lot door dings to attempted break-ins, providing evidence that might otherwise rely on conflicting accounts.
For additional convenience, the Dash Cam integrates with the PALISADE's infotainment screen for easy playback and footage management.
Parking and low-speed protection
Parking lots present unique hazards for family vehicles: tight spaces, distracted pedestrians, and the chaos of loading children and groceries. The 2026 PALISADE addresses these challenges with comprehensive parking protection that starts with a standard Parking Distance Warning[11] for all trims.
SEL Premium models add Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse[12], which goes beyond warning beeps. When the system detects an imminent collision while reversing, it may even lightly apply the brakes to prevent or minimize impact.
Surround View Monitor[13], standard on SEL Premium and above, provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle using multiple cameras. This technology brings spatial awareness to tight parking situations, showing exactly how close you are to surrounding obstacles.
Last but not least, the Calligraphy's Remote Smart Parking Assist[14] is a parking revelation. Using the key fob, you can move the PALISADE forward or backward while standing outside. This feature is a game-changer when dealing with narrow garage spaces or tight parking spots where opening doors would be difficult.
A layered approach to family protection
The 2026 PALISADE's approach to safety isn't about any single feature — it's about how multiple technologies work together to help protect families.
From the moment you approach the vehicle, Hyundai’s available Digital Key 2 Premium[15] helps prevent fumbling with keys. Once underway, SmartSense technology monitors the driving environment. Even when you arrive and park, the Safe Exit Assist feature helps protect children while exiting the vehicle. Combined with a standard 10 airbags, each system works together to improve overall safety.
With a starting MSRP of $39,435[16], the base SE model includes the complete SmartSense suite, 10 airbags, and fundamental safety features. Moving up the range adds technologies like Advanced Rear Occupant Alert (SEL), Blind-Spot View Monitor (SEL Premium), and the exclusive Dash Cam system (Calligraphy), but what’s important is that families don't need to stretch to the top trims to access meaningful safety protection.
This comprehensive safety approach — from structural protection to active accident prevention — demonstrates Hyundai's commitment to family safety across the entire PALISADE range.
The 10 core safety features in Hyundai’s SmartSense suite come standard on all trims, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist[17]. Some advanced features, like Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist[18], require higher trims.
Ultrasonic sensors mounted in the PALISADE’s headliner can detect movement in the second and third rows after you've locked the vehicle. If motion is sensed, the system sounds the horn and can send smartphone alerts through the Bluelink app.
The PALISADE Calligraphy exclusively offers the built-in dual-camera Dash Cam system, Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change assistance, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
All rows are protected by the full-length side curtain airbags. The third row also gets the same seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters as other positions, which is uncommon in three-row SUVs.
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[1] Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning (FCA-JT) is intended to be a supplement to safe driving practices. The system is not designed to detect certain stationary objects such as trees or poles, and may not detect all vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists under certain conditions. The system’s Junction Turning function operates when the vehicle’s left turn signal is activated, the vehicle is travelling between approximately 6-19 mph and the oncoming vehicle’s speed is between approximately 19-44 mph. The system is a driver assistance system and is not a substitute for safe driving. The driver is responsible for being attentive and maintaining control of the vehicle, and should not wait for the system's alerts before braking as there may not be sufficient time to brake safely. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
[2] Highway Driving Assist (HDA), is for highway use only and can help keep the vehicle centered in its lane while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead only when the lane markings are clearly visible on the road and should not be used in poor weather, heavy or varying traffic, or on winding or slippery roads. HDA will not work under all circumstances and will not prevent loss of control. Driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
[3] Standard on Calligraphy trim. Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), when used in conjunction with Lane Following Assist, Lane Change Assist, Cut-in Assist, and Smart Cruise Control, is for highway use only and can help keep the vehicle centered in its lane while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead only when the lane markings are clearly visible on the road and should not be used in poor weather, heavy or varying traffic, or on winding or slippery roads. HDA 2 will not work under all circumstances and will not prevent loss of control. Driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
[4] Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) will not work under all circumstances. It operates above 40 mph and only when it is able to detect painted lane markings. It cannot function if the lane markings cannot be seen clearly. If the lines cannot be seen clearly due to poor road conditions, weather, or lighting conditions, it may not function. It also may not function on very rough roads, when walls, curbs or concrete barriers are close by, or if following another car too closely. Since it "sees" the lane markings using a camera in the upper windshield area, it is imperative this area be clear and free of blockage such as stickers, dirt, snow, tinting material, markings and labels. Lane Keeping Assist is not a substitute for safe driving practices, but is a supplemental assist only. The driver is responsible for always maintaining command and control of the vehicle and must keep hands on the wheel at all times. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[5] Lane Following Assist (LFA) helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane only when the lane markings are clearly visible on the road. Lane Following Assist will not work under all circumstances and will not prevent loss of control. Lane Following Assist is a supplemental assist, and does not replace the need for extreme care and attention by the driver. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
[6] Driver Attention Warning (DAW) is only a warning to inform the driver of a potential lack of driver attention or drowsiness. It does not detect and provide an alert in every situation. It is the driver's responsibility to remain alert at all times. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
[7] Standard on SEL Premium, XRT PRO, Limited and Calligraphy trims. Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) assists driver in changing lanes by providing a live view of the blind spots on either side of the vehicle and an audible alert if another vehicle is detected. Turn signal must be activated and other system limitations apply. Do not rely exclusively on BVM. It is the driver's responsibility to be aware of the surroundings and ensure it is clear before changing lanes or directions. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[8] Standard on SEL, SEL Premium, XRT PRO, Limited and Calligraphy trims. When the vehicle is parked and the engine has been turned off, the Advanced Rear Occupant Alert (AROA) can help to alert the driver if it detects movement from a child or pet. Upon exiting and locking the vehicle, AROA may provide visual, audible, and/or Bluelink alerts if the interior overhead sensor detects movement. AROA is not a substitute for driver attentiveness. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle. Bluelink notification requires a Bluelink-equipped vehicle with an active Bluelink account. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[9] When the vehicle is parked, Safe Exit Assist (SEA) can alert the driver when a vehicle is approaching from behind. When Child Locks are active, SEA prevents initial disabling of the child safety locks if a vehicle approaching from behind is detected. SEA does not work in all situations and is not a substitute for driver or passenger attentiveness. Always be aware of your surroundings and attentive of approaching vehicles. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[10] Standard on Calligraphy trim. The legality of recording, storing and using videos and/or audio recordings from the Dash Cam depends on the laws and regulations applicable in the jurisdiction where you operate the vehicle. The user is solely responsible for consulting and complying with all applicable laws and regulations. Hyundai does not have access to any recordings or data gathered via the Dash Cam. Several factors can impact Dash Cam performance and the Dash Cam may not record in all situations. The driver should not control the Dash Cam while driving. See your Owner’s Manual for additional details and limitations.
[11] Do not rely exclusively on Parking Distance Warning. Parking Distance Warning is a supplemental system and the driver must still be attentive and exercise caution when parking. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[12] Standard on SEL Premium, XRT PRO, Limited and Calligraphy trims. Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse (PCA-R) can alert the driver of a potential hazard while reversing by providing an audible warning and/or applying braking. PCA-R is active when the vehicle is in reverse and operating at low speeds. Never rely exclusively on PCA-R. PCA-R cannot prevent all collisions and may not provide alerts or braking in all conditions. Always look over your shoulder and use your mirrors to confirm rear clearance. There are limitations to the function, detection, range and clarity of the system. See Owner's Manual for feature details and limitations.
[13] Standard on SEL Premium, XRT PRO, Limited and Calligraphy trims. Surround View Monitor (SVM) is a parking support system. SVM cannot completely eliminate blind spots, may not detect every object and does not warn of moving objects. Always check surroundings before moving vehicle. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[14] Standard on Calligraphy trim. Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) can remotely help park the vehicle. However, several factors can impact RSPA performance. RSPA may not function correctly if one or more of the parking sensors is damaged, dirty or covered or if weather conditions (heavy rain, snow or fog) interfere with sensor operation. Always inspect the parking area with your own eyes. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[15] Standard on SEL Premium, Limited & Calligraphy trims. Digital smartphone key requires a compatible smartphone and an appropriately equipped Hyundai vehicle. Not all smartphones are compatible. Hyundai vehicle must be equipped with smart key with push button start, wireless device charging, and Audio Video Navigation System 5.0 (or newer) or Display Audio 2.0. Tap to lock/unlock function works on front doors only. Requires MyHyundai with Bluelink app and active Bluelink account. Please visit www.MyHyundai.com for information on compatible devices. Features and specifications subject to change. See your Owner’s Manual for additional details and limitations.
[16] Hyundai vehicle MSRP excludes freight charges, tax, title, and license fees. Freight charges and actual dealer prices may vary.
[17] Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) will not work under all circumstances. It operates above 40 mph and only when it is able to detect painted lane markings. It cannot function if the lane markings cannot be seen clearly. If the lines cannot be seen clearly due to poor road conditions, weather, or lighting conditions, it may not function. It also may not function on very rough roads, when walls, curbs or concrete barriers are close by, or if following another car too closely. Since it "sees" the lane markings using a camera in the upper windshield area, it is imperative this area be clear and free of blockage such as stickers, dirt, snow, tinting material, markings and labels. Lane Keeping Assist is not a substitute for safe driving practices, but is a supplemental assist only. The driver is responsible for always maintaining command and control of the vehicle and must keep hands on the wheel at all times. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[18] Standard on Calligraphy trim. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) can assist the driver by warning of other cars in the blind spot region. While your turn signal is on, it can alert you visually, by sound and/or by haptic feedback as well as apply corrective steering to help prevent an unsafe lane change if a collision is detected. It senses the rear side territory of the vehicle when it is traveling over approximately 25 mph. There are limitations to the function, range, detection and clarity of the system. It will not detect all vehicles or objects in the blind spot. Its operation depends on the size, distance, angle and relative speed difference between your car and other cars. BCA may not operate if sensors are obscured in any way. Do not rely exclusively on BCA. BCA is a supplemental system, and the driver must still be attentive and exercise caution when driving. It is important to always signal, look over your shoulder and through your mirrors before changing lanes. It is the driver’s responsibility to be aware of the surroundings and ensure it is clear before changing lanes or directions. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
