2026 Hyundai PALISADE: Perfect for Modern Families
2026 Hyundai PALISADE: Perfect for Modern Families
The three-row SUV with premium comfort and space
The Hyundai PALISADE has earned its reputation as a thoughtfully designed, well-equipped three-row SUV. The all-new 2026 model improves upon this winning formula with a usefully extended 116.9-inch wheelbase — 2.7 inches longer than before — creating meaningful improvements in spaciousness, passenger comfort and cargo flexibility.
Whether your family needs seven seats with captain's chairs or eight with a bench seat, the 2026 PALISADE delivers practical solutions. More importantly, it addresses the real challenge of three-row SUVs: making every seat genuinely usable, not just technically available.
Cargo capacity: Room to grow (and go)
Family life requires flexibility, and the 2026 PALISADE delivers with three distinct cargo configurations. Behind the third row, you'll find 19.1 cubic feet of space, enough space for a week's worth of groceries for your family, a double stroller or even a kid's wagon. Need more room? Fold the third row down to access 46.3 cubic feet, perfect for camping gear or luggage for an extended trip. When maximum hauling capacity is required, folding all rear seats opens up a vast 86.7 cubic feet.
Adding to this versatility, every PALISADE includes an underfloor storage compartment. This hidden space helps keep valuables secure, provides a spot for emergency supplies, or simply helps organize smaller items you'd rather not have rolling around the main cargo area.
2026 Hyundai PALISADE cargo capacity at a glance
ConfigurationCargo space | |
|---|---|
Behind 3rd row | 19.1 cu ft |
Behind 2nd row | 46.3 cu ft |
Maximum (behind front) | 86.7 cu ft |
Underfloor storage | Standard all trims |
The standard longer wheelbase on the new PALISADE doesn't just create more cargo room — it fundamentally improves passenger space. Those extra 2.7 inches translate directly to enhanced comfort, particularly for second- and third-row passengers who all too often get shortchanged in three-row SUVs.
For families needing maximum passenger capacity, the 8-passenger configuration comes standard on the SE trim and remains available as an option on the SEL (coming late 2025) and SEL Premium, while other trims feature seven-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs.
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Smart seating access and flexibility
Getting into the third row shouldn't require gymnastics, especially as kids grow. The 2026 PALISADE's one-touch walk-in button transforms third-row access from a hassle into a simple press-and-slide motion. This feature works with both captain's chair and bench seat configurations (including if you have a child seat in the second row), making it equally convenient regardless of your seating choice.
The PALISADE's sliding second-row seats feature electric cargo area releases, allowing quick adjustments from inside the vehicle. Need more legroom for adult passengers in the back? Slide the second row forward. Loading cargo with full arms? The electric releases let you create space easily.
On Limited and Calligraphy trims, the third row gains power-folding, unfolding, reclining and sliding capabilities. Rather than using manual releases, a simple button press electrically folds or raises the third row. This feature proves particularly valuable when your hands are full or when switching between passenger and cargo configurations frequently. (It’s also great for showing off to other parents!)
The 60/40 split-folding third row means you don't have to choose between passengers and cargo. Drop one section to carry longer items while maintaining seating for five or six, perfect for those hardware store runs or when transporting sports equipment.
Seating configuration quick facts
- Third-row legroom: 32.1 inches (genuinely adult-friendly)
- Third-row headroom: 37.7–37.8 inches (with/without sunroof)
- One-touch walk-in: Standard all trims
- Power-folding third row: Limited and Calligraphy only
- 60/40 split-folding third row: Allows partial cargo/passenger use
Family-focused car seat solutions
Families often juggle multiple car seats, and the PALISADE's LATCH system[1] acknowledges the flexibility demanded by front-facing, rear-facing, infant and booster seats. With LATCH anchors in each of the outboard rear seating positions and tethers in all rear seating positions, the PALISADE can accommodate four car seats.
The thoughtful positioning of these anchors allows various combinations without the frustrating overlap common in many three-row vehicles. The spacing between positions means you can actually access the buckles and latches without contorting your body and hands.
Safety technology can enhance family protection throughout the cabin. Advanced Rear Occupant Alert[2], available on SEL trims (coming late 2025) and above, uses ultrasonic motion sensors calibrated to help detect a child or pet. If the system senses movement in the second or third row after you've exited and locked the vehicle, it sounds the horn and can send alerts to your smartphone through the Bluelink[3] app.
Safe Exit Assist[4] adds another layer of safety. 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.
Comfort features across all three rows
The 2026 PALISADE's approach to comfort starts with the basics. Even the entry-level SE includes six-way manual adjustment for both front seats with height adjustment and cloth seating surfaces that are easy to clean.
Moving up to SEL trim brings even more comfort: eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats that make cold morning commutes more bearable. Stepping up to SEL Convenience gets you eight-way power adjustment for the passenger seat as well, along with a sunroof, and Digital Key 2 Premium[5]. With this, you can use a compatible smartphone or smartwatch to unlock your PALISADE SEL Convenience by simply touching the door handle as you approach. Need more than one key? Easy: the MyHyundai app with Bluelink allows you to share digital keys with family members provided they have compatible devices.
SEL Premium and higher trims add ventilated and heated front- and second-row seats, extending comfort beyond the driver. Second-row passengers also benefit from manual window curtains on SEL and above, helping manage sunlight or reducing glare on tablets.
The third row receives unexpected creature comforts in the PALISADE lineup. Limited and Calligraphy trims offer heated third-row seats with high, medium, and low settings; heated third-row seating is seldom seen amongst the three-row vehicle segment. Combined with dedicated air vents standard across all trims, third-row passengers enjoy genuine comfort rather than mere accommodation.
2026 Hyundai PALISADE trimHeated front seatsVentilated front seatsHeated second rowVentilated second rowHeated third-row seats | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SE | – | – | – | – | – |
SEL | S | – | – | – | – |
SEL Convenience | S | – | – | – | – |
SEL Premium | S | S | S | S | – |
Limited | S | S | S | S | S |
Calligraphy | S | S | S | S | S |
S = Standard, – = not available
Technology for connected families
The 2026 PALISADE comes standard with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capability[6], as well as six USB-C ports throughout the cabin, capable of 100-watt charging. The distribution of the USB ports — two in the first row, two in the second, and two in the third — ensures passengers can keep devices powered. No more "my phone died" complaints from the back seats.
Rear Seat Quiet Mode comes standard on every PALISADE trim. The system mutes the rear speakers while maintaining front audio, allowing parents to enjoy their music or podcasts while children sleep. It's a simple feature that can make a real difference.
The standard Passenger Talk system enables clear communication between front and rear passengers without shouting. Using the vehicle's audio system, it picks up voices from the front and broadcasts them to the rear — particularly useful when giving directions or checking on passengers in the third row.
Living with the 2026 Hyundai PALISADE
The 2026 Hyundai PALISADE addresses real family needs rather than just checking specification boxes. The new PALISADE is surprisingly spacious. Smart features like one-touch third-row access and power-folding seats (on higher trims) remove daily frustrations. Most importantly, the PALISADE treats all passengers — not just those in front — as deserving of comfort and convenience.
With a starting MSRP of $39,435 for the SE model, families can afford the upgrades of the new design without stretching budgets. The SEL adds key convenience features like the smart liftgate[7] and Advanced Rear Occupant Alert. Those wanting maximum features can explore Limited and Calligraphy trims, but the PALISADE's family-friendly features shine through regardless of trim level.
Whether you need comfortable seating for up to eight, maximum cargo capacity for vacation gear, or the flexibility to switch between configurations daily, the 2026 PALISADE delivers real-world solutions that make family life easier.
The LATCH system supports up to four car seats depending on their size and type.
Yes, the 32.1 inches of legroom and 37.7-38.7 inches of headroom (with or without sunroof) make the third row usable and comfortable for average-sized adults.
The seven-passenger configuration features second-row captain's chairs with a walk-through aisle to the third row. The eight-passenger version uses a second-row bench seat that seats three.
The SEL model (coming late 2025) hits the sweet spot for most families, adding a power liftgate, heated front seats, and Advanced Rear Occupant Alert while remaining affordable.
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[1] Child safety restraint system designs vary. Always consult instructions provided by manufacturer before installing.
[2] Standard on SEL, SEL Premium, XRT PRO, Limited and Calligraphy. 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.
[3] Bluelink+ is available to original purchasers and lessees of new 2023 IONIQ 6 and new 2024 or newer Bluelink-equipped Hyundai models. Not available on all models and trims. Bluelink+ requires an active Bluelink account subject to the Connected Services Terms and Conditions. Bluelink features vary by model and trim. Only use Bluelink features and corresponding devices when safe to do so. Cellular and GPS coverage is required. Fees apply for map and multimedia over-the-air (OTA) updates after an initial three-year period of complimentary updates. Three-year term starts from the new vehicle date of first use. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Bluelink services rely on digital wireless telecommunications technology outside of Hyundai’s control. Bluelink is dependent on 4G LTE cellular networks controlled and maintained by third-party wireless carriers. If and when these networks change and/or discontinue service, or the underlying technology required to support Bluelink becomes obsolete, then the connected services will not work and Hyundai will be forced to cancel impacted subscription services.
[4] 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.
[5] 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.
[6] Wi-Fi hotspot requires an active Bluelink subscription agreement subject to the Hyundai Motor America Connected Services Terms and Conditions and an active data plan from Verizon. Coverage and service are not available in all areas. Wi-Fi hotspot is intended for passenger use only. Only use Wi-Fi and connected devices when safe to do so. See https://www.verizon.com/plans/connected-car/ for terms and conditions.
[7] The smart liftgate will open when the smart key is within 40 inches of the detection area for at least 3 seconds. Radio transmitters and other vehicle smart keys may interfere in normal operation of the feature. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations. Make sure you close the liftgate before driving.
