An all-new Hyundai Palisade arrives later this year.
Hyundai unveiled the all-new 2026 Palisade at the New York International Auto Show, showcasing a fully redesigned three-row SUV with more space, upgraded tech, and the introduction of a hybrid powertrain. With a longer body, stretched wheelbase, and increased capability, the new Palisade builds on the success of the outgoing model with meaningful updates across the board.
Powertrains: New V6 and First-Ever Hybrid
For 2026, Hyundai continues with a standard V6 engine, but it adds a hybrid variant for the first time.
Two Powertrains
A new 3.5-liter V6 engine making an estimated 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque comes paired with an 8-speed automatic. This version offers up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity.
New for 2026 is a 2.5-liter turbo hybrid system that produces a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid is expected to top 30 mpg on the highway with a range of up to 619 miles. Its towing capacity should reach 4,000 pounds.
Both powertrains are available with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system and multiple terrain modes, including Mud, Sand, and Snow.
XRT PRO: Off-Road Upgrades
The new XRT PRO trim is Hyundai’s most capable off-road model yet. It adds the following features to the Palisade:
- 8.4 inches of ground clearance
- Electronic rear limited-slip differential (eLSD)
- Approach/breakover/departure angles of 20.5 degrees, 18.3 degrees, and 22.4 degrees
- All-terrain tires on 18-inch dark alloy wheels
- Front and rear recovery hooks, downhill brake control, and tow mode
Among the visual cues are dark exterior accents, special badging, and a bolder front-end design. Inside, the XRT PRO features imitation leather seats with heat and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and a Bose 14-speaker system.
Interior: More Space, More Comfort
With 2.5 inches added to overall length and 2.7 inches to wheelbase, interior space is noticeably improved. The Palisade retains its eight-passenger layout (second-row captain’s chairs are optional) and now offers power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats in both the second and third rows. New Relaxation seats in the first and second rows offer additional recline and leg support.
Premium touches include:
- Dual 12.3-inch curved displays
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- 15-watt wireless charging pad with cooling fan
- Optional Bose surround system
- USB-C ports and cupholders for all three rows
- Panoramic moonroof, H-Tex, leather, and available Nappa upholstery
- Safety & Tech
Hyundai expands its SmartSense safety suite with:
- Ten airbags, including third-row coverage and a front center airbag
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with intersection, cyclist, and pedestrian detection
- Blind Spot Collision Warning with emergency braking
- Advanced Rear Occupant Alert with movement detection
- Dash Cam with front/rear cameras and motion-triggered recording
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Digital Key 2.0, Wi-Fi hotspot, and over-the-air update capability
A UV-C sterilization compartment and full digital rearview mirror are also available.
Connectivity and Convenience
As expected, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers a range of premium features for connectivity and comfort:
New features include:
- Hyundai Digital Key 2.0
- In-car Wi-Fi hotspot with Alexa
- Hyundai Pay for gas and parking
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates for core systems
Exterior colors include 10 finishes, ranging from Abyss Black Pearl to Earthy Brass Matte. Interior options span cloth, leatherette, leather, and Nappa leather, with unique materials on select trims.
Build and Release Timeline
The internal combustion engine (ICE) models are scheduled to arrive in summer 2025, with hybrid versions expected to follow in early fall. Regardless of powertrain, all models will be built in Ulsan, South Korea.
All in all, the Hyundai Palisade remains an extraordinarily important model for the brand. This model competes with vehicles such as the Toyota Grand Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas, delivering a premium package for a competitive price.
See Also — Hyundai Unveils Georgia-Built 2025 IONIQ 5 EV Lineup.
Images courtesy of Hyundai USA. All rights reserved.