Tested: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Feels More Expensive Than It Is

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2026 hyundai palisade


When the historians of, say, 2076 look back at the current decade they will know that the 2026 Hyundai Palisade was the embodiment of its time. The Palisade's front end looks completely of the moment. Every current trend and styling trope seems to be there in this big, three-row SUV's Boba Fett face.

The second-generation Palisade is intended to build on the success of the first version, which was introduced as a 2020 model. As before, it's a crossover with a standard transverse-mounted V-6, but with slightly less power. Dimensions have grown, and it has also been treated to a interior upgrade. With generous equipment on higher trims and keen pricing across the board, the Palisade looks like a serious contender in its overcrowded segment.

2026 hyundai palisade
Hyundai

The Lowdown

The Palisade is big. Overall length varies a fraction according to trim but is pretty much bang-on 200 inches, that sitting over a 116.9-inch wheelbase. That is a 2.5-inch stretch over the first-generation version's length, although it still makes this one about a foot shorter than the full-frame, truck-based Chevrolet Tahoe.

Mechanically, the most substantive change from the previous-gen Palisade is the adoption of a new 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6 in place of the 3.8-liter unit used before. The new engine is rated at 287 hp at 6400 rpm and makes a peak 260 lb-ft of torque at a relatively lusty 5000 rpm. That is four horsepower less than the old 3.8-liter and two fewer lb-ft.

Front-wheel drive is standard, but the expectation is that most Palisades will hit the road (or go off-road) with the optional HTRAC "active on-demand" all-wheel-drive system aboard. The only transmission is an eight-speed automatic. And, as before, it's a sibling to the Kia Telluride that sits on the same platform.

  • Vehicle Tested: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy

  • Base Price: $57,555

  • Price As Tested: $57,555

  • Location: Calistoga, California


How Does It Drive?

2026 hyundai palisade
Hyundai

This isn't a machine built to push the boundaries of driving precision. It's an ambler—easygoing and comfortable. That in mind, it could significantly benefit from an engine with more power and significantly more low-end torque. As it is, I found the 3.5-liter V-6 needs to be thrashed to build speed at anything like a rapid pace.

For those wanting to do typical three-row things, performance could be politely described as adequate, but only just. Hyundai lists the lightest, front-drive 2026 Palisade at a rugged 4420 pounds, with all-wheel-drive models like the Calligraphy I drove weighing in at 4872 pounds. And 287 hp at 260 lb-ft isn't a lot of shove to push around that much mass. A hybrid model with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four is coming later with a more potent 329 hp and 339 lb-ft.

2026 hyundai palisade
Hyundai

Peering over the twin 12.3-inch digital screens, out over the long and flat hood, with the front seat passenger to the right in what could well be another zip code, there's a sense of command from the Palisade's driver's seat. This is a big crossover that somehow feels even bigger.

Nothing happens quickly in this crossover. The rack-and-pinion steering is precise but kind of lazy and never reports anything disturbing. On the road, the ride is comfortable and secure. The Calligraphy rides on big 21-inch wheels, but the tires around them have a relatively modest width of 265 mm. These are tires built for a quiet ride. There's a self-leveling system for the rear suspension, and the dampers can be electronically adjusted for different driving situations. But there is no hero driving mode—only various levels of cushiness.

It would be nice if there was more communication going on between the front wheels and the driver's hands, but would that communication be interesting? Probably not.

hyundai palisade xrt pro
Palisade XRT Pro DREW PHILLIPS

I also experienced the XRT Pro version. This isn't the equivalent of a TRD Pro off-roader, but it does sit on more aggressive General Grabber tires and has optimized driving modes that allow confident hill descents and easy ascents. It's intended for light off-roading, which is all the challenge Palisade owners are likely to encounter. And the extra travel in the suspension doesn't come at the expense of ride quality on the road.

What's It Like to Live with?

2026 hyundai palisade
Hyundai

The Palisade is not going to be sold by its performance or driving experience. It's going to be sold by its interior, which is flat-out stunning. Like don't-bother-paying-more-for-a-Range-Rover stunning.

The digital stuff is the least interesting part of the innards. What's compelling is the use of shapes and materials that aren't just luxurious, but ergonomically excellent and satisfyingly tactile. There are no harsh edges; the dash shape is buxom, elegant and tiered; and the use of open-grain wood-like material in the Calligraphy I drove was close to astonishing. It feels like a six-figure interior. Spoiler alert: The price is nowhere near six figures.

2026 hyundai palisade
Hyundai

The cabin is roomy, too, with good legroom for both front- and second-row occupants and even a decent amount for third-row internees. The seats are all well shaped, and higher trim levels bring luxury that include power operation and both heating and ventilation for the second row (and heating for the third). If a family has seven members, the Palisade really could find ways to keep all of them happy. There are a whole lot of USB-C ports to keep things charged too.

Praise is not unstinting. I was grateful for the presence of physical buttons for climate control and some entertainment functions, but these controls didn't feel as high quality as the rest of the interior looks and didn't operate with much feedback. Having a start button on the transmission stalk felt like a strange ergonomic decision.

2026 hyundai palisade
Hyundai

I didn't have the chance to haul mulch from Home Depot or pick up the kids from school. But I had no reason to doubt the Palisade's ability to handle daily common chores with outstanding comfort and easygoing charm. The family friendliness class standard for this sort of vehicle is lofty, and the Palisade surely exceeds that.

The Calligraphy model features a "relaxation" mode that the full day of driving never seemed to allow me time to test. Let's just assume that there won't be many places nicer to take a nap than inside a Palisade Calligraphy.

Should I Buy One?

2026 hyundai palisade
Hyundai

Here's where the Palisade shines brightest. Price.

A base 2026 Palisade SE with front drive runs $40,430 after a $1495 destination charge. The mainstream SEL Convenience with all-wheel drive starts at $46,365, and the XRT Pro comes only with all-wheel drive and a base of $50,865. At the tippy top is the Calligraphy with all-wheel drive at $57,555.

As the Palisade is built in Korea there is the unknown situation regarding tariffs at the moment. But at the prices announced, the second-generation Palisade is very keenly priced compared to the competition. Not cheap but not expensive, and it's a lot of crossover. The big question for anybody considering one is whether it might be best to wait for the hybrid. After all, the Palisade could use the extra power, and fuel economy should be better too.


Highlights and Lowlights

We Love:

  • Attractive, versatile, and comfortable interior.

  • Outstanding value for the money in this segment.

  • Refinement and comfortable ride.

We Don't:

  • Needs more power.

  • Dopey start button location.

  • Polarizing appearance.

Favorite Detail:

The 12-inch head-up color display on the Calligraphy model is much appreciated. So appreciated that it should spread across the line.

2026 hyundai palisade xrt pro
Hearst Owned

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