Hyundai Unveils the All-New 2026 Palisade: Bigger, Bolder, and More Capable Than Ever
At the 2025 New York International Auto Show, Hyundai introduced its all-new flagship SUV, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade. Building on the success of its predecessor, which enjoyed record-breaking sales in 2024, the new Palisade offers a bold new design, enhanced technology, expanded powertrain options, and unprecedented versatility aimed squarely at the evolving needs of today’s families.
A More Commanding, Premium Presence
The 2026 Palisade commands attention with a bold new exterior. Distinctive vertical LED daytime running lights, a horizontal lighting signature, and a wider grille underscore its premium aura. Despite its larger proportions—2.5 inches longer and 2.7 inches more wheelbase—the new Palisade achieves an impressive 0.31 Cd drag coefficient.
From the side, bold D-pillars and panoramic side glass create a strong, spacious silhouette. At the rear, a prominent high-mounted brake light and new vertical taillights reinforce the SUV’s road presence.
Interior: Spacious, Intuitive, and Luxurious
Inside, the Palisade’s horizontal dashboard layout and luxury home-inspired materials create an inviting environment. New Relaxation Seats in the first and second rows, power-folding and reclining third-row seats, and premium amenities like a panoramic curved dual 12.3-inch display system elevate the cabin experience.
A wireless charging pad, premium Bose® 14-speaker audio, and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration further enhance connectivity. Hyundai also added a built-in dash cam, UV-C sterilization compartment, and a full digital rearview mirror to the feature list.
Two New Powertrain Choices: V6 and Hybrid
The 2026 Palisade offers:
- A new 3.5-liter V6 engine with 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
- A first-ever hybrid option combining a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with two electric motors for a combined 329 hp and 339 lb-ft.
The hybrid promises over 30 mpg on the highway and up to 619 miles of range. Both powertrains offer impressive towing capacities, with the V6 rated at 5,000 lbs and the hybrid at 4,000 lbs.
Advanced Safety and Connectivity
The new Palisade is loaded with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of active safety systems, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Safe Exit Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
A standout addition is Hyundai Digital Key 2.0 Premium, allowing vehicle access and starting via smartphone or smartwatch. Hyundai Pay in-car payment system and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capability keep the Palisade connected on the move. OTA updates ensure the vehicle continues to evolve even after leaving the dealership.
All-New XRT PRO: Hyundai’s Most Rugged SUV Yet
For adventurous drivers, Hyundai introduces the first-ever XRT PRO model, offering:
- Electronic rear limited-slip differential (eLSD)
- 8.4 inches of ground clearance
- Enhanced approach and departure angles
- All-terrain tires and off-road-tuned suspension
- Canyon red recovery hooks and rugged visual enhancements
Inside, XRT PRO adds H-Tex leatherette seating, ambient lighting, and a Bose® premium sound system for a blend of ruggedness and refinement.
Production and Availability
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade will be built in Ulsan, South Korea. ICE models are expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships in early summer 2025, with hybrid versions launching in early fall.
Conclusion: A Flagship Redefined
With its bold new design, expanded capabilities, luxurious interior, and cutting-edge technology, the 2026 Palisade reasserts Hyundai’s leadership in the three-row SUV segment. It promises to be the ideal vehicle for modern families seeking comfort, connectivity, and adventure-ready performance.
Car Design TV will continue to follow how Hyundai’s thoughtful evolution of the Palisade resonates with American SUV buyers and raises the bar for what a flagship family SUV can be.
The Palisade XRT PRO includes:
XRT PRO Capability Features
- XRT PRO-exclusive electronic rear limited-slip differential (eLSD)
- 8.4 inches of ground clearance (+1 inch vs. non XRT PRO models)
- Improved approach (20.5°), departure (22.4°), and breakover (18.3°) geometry
- All-terrain 255/60R18 tires
- Blind Spot View Monitor
- Surround View Monitor (with forward ground view)
- Real-time pitch and roll, compass, and elevation displays
- HTRAC® all-wheel drive
- New Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain modes
- Exposed functional canyon red recovery hooks front and rear
- Downhill Brake Control
- Tow mode
- OEM tow hitch
XRT PRO Design Features
- XRT PRO-exclusive 18-inch dark-finish alloy wheels
- XRT PRO rear badging
- XRT dark exterior accents (grille, window surround, cladding)
- H-Tex leatherette seating surfaces with front heating and ventilation
- Heated steering wheel
- Bose® 14-speaker premium audio system
- Ambient lighting
- 115-volt power outlet
- Power moonroof
Next-generation Bluelink® Connected Car
Hyundai offers the next generation of its upgraded Bluelink® connected car services17 with the 2026 Palisade. This range of new features allows customers to control vehicle functions with their smartphone or voice to make driving more convenient and enjoyable.
More details on specific Bluelink–equipped vehicles are available at www.hyundaibluelink.com.
Color
2026 Palisade’s 10 exterior colors for the U.S. include: Abyss Black Pearl, Typhoon Silver Metallic, Creamy White Pearl, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, Cast Iron Brown Pearl, Galaxy Maroon Pearl, Titan Charcoal Pearl, Classy Blue Pearl, Robust Emerald Pearl, and Earthy Brass Matte.
Interior seating is available in cloth, leatherette, leather, and premium Nappa leather. Interior materials are offered in a wide variety of colorways and textures to meet every preference, including black, gray two-tone, navy two-tone, and brown. XRT models also include unique interior materials and patterns that mimic terrain features.
The 2026 Palisade will be built in Ulsan, South Korea. ICE models are set to arrive at Hyundai dealers in early summer, with hybrid models scheduled to go on sale early fall.
