It’s been a big year for Hyundai, the Korean carmaker rolling out an assortment of new products, including new versions of the Tucson and Sonata, as well as the all-electric Ioniq 9 crossover. Now, as the annual New York International Auto Show gets underway, we’ll see another major launch as the next-generation 2026 Hyundai Palisade makes its grand entrance.
The active word here is “more,” the three-row crossover growing bigger in virtually all key dimensions. It delivers additional passenger and cargo space, a number of new features, and a first-time hybrid drivetrain, which adds muscle and mileage — as much as 619 miles of range per tank of gas.
For those who want to get off pavement, meanwhile, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade adds a new XRT Pro package. It offers a variety of useful features, including a rear electronic limited-slip differential and a built-in tow hitch.
“We wanted to offer a vehicle that truly meets the needs of today’s drivers,” said Olabisi Boyle, SVP, product planning and mobility strategy. “The introduction of a hybrid variant, alongside our robust internal combustion engine, and the adventure-ready XRT model, ensures that every driver finds their perfect fit.”
2026 Hyundai Palisade: What’s New
While it’s not an entirely ground-up new vehicle, Hyundai has made plenty of changes to the 2026 Palisade. To start with, it grows 2.5 inches in overall length, with a 2.7-inch increase to its wheelbase. Most of that goes into the rear cabin to provide a roomier back seat and more cargo space. About the only place the numbers dip: a 1.6-inch shorter front overhang.
The overall look picks up on some of the styling cues seen on other recent Hyundai introductions, notably the H-shaped headlamps. But the automakers has steered clear of developing a single design language offered across its lineup in small, medium, and large packages.
The new Palisade adopts a more boxy and imposing presence, with large, forward-raked D-pillars and more upright body panels and glass. Surprisingly, despite its large nose, front fascia, and horizontal hood, the SUV is more aerodynamic than the outgoing model, with a drag coefficient of 0.31. That, Hyundai claims, contributes to both better fuel economy and lower wind noise.
New Powertrain Choices
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers two new powertrain options.
A 3.5L naturally aspirated V-6 coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine makes 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and can handle up to 5,000 pounds of trailer. The ICE powertrain will be offered in both two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive configurations.
A new hybrid drivetrain, pairing a 2.5L turbocharged inline-four with two electric motors, sends power through a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined, this hybrid system will deliver up to 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. However, towing capacity drops to 4,000 pounds.
While final EPA numbers haven’t been locked down, Hyundai said it expects the hybrid to get “30+” mpg and deliver up to 619 miles range.
New XRT Pro Package
Hyundai has been growing its line-up of XRT models, even offering one on the recently updated Ioniq 5 EV. For 2026, however, the automaker introduces a Palisade XRT Pro line that adds increased ground clearance, a rear electronic limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires, HTrac All-Wheel-Drive, driver-selectable terrain modes, and a built-in tow hitch.
Much of the focus has been on functionality, the one-inch increase in height and modified front and rear bumpers and fascia enabling the Palisade XRT Pro to handle approach angles of up to 20.5°, departure angles of 22.4°, and breakover of 18.3°.
But there are other features that come along with the package, including exclusive 18-inch dark-finish alloy wheels, a 115-volt outlet, XRT dark exterior accents, a heated steering wheel and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.
“We wanted to deliver a vehicle where affordability can meet lifestyle — no matter where off-road you want to go,” said Boyle.
2026 Palisade Interior
The larger interior gets a new horizontal layout that accentuated the width of the three-row SUV. Front and second-row passengers get new “Relaxation” seats, which Hyundai claims can reduce fatigue on long drives. Eight-passenger seating is standard, but second-row captain’s chairs are available — creating a seven-passenger configuration.
There’s plenty of focus on technology, starting with twin 12.3-inch displays anchoring the instrument panel, and a fast 15-watt wireless smartphone charger sits atop the center console. The 2026 Palisades comes with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are two built-in dash cams — a first for the automaker — and there’s even an optional UV smartphone sterilization tray that can be installed in the center console.
The new Palisade comes with Hyundai’s latest digital key technology which allows owners to use a smartphone or smart watch to operate the vehicle. There’s an available WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa capabilities. And, there’s an expanded range of advanced driver assistance systems, including “Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Forward Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse, and Remote Smart Parking Assist,” according to a press release.
2026 Hyundai Palisade: Pricing & Availability
Pricing has yet to be released, but the 2025 Hyundai Palisades starts at $36,800, including delivery fees. That could go up significantly if the Trump administration maintains the tariff on imported autos it recently announced. This is especially true since the 2026 Hyundai SUV will be built in Ulsan, South Korea.
The gas-powered package is set to reach U.S. showrooms in “early summer,” Hyundai saying the hybrid will follow in “early fall.”
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