2026 Hyundai Palisade

More luxurious and more modern than ever, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show.

The Korean automaker’s SUV remains as imposing as ever, now with an even more premium appearance. The interior has a more minimalist design, and many new technologies have been added. Hyundai has also introduced a new powertrain option as well as a version with enhanced off-road capabilities. In short, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade has been thoroughly redesigned, making it even more competitive than before.

A Spacious Cabin

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers increased interior space, and its styling has been significantly simplified. Personally, I love the design of the new dashboard as well as the square steering wheel from the previous model. Cargo space can reach up to 2,455 liters in its optimal configuration. The Hyundai Palisade is also one of the few vehicles in its category to offer a third row with heated seats. Moreover, that third row can slide forward or backward to provide maximum space for adults.

Hybrid or V6

While most automakers have decided to drop the V6 in this segment, Hyundai chose to keep its six-cylinder engine—an excellent decision, in my opinion. This 3.5-liter V6 delivers 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, offering very linear acceleration and a level of driving comfort that simply can’t be matched by a turbocharged engine. It\'s also what allows the Korean SUV to offer a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

But that’s not all—the 2026 Hyundai Palisade now finally offers a hybrid powertrain. It features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, for a combined total output of 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, which is quite impressive. Hyundai chose a six-speed automatic transmission for this powertrain, while the V6 gets an eight-speed automatic. The hybrid variant also offers a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds.

An Off-Road Version

Where Hyundai truly scores points, in my opinion, is with the XRT Pro version, whose off-road capabilities are significantly enhanced compared to the rest of the lineup. This type of variant is extremely popular right now, and it’s safe to say it will be one of buyers’ favorites this year.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier