We recently tested the Hyundai Kona crossover and came away impressed with what the carmaker could do with a small package. So, when Hyundai offered up their largest, 3-row, SUV flagship – the all-new 2026 Palisade – we were eager to see what happens when the brand goes big.
Big Style
Already handsome, the previous Palisade offered luxurious style with a true premium feel. The all-new model builds on that, with a bold new look that we think buyers will really like.
Hyundai has been making big statements. We’ve loved the boldness of the Santa Fe, and the new Palisade echoes some of that Land Rover-ish style on its largest model.
The show starts with vertical LED daytime running lights that brace the headlights and wide LED light bar. Giving a trucky vibe, the multi-slotted grille looks mean and capable. Speaking of capable, our tester was the new XRT off-road model, and that means it steps up the game with a unique front bumper, and bright orange recovery hooks that give some visual pop.
From the side you can see this is a larger vehicle that’s 2.5-inches longer and rides on a 2.7-inch longer wheelbase for added interior room. The profile is modern and handsome, trading off some of the Santa Fe’s blockiness for a bit more rounded, and premium contours.
Large glass area makes a bigger visual statement, and the fender bulges add some muscle. Helping our XRT look trail-ready were tough-looking black plastic over fenders, and XRT-unique 18-inch alloy wheels. Hyundai offers wheel sizes up to 21-inches on other models.
The rear taillights stack vertically, echoing the front, while P A L I S A D E spelled out in big block letters look appropriately upscale. Our XRT also features a unique rear bumper, in a contrasting metallic motif that looks equal parts premium and rugged. Dual rear recovery hooks finish off the presentation.
This is a handsome design, and we actually got to experience two different XRT models. The one pictured is in a handsome finish called Cast Iron Brown that really helps show off the cool XRT blacked out trim. Stealthier was our Abyss Black Pearl tester that looked low key, but very elegant. There’s even an Earthy Brass Matte finish for those who want to really stand out from the crowd.
Luxury Accommodations
Inside the Palisade raises the bar in style, tech, and comfort.
Open the door and you’re greeted by impressive space with a luxury feel.
While the previous model was no slouch in the room department, the new Palisade is larger in every key dimension. Catching your eye is the now familiar Hyundai/Kia curved dual 12.3-inch digital display that looks like it was pulled right out of a BMW or Audi. We also like the dash pad that covers the dual screens, making the displays look more integrated.
For the driver that means a handsome configurable instrument display, with speedo and tach quick and easy to read. Even better, signal for a turn and the left or right display (depending on where you’re signaling) shows a live rearward camera feed to help guide you and protect your blind spot.
Infotainment is bold and bright, and we loved how our wireless Apple CarPlay looked on the big screen. The overall system is a breeze to use – Hyundai offers one of the most common-sense approaches. While much of the info is on-screen, you still have a dedicated panel beneath with – hooray! – volume and tuning knobs, plus small toggles to pull up key features like maps, media, setup and the like.
Below that is a separate and nicely laid-out climate control system – much better than having to fish it out of the info-tainment system. And we especially like that the heated front seats and steering wheel are there for quick access on those chilly mornings.
While we are finally getting used to Hyundai’s shift control on a stalk attached to the steering column, it makes more sense with the engine on/off switch on a button on the same stalk. It’s really intuitive and once you use it, you wonder why everyone doesn’t do it.
Moving the shifter to the column opens up space for a massive center console with good-size dual cupholder sitting next to a wireless charging pad. The console also features a waterfall design, with extra storage space forward and below the console. Grippy rubber pads keep things from rolling about.
Comfort and quality go hand in hand, and the materials are beautiful, feel plush and had a tasteful Scandinavian style on our XRT tester. And they fooled us, too with the H-Tex leatherette that does an impressive job imitating leather. The front seats are large, supportive and heated and cooled for everyday long-distance comfort.
2nd row comfort is expansive, and while a bench is offered on some models, our tester enjoyed captain’s chairs for a luxury vibe. The seats are well designed, and they glide forward easily for access to the third row, or fold flat forward when you’re maxxing out cargo space.
The 3rd row shows off the added space of the new design, and kids and even the occasional adult will find it roomy back there. With the third row up, cargo space is smallish – about what you’d expect for vehicles in this class – but with the 3rd row down, the cargo hold is impressive.
And despite the cavernous interior, out tester’s 14-speaker Bose audio system filled our vehicle with high-quality sound. Overall, we walked away impressed with the luxurious and high-tech feel of our XRT – and there’s an even more luxurious Calligraphy model available as well!
Ready for the Rough Stuff
One of the most exciting things about the 2026 Palisade is the XRT model, designed for getting out in the rough stuff, on-road and off.
Under the hood of the Palisade is a 3.5-liter, V6 pumping out a healthy 287 horsepower and 268 lb.-ft of torque. Those wanting more power may opt for the 329-horse hybrid model, we hope to test that soon.
With the V-6, the power is smooth and refined, and the standard 8-speed automatic helps the creamy demeanor. It’s no speedster, but responsive and quick enough for the daily grind. Even more so, we were very impressed with how quiet the Palisade is at freeway speeds, a luxury limo, indeed.
While the Palisade’s sibling the Kia Telluride has always been the rugged one, with the new XRT Pro model, Hyundai earns back some of those off-road accolades with a 1-inch raised suspension yielding 8.4-inches of ground clearance, 225/60R18 all-terrain tires, a model-exclusive electronic, rear limited-slip differential, and H-TRAC all-wheel drive.
More? Sure! How about Mud, Sand and Snow terrain modes, a tow mode, Downhill Brake Control, Surround View Monitor with Forward Ground View, Blind Spot Monitor and real-time pitch, roll, compass and elevation displays.
It’s an impressive amount of gear, and even though we didn’t get a chance to go off road, the confidence was palpable, and it would be a great vehicle for places that get real 4-season weather, and for folks that like to travel off the beaten path. Even in LA, we found the comfortable quiet ride, confident handling and easy maneuverability make this a great family vehicle in the day-to-day.
Hyundai offers a thorough amount of safety equipment in their SmartSense suite, but they’ve gone ever farther in 2026. In a first for Hyundai, the two-camera dash cam provides continuous recording while driving and can automatically record nearby movement while parked. The dash cam also can record everything from panic stops to bump-and-runs. Nice to have in today’s world.
And it can be a messy world. Good thing you can get an available UV-C sterilization compartment within the center console. There’s also an Advanced Rear Occupant feature that monitors the rear-seat area to detect the movements of children, automatically reminding drivers to check the rear seats when exiting the vehicle and can even send an alert to the driver’s smartphone via Bluelink. Today’s world, 2.0!
Palatial Price for the Palisade?
More good news – the Palisade serves up strong value. You can get into the entry SE model at $39,435. With handsome looks, a spacious and upscale interior, and great, refined road manners, it’s a smart deal in a large, 3-row SUV. That value story continues with our plush and rugged XRT PRO model starting at $49,870 and ringing the bell with destination at $51,470. (We’d note that the roof rack accessories on our tester were pre-production, so we did not include them in the price)
Competitors would have to include the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride. Coming soon, it will share much of the Palisade’s goodness, and we’re willing to guess it will trade a little of the luxury leanings for a bit more buff ruggedness. Watch this space. If you can live with a much more occasional 3rd row seat, we’d also look at the Hyundai Santa Fe. In our recent tests, we found it to be a great looking, well-equipped delightful vehicle that’s a step ahead of most other SUVs in the segment. Yeah, Hyundai/Kia is on a roll.
With updates in every way including looks, luxury, tech and off-road capability, the all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO should be on any 3-row SUV shoppers buying list!
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