About seven years ago, consumers flocked to the Hyundai Palisade with its larger cabin, compelling design and a wide range of trim levels that featured luxury that could easily be found in a more expensive Genesis model. It’s calling card is its ability to accommodate families without any compromise.
Now in its second generation, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade has moved the bar in terms of design. It is now sharper inside and out, while delivering the space and performance it is known for.
How much has the bar moved with this new Palisade?
The cleaner design began with a boxy and more intriguing front clip. The LED lighting signature has been divided into a vertical corner turn signal/driving lamp unit with two vertical LED headlamp units next to them. While they are inboard from the corners, they seem to be affective. A large grille dominates the front clip with authority.
The overall silhouette of the Palisade follows the cleaner, boxier design language. The glasshouse offers straight lines with a clean satin trim at the D-pillar. At the rear, a set of LED taillights mimic the corner driving lamps from the front clip. They are actually larger than the previous generation model. The liftgate appears to be larger for easier loading and unloading of cargo. 
Our Palisade Calligraphy tester wore 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. It also adds “authority” to the clean profile that will attract new consumers.
Inside, the Palisade’s instrument panel gets a new design that encases a panel housing two 12.3-inch screens within a classic-looking cowl. The left 12.3-inch screen houses the instrumentation, vehicle information, charging levels and range. The 12.3-inch screen of the right houses the infotainment system, which includes wireless smartphone integration. A head-up display augments key readouts for you to concentrate on the road ahead.
There are also a lot of details that are found on the latest Hyundai models that have been incorporated to the cockpit. On the right of the steering column, you will find the transmission “stalk” that uses a knob to change between drive and reverse – along with the ignition button. That floating center console houses wireless charging pads for devices. 
The Calligraphy offers Nappa leather upholstery on the seats. The front seats offered plenty of comfort and support. Across all three rows, passengers will find great comfort and space. Our tester had the two captain’s chairs in the second row for seven passengers total. Other Palisade models can seat up to eight people inside. 
Third row access is made easier by a one-touch system that folds and slides the second-row captain’s chairs for better access in and out of the rearmost seats. Both second and third row seats can be power folded down for greater cargo access. Starting from 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row, you can load up to 86.7 cubic feet with both the second and third row folded down. 
Powering the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a new 287-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with 260 pound-feet pf torque. While delivering solid power, it can also tow up to 5,000 pound behind it. This new engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Our Calligraphy tester came with HTRAC available all-wheel drive.
Performance was comparable to the previous generation’s 3.8-liter V6. It yielded competent acceleration and smooth cruising. Highway Driving Assist works to keep the 2026 Palisade Calligraphy within the limit. It also yielded a fuel consumption average of 17.7 MPG.
The ride quality in the Hyundai Palisade was relatively smooth. It retains its mission to keep the occupants in the second and third rows relaxed as the big SUV absorbs various road surfaces superbly. This vehicle also handled quite well, as it corners with ease without yielding a lot of roll and lean.
The steering set-up was fine, as it yielded good turns in tight situations. The on-center feel was also solid. Braking was OK, with some modulation needed from the pedal down to the wheels. In normal situations, it was fine. Pedal feel was OK, but it seemed that it was too close to the accelerator.
There are six trim levels available on the 2026 Hyundai Palisade. Pricing starts at $39,435. Our Calligraphy tester came with a sticker price of $58,815.
With the new 2026 Palisade available, there is still a lot of competitors vying for consumers in this strong segment. Those competitors include the Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-90, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
This is just a first drive in the new generation Palisade, as we anticipate one coming after the new year. However, if was an early indication of things to come, you should expect a more efficient hybrid model within the next few months. Otherwise, it is a solid vehicle in a highly competitive class – now offering a higher level of style.
