Hyundai’s largest SUV is growing larger and bolder, and what’s more, it’s becoming more fuel efficient.

Hyundai unveiled the all-new 2026 Palisade, the company’s flagship three-row SUV known for its bold exterior proportions.

The new Palisade gets even more upright, giving it even more road presence than before.

“The new Palisade is bigger, better and goes further than its critically acclaimed predecessor – and its SUV competition,” Hyundai said in a news release.

Design

The front end is more angular than the current model’s.

There’s a vertical stack of LED daylight running lights and a horizontal centre positioning light signature, giving the Palisade a wider stance.

There’s a bold new grille with active airflow shutters in the lower fascia. Thanks to more upright A-pillars, the SUV gets a stronger side profile, Hyundai points out.

Despite this upright design, the SUV gets a 0.31 drag coefficient, which is said to be among the lowest in its segment.

The SUV is growing in length by 2.5 inches with a wheelbase increasing by 2.7 inches, while the front overhang gets shortened by 1.6 inches and the rear gets lengthened for increased cargo space.

Alloy wheels up to 21 inches are available.

Powertrain options

The Palisade will be offered with two powertrain options.

One is the standard gasoline-powered newly developed 3.5-litre V6 with an estimated 287 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a two-chamber torque converter and is available with two-wheel-drive and HTRAC four-wheel-drive configurations. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

A hybrid powertrain becomes available on a Palisade for the first time. This includes a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which on its own produces 258 hp. There are two electric motors mounted in the six-speed automatic transmission’s case, adding up to 90 hp. Total output is an estimated 329 hp and 339 lb.-ft. of torque.

Hyundai said this hybrid powertarin is expected to achieve a highway mileage of better than 30 mpg (7.8L/100km). Driving range on a full tank of gas is expected up to 619 miles (996 kilometres).

Hyundai said the Palisade is extremely quiet thanks to standard laminated windshield and front side glass, lots of under-hood insulation, special sound-deadening carpets and a powertrain tuned for smooth, linear response.

Interior tech and comfort

Hyundai said the interior uses premium materials and was inspired by luxury home furnishings.

The centre console and armrests have been designed to enhance ergonomic stability while reaching for vehicle controls.

The centre stack gets double doors with an open tray in the lower part of the console. A 15W wireless charging pad with a device-cooling fan is on the centre console, and the SUV gets standard wireless Apple CarPlay and android Auto connectivity.

For audiophiles, there’s an available 14-speaker Bose sound system.

The Palisade now gets Relaxation seats for front- and second-row passengers. These include more degrees of reclining and deployable upper-leg supports.

An eight-seat setup is standard, but second-row captain’s chairs are available, which bring the Palisade down to seven seats. Those captain’s chairs include one-touch second-row tilt-and-slide functionality, which makes access to the third row easy.

Third-row seats are available with power-folding, sliding and power-reclining functionality and heating.

The second-and third-row seat articulation functions can be controlled from the driver’s area and from the cargo area.

Cupholders and USB-C ports are available at every row.

There’s a ton of tech standard or available on the new Palisade, including a two-camera dash cam, UV-C sterilization compartment, advanced rear occupant alert, Hyundai Digital Key 2.0 Premium, Wi-Fi hot spot with Alexa Built-in voice assistant, over-the-air update capability, in-car payment technology and more.

The Palisade also gets numerous advanced safety features.

XRT Pro

Hyundai is also introducing the Palisade XRT Pro with this newest generation of the large SUV. It’s unclear if this model will be available in Canada.

It features numerous add-ons to make the SUV more adventure ready. These added features include more rugged exterior hardware, a rear electronic limited-slip differential, an extra inch of ground clearance, increased approach, departure and breakover angles, all-terrain tires, surround view monitor, new Mud, Sand and Snow terrain modes, downhil brake control, tow mode, a tow hitch and more.

“The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade showcases commitment to customer needs. With its bold design, tech that empowers, and enhanced comfort – including a reimagined third row – we wanted to offer a vehicle that truly meets the needs of today’s drivers,” said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, in a news release.

The Palisade is build in South Korea. Gasoline-only models are expected sometime this summer and the hybrid models are expected this fall.

For Canadian market details, visit the Hyundai Canada website.

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