Refusing to rest on its laurels, the popular Hyundai Palisade arrives this year with a significant redesign.
The major change is a huge one. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade now has a hybrid option to go along with its previous gas-only model. Not surprisingly, its virtual twin – the Kia Telluride – also added a hybrid version this year.
The relatively youthful Palisade and Telluride are three-row SUVs that have quickly become two of the most prominent midsize SUVs, getting rave reviews when they debuted as 2020 models. The Palisade is known for its near-luxury styling and high-class cabin, while the Telluride is boxier and has a rugged quality.
Still, the similarities between the two are many. Note that Kia and Hyundai Motor Group operate independently, but Hyundai is the parent company of Kia Motors. This review will focus on the 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
The largest Hyundai SUV, the Palisade is still considered somewhat of a bargain, typically offered at a lower base price than its competitors. The 2026 base model is offered at approximately $39,500, yet note its higher-end trim models can climb to as high as $58,200. The Palisade hybrid starts at roughly $50,000.
The Palisade cabin has many upscale materials, provides considerable room in all three rows, and delivers a safe, comfortable ride. Sales in the U.S. have been good from the start and climbed to a high of 123,929 last year. One speculates the hybrid addition will keep sales moving upward.
Sluggish acceleration was a knock on the Palisade in the past with its lone V6 engine. That remains a valid criticism of the revised standard powertrain, a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It goes 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds and gets 19-25 mpg. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
If more performance and better fuel economy are desirable, the Palisade hybrid should be the choice. The turbocharged engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that combines with an electric motor to create 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. It travels 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds and gets 29-34 mpg. Towing capacity is less at 4,000 pounds.
We were impressed with the Palisade’s driving acumen. It doesn’t feel balky like some large SUVs. In fact, it drives like a smaller one that can maneuver through challenging city traffic and tight parking lots. The ride is comfortable and smooth.
Standard driver safety features include blind spot monitoring, lane centering assist, safe exit assist, rear occupant alert and automatic emergency braking.
AT A GLANCE – 2026 HYUNDAI PALISADE
Performance: 3.5-liter V6, 287 horsepower; hybrid with turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, 329 horsepower
Mileage estimate: 19-25 mpg; 29-34 mpg (hybrid)
Price estimate: $39,500 to $58,200
Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; drivetrain: 10 years/100,000 miles; roadside assistance: 5 years/unlimited; corrosion: 12 years/unlimited
The Palisade interior features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen uniquely weaved into a curved panel that’s part of the dash. It includes a 4.2-inch driver information screen behind the steering wheel, built-in navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Although most of the Palisade’s controls use the touchscreen and are intuitive, there are also several physical knobs and buttons for convenience. The SUV has soft-touch materials on places like the armrest and dashboard.
Seating is spacious throughout the interior. The front two rows provide good leg and head room and the third row is large enough for adults. We liked that all three rows slide and can be adjusted. The cargo area is 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row, increases to 46.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and expands to 86.7 cubic feet with both rows down.
The midsize SUV was initially praised and it earns even more with the redesign improvements to the 2026 Hyundai Palisade. Adding a hybrid version is applauded and offers buyers another reason to give the Palisade a serious look.
Jeffrey Weidel is an award-winning journalist from the Sacramento region who has written automotive reviews for nearly three decades and now appears in Folsom Times. He can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com.
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