The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade three-row SUV has made its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show, building upon the success of its predecessor with a “bigger, better, further” approach. This new generation flagship SUV boasts a bold design, a premium cabin, and significantly improved capabilities, catering to the evolving needs of modern families.
Powertrain and Performance Details: The 2026 Palisade offers two new powertrain options. The internal-combustion variant features a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 engine producing an estimated 287 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This ICE powertrain is available in both two-wheel and HTRAC® four-wheel-drive configurations and targets a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity. The new hybrid option combines a 2.5-liter turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine (estimated 258 horsepower) with two electric motors (90 horsepower combined), resulting in a total system output of up to an estimated 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The Palisade HEV is targeting over 30 mpg on the highway and an estimated driving range of up to 619 miles, with a towing capacity of around 4,000 lbs.
The Palisade’s exterior and interior showcase a bold yet refined design. The front features distinctive vertical LED daytime running lights and a horizontal center positioning light signature, emphasizing a wider stance and a bold grille. The side profile is more substantial, with increased overall length (+2.5 inches) and wheelbase (+2.7 inches), contributing to a premium silhouette. The rear design is characterized by a prominent high-mounted wide stop lamp and integrated roof rails.
The interior of the 2026 Palisade is larger in key dimensions, offering easier passenger access. The horizontal dashboard layout incorporates soft-touch materials and sophisticated finishes, creating a luxurious ambience. Features include available first- and second-row Relaxation seats, a double-door center stack, a 15-watt wireless charging pad with a cooling fan, and an optional Bose® 14-speaker surround audio system. A panoramic, curved digital instrument cluster and navigation system with dual 12.3-inch displays is also available. Convenience is further enhanced with standard eight-passenger seating, optional captain’s chairs with one-touch tilt-and-slide, and available power-folding, sliding, and reclining third-row seats with heating. Each row offers cup holders and 100-watt-capable USB-C ports.
Safety and technology are paramount in the new Palisade. It includes Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of active and passive safety features, along with new additions like a built-in dual-camera Dash Cam and ten standard airbags, including third-row seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters. Available technologies include a UV-C sterilization compartment, a full-display digital center rearview mirror, and an Advanced Rear Occupant Alert system. The 2026 Palisade also supports Hyundai Digital Key 2.0 Premium, Wi-Fi hotspot capability with Alexa Built-in, wireless Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, and Hyundai Pay® in-car payment technology.
For the first time, the Palisade lineup includes the XRT PRO model, designed for enhanced off-road capabilities. The XRT PRO features an exclusive electronic rear limited-slip differential (eLSD), 8.4 inches of ground clearance, improved approach, departure, and breakover angles, all-terrain tires, and various off-road monitoring systems. It also boasts unique design elements such as a muscular front end with canyon red recovery hooks and 18-inch dark-finish alloy wheels.
The 2026 Palisade also features the next generation of Bluelink® Connected Car services, offering convenient control of vehicle functions via smartphone or voice. The Palisade will be available in ten exterior colors and a variety of interior seating materials and colorways. ICE models are expected to arrive at dealerships in early summer 2026, with hybrid models following in early fall.
Summary:
- All-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade three-row SUV debut.
- New 2.5-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain with up to 329 horsepower and 619 miles of range.
- First-ever Palisade XRT PRO model with enhanced off-road capabilities.
- Available first- and second-row Relaxation seating and Digital Key 2.
- Standard ten airbags and available built-in dual-camera Dash Cam.
- New 3.5-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower for ICE model.
- HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive system with new terrain modes.
- Next-generation Bluelink® Connected Car services.
Disclaimer: Estimated horsepower, torque, driving range, and towing capacity are based on manufacturer targets and may vary.
Source: Hyundai
AI Assistance: Gemini