Hyundai’s flagship SUV, the Palisade, is entering its second generation with the 2026 model year, promising a significant leap forward in design, technology, and efficiency. Unveiled in South Korea in January 2025, the all-new 2026 Palisade is poised to make waves in the competitive three-row SUV segment when it arrives at U.S. dealerships. Anticipate a more assertive and refined exterior, a lavishly appointed interior, and for the first time, a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain option. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect from the 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
Striking New Design Language
The 2026 Palisade retains the strong character of its predecessor but showcases a bolder and more sophisticated design. Hyundai has amplified the SUV’s road presence through enhanced proportions and more impactful styling elements.
Front Fascia Overhaul
The front of the 2026 Palisade immediately commands attention with its upright and imposing design. Key features contributing to this powerful first impression include vertically oriented headlights, a broad and boxy radiator grille, and a raised, flatter hood. The distinctive daytime running lights are designed to be eye-catching, while the main beam headlights are neatly integrated beside them in a streamlined housing. The lower air intakes suggest an active air flap system, likely enhancing aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency.
Side Profile Enhancements
Moving to the side, the 2026 Palisade emphasizes its SUV credentials with new, elevated roof rails and striking 21-inch wheels. The side mirrors have been subtly shortened, and the wheel arches now boast a more squared-off design compared to the outgoing model. The window line and rear quarter glass panels achieve a more balanced and symmetrical aesthetic. Notably, the rear quarter glass panels are larger, and the C-pillar is slimmer, which should translate to improved visibility for both the driver and passengers in the third row.
Rear Design Refresh
The rear of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade features newly designed tail lamps that bear a resemblance to those of the previous-generation Range Rover. These tail lights are comprised of six vertically stacked rectangular clusters, with the top and bottom elements extending outwards onto the vehicle’s sides. The inner sections of the tail lamps serve as turn indicators, blinking in a conventional, synchronized manner. The reverse and fog lights are now integrated into the redesigned rear bumper, which presents a more refined and premium appearance.
Elevating the Palisade Experience
Olabisi Boyle, Vice President of Product Planning and Mobility Strategy at Hyundai Motor North America, hinted at the 2023 LA Auto Show that the next-generation Palisade would elevate the aspects customers already appreciate. The changes implemented in the 2026 Palisade are indeed significant, mirroring the radical transformation seen in the fifth-generation Santa Fe, while maintaining the Palisade’s unique identity in the Hyundai lineup.
Exterior Color Palette
For the South Korean market, Hyundai is introducing fresh exterior colors for the 2026 Palisade: Ecotronic Grey Pearl, Cast Iron Brown Pearl, Galaxy Maroon Pearl, and Classy Blue Pearl. These new options will be available alongside familiar favorites such as Abyss Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Shimmering Silver Metallic, and Robust Emerald Pearl.
Premium Interior and Advanced Features
Stepping inside the 2026 Hyundai Palisade reveals a cabin designed around a ‘Premium Living Space’ concept. The interior emphasizes spaciousness and luxury, drawing inspiration from contemporary furniture design. Hyundai has incorporated generous amounts of soft-touch materials and premium trim throughout the cabin, creating a more upscale ambiance. The increased overall length and wheelbase of the redesigned model directly contribute to enhanced passenger space and comfort.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Convenience
The dashboard of the 2026 Palisade is dominated by a panoramic curved display that seamlessly integrates two 12.3-inch screens. The driver’s side screen serves as the digital instrument cluster, while the center screen handles infotainment and vehicle controls. A wood-like trim panel elegantly spans the passenger side of the dash. The new three-spoke steering wheel features the Hyundai ‘H’ logo rendered in morse code, and the gear selector has been relocated to the steering column, freeing up center console space.
The center console adopts an island-type design, detached from the dashboard, and is equipped with modern amenities. These include USB Type-C charging ports with up to 100 watts of power delivery, a wireless smartphone charging pad, dual cup holders, an open storage shelf in the lower section, and a dual-hinged storage compartment on top. Panoramic sunroof availability is also confirmed in images. Additional noteworthy features of the 2026 Palisade include a fingerprint authentication system for vehicle access and starting, a built-in dashcam (Cam 2 Plus), over-the-air (OTA) software update capability, Digital Key 2 for smartphone-based vehicle access, and a premium 14-speaker Bose audio system.
Flexible Seating Configurations
In its home market of South Korea, the 2026 Palisade offers an innovative 9-seat configuration. This is achieved by incorporating a center seat function into the front center console, increasing the maximum passenger capacity from eight. While it remains to be seen if the 9-seat version will be offered in North America, the 2026 Palisade in the U.S. market is expected to feature an eight-seat layout as standard, with a seven-seat option likely available, substituting second-row bench seating for captain’s chairs. According to Simon Loasby, Head of Hyundai Design Center and Style Group, the interior is meticulously detailed, evoking the sophistication of high-end furniture.
Interior Color Choices
South Korean customers will have a selection of five interior color schemes for the 2026 Palisade: Black One-tone, Gray Two-tone, Brown Two-tone, Navy Two-tone, and Dark Gray Two-tone, allowing for personalization of the cabin environment.
Enhanced Specifications and Hybrid Powertrain
Increased Dimensions
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade sees growth in both overall length and wheelbase, contributing to its enhanced interior space. It gains 2.55 inches in length and 2.75 inches in wheelbase compared to the first-generation model. For reference, the current Palisade has a 114.2-inch wheelbase, a length of 196.7 inches, a width of 77.8 inches, and a height of 68.9 inches.
Next-Generation Hybrid System
A major highlight of the 2026 Palisade is the debut of Hyundai’s next-generation hybrid powertrain. This system is built around a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 258 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an electric motor that delivers 72 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. The combined system output is a robust 329 horsepower. Power is delivered to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission, and an optional mechanical all-wheel-drive system will be available.
The 2026 Palisade Hybrid incorporates Hyundai’s advanced electric driving technologies, including E-Ride for enhanced ride comfort over bumps, E-Handling for improved cornering agility, Electrically Evasive Handling Assist (E-HA), and e-DTVC (Electric Assisted Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control), all managed through the electric motor. A 1.65 kWh lithium-ion battery pack stores energy recovered during deceleration.
Innovative Stay Mode
The 2026 Palisade Hybrid introduces a “Stay Mode” feature. This allows drivers to reserve the energy stored in the high-voltage battery for use upon arrival at a destination set in the navigation system. Once at the destination, the vehicle can operate its HVAC, infotainment, and other systems solely on battery power, minimizing engine use and strain on the 12-volt auxiliary battery.
Impressive Driving Range
Hyundai anticipates a range exceeding 621 miles (1,000 km) for the 2026 Palisade Hybrid based on South Korean testing standards. The hybrid model retains the same 19.0-gallon (72-liter) fuel tank capacity as the gasoline-powered 2026 Palisade. While EPA estimates for the U.S. market may differ slightly, the expected range improvement over the current gasoline Palisade, which has an EPA-estimated range of around 400 miles, is substantial. This extended range makes the 2026 Palisade Hybrid particularly well-suited for long road trips, especially in regions with sparse refueling infrastructure.
Addressing a key drawback of the current Palisade, the hybrid powertrain is expected to significantly improve fuel economy, potentially reaching 25-30 MPG in combined driving, a notable increase from the gasoline model’s EPA-estimated 21-22 MPG.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Capability
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid includes a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function. This allows users to draw power from the 1.65 kWh battery to operate external devices, making the SUV a versatile power source for work sites, recreational activities, or camping.
Production and Availability
Production of the 2026 Palisade is underway in South Korea. Reports from February 2025 indicate high demand for the Palisade Hybrid in South Korea, with waiting periods extending to a year. Hyundai is expanding production capacity at its Ulsan Plant to meet this demand. Gasoline versions of the 2026 Palisade are already in production, with hybrid production slated to begin in May 2025.
Anticipated Release Date
The gasoline-powered 2026 Palisade has already launched in South Korea. Deliveries of the 2026 Palisade Hybrid in South Korea are expected to commence between April and June 2025.
U.S. Market Launch Timing
While a specific U.S. launch date is yet to be officially announced, industry expectations pointed towards a late 2025 or early 2026 arrival as a model year 2026 vehicle. However, potential import tariffs under consideration in the U.S. could influence Hyundai’s launch plans and pricing strategy. Clarity on the U.S. launch timeline is expected in the coming months. Hyundai executives have expressed confidence in the 2026 Palisade‘s appeal to North American buyers, but final launch details remain pending.
Expected Pricing
| Configuration | 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Price (South Korea) | Estimated U.S. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Exclusive 9-seat | KRW 49.82 million (USD 34,376) | USD 45,000 (Base est.) |
| Exclusive 7-seat | KRW 51.46 million (USD 35,507) | |
| Prestige 9-seat | KRW 55.36 million (USD 38,198) | |
| Prestige 7-seat | KRW 57.29 million (USD 39,530) | |
| Calligraphy 9-seat | KRW 61.86 million (USD 42,683) | USD 55,000 (Well-equipped est.) |
| Calligraphy 7-seat | KRW 64.24 million (USD 44,326) |
Note: Prices are converted from South Korean Won and are estimates for the U.S. market.
In South Korea, 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid prices range from approximately USD 34,376 to USD 44,326. U.S. pricing is projected to start around USD 45,000 for base models, with higher trim levels potentially reaching USD 55,000 or more. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is set to compete against rivals such as the Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-90, and the upcoming next-generation Kia Telluride.
TopElectricSUV’s Verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade represents a comprehensive upgrade over its predecessor. With its more assertive design, enhanced interior, increased space, and the addition of a potent and efficient hybrid powertrain, the 2026 Palisade is poised to become a top contender in the three-row SUV segment. The inclusion of hybrid technology addresses a key missing element in the current Palisade, making the 2026 Palisade Hybrid an even more compelling choice for families seeking a comfortable, feature-rich, and fuel-conscious SUV. Its blend of bold styling, premium features, and now, improved fuel efficiency, positions the 2026 Palisade to potentially become the leading pick in its class.
Featured Image Source: Hyundai
