Preview: Redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade Debuts with Daring New Look

When it comes to three-row crossovers, no manufacturer can sit still.

Hyundai pulled the wraps off its second-generation Palisade at the New York International Auto Show, revealing a redesign that elevates this three-row from pleasant-looking to daring and bold — a look that should have it no longer living in the shadow of its chiselled corporate cousin, the Kia Telluride.

AutoTrader got a chance to crawl over and through a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid and XRT Pro at a media preview event prior to the New York reveal. What we soon discovered is that there’s more to this Palisade than its handsome new look.

Longer, Wider, and Better Looking

Built on a modified version of the outgoing Palisade’s platform, the 2026 model gets a wheelbase stretch of 70 mm (2.8 in) and an overall increase of 65 mm (2.6 in) in length. With a shorter front overhang and longer rear overhang, the 2026 Palisade cuts a stately profile, helped in no small part by the bold lateral-straked front driving lights, similarly styled tail lights, and the unique “three-dimensional” D-pillar. The latter, along with a hidden C-pillar, give the new Palisade a floating roof look.

The cabin benefits from a roomier third row with easier access thanks to the longer rear door opening. Third-row passengers also enjoy an airier experience due to the larger side windows. Eight-passenger seating is standard, with available second-row captain’s chairs. Hyundai is also introducing available relaxation seats for front- and second-row passengers with additional degrees of recline and deployable upper-leg supports to help reduce fatigue during extended seating periods.

High-Quality Interior

The build quality looks good, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces and metal detailing. Both the pre-production models we saw were swathed in default black — other available hues (brown or beige with navy) would no doubt give the cabin a richer ambience. The two 12.3-inch screens are integrated into the sweeping dash, and kudos to Hyundai for retaining human-friendly physical controls for climate, audio, and infotainment shortcuts.

Another ergonomic win here is the nifty wand sprouting from the steering column that has both the ignition button and a twist action for gear selection. This frees up the centre console, which gains a generous double-door storage compartment, wireless device charger, open tray below, and available device sanitizing tray.

Other thoughtful touches include 100-watt capable USB-C ports, third-row seat belt pre-tensioners, standard heated washer nozzles, and rear camera washers. Another cool available feature is the built-in dual-camera front and rear dashcam.

The 2026 Palisade’s longer rear overhang results in more cargo room behind the third row (540 L versus 509 L), and there’s a handy underfloor compartment as well. With the third row folded, capacity measures 1,310 L, which expands to 2,455 L with the second row folded. 

Hybrid Model and Rugged XRT Pro Join Lineup

All Canadian 2026 Palisades get standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The base engine remains a naturally aspirated V6, but it’s a new unit displacing 3.5L versus the outgoing 3.8L V6. Power and torque are down slightly (287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque), but fuel efficiency improves. The V6 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

There’s also a newly available hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder that makes 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque and uses a six-speed automatic transmission, with more than 900 km of range on a full tank. The V6 models are rated to tow 2,268 kg (5,000 lb), while the hybrid can pull 1,814 (4,000 lb).

For Palisade shoppers wanting something more rugged, Hyundai offers the V6-powered Palisade XRT Pro, an off-road-inspired version rolling on a raised suspension and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. While it’s hard to imagine anyone will go off-roading in this three-row, Hyundai has indeed given the XRT Pro (the first Hyundai to wear the Pro designation) some legit hardware: electronic limited-slip rear differential, forward ground view monitor, terrain modes (mud, sand, snow), redesigned front and rear lower valances for improved approach and departure angles, tow hitch, and hill descent control.

Along with the wheels and increased ride height, the XRT Pro advertises its off-road mojo with exclusive badging, a unique grille, black exterior trim, and front and rear recovery hooks. The pre-production model we saw was dipped in uber-cool Earthy Brass Matte paint. The XRT Pro’s cabin has mountain-themed embossed leatherette upholstery, heated first- and second-row seats, ambient lighting, a 115-volt power outlet, sunroof, and 14-speaker stereo.

The XRT Pro has manually operated second- and third-row seats that are easy and fast to fold and slide. The ritzy Ultimate Calligraphy trim sported the full-zoot power folding and sliding treatment, and operation was painfully slow. Note to frazzled parents with wired kids: sliding the powered captain’s chairs forward to access the third row takes an eternity.

Final Thoughts

We’ll see the Korean-built V6-powered 2026 Hyundai Palisade first, arriving in early summer in Preferred Trend, XRT Pro, and Ultimate Calligraphy trim levels. The Palisade Hybrid is scheduled to arrive in early fall with a trim walk of Preferred Trend, XRT Pro, Luxury, and Ultimate Calligraphy. The Luxury trim will also join the V6 lineup at that point. Prices will be announced closer to launch.