2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD - Bottom Line Review

Smooth-faced, precipitous formations rising above shorelines stand distinctive, yet, often, no less formidable, to craggy mountain ridges. The flagship family SUV inevitably must adopt some variation of this defensive geological appearance.

In 2020, Hyundai's first contribution to the segment, the Palisade, struck the brand's own Daoist balance between imposing and refined. Commendably convincing for a debut effort, the first generation Hyundai Palisade was often pursued whenever its more ruggedly penned Kia Telluride sibling became scarce in supply.

For an encore, those at the Namyang drawing boards sought to marry a more monolithic figure with more esoteric inspired detail. To that end, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade out-flexes its predecessor, while embracing the newfound efficiencies of available petrol hybrid electric power.

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WHAT: Re-designed, second generation 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD full-size 3-row family crossover utility vehicle, replacing the LX2 series. The new LX3 Palisade arrives with a related LQ2 Kia Telluride launching on its heels.

WHAT MOTIVATES:

A slightly downsized & detuned petrol V-6 returns as the standard propulsion, connected to an eight speed planetary automatic transaxle. For the first time, the new Hyundai Palisade SUV can be specified with optional battery hybrid electric power. The gas side of this hybrid equation is a naturally aspirated 2500 cc inline-four cylinder, mated to a six gear automatic. Hybrid electrification is standard on the acme Calligraphy trim. The tested unit was optioned with viscous center clutch all-wheel drive, featuring the latest corporate Terrain Modes.

Net Hybrid Horsepower / Torque (pound-feet): 329 hp / 339 lb.-ft @ 1800 r.p.m.

• +42 horsepower, + 79 lb-ft vs. 3.5L V-6

WHAT (A) STYLING DIFFERENCE: A radical departure from its more softly creased, toothy chrome grilled predecessor, the all-new 2026 Palisade falls in line with rectilinear edged mid-size three-row Santa Fe. Notable is a smooth barreled fuselage, comprehensive body color matched accents, a fully darkened greenhouse, terminating in a brushed metallic, raked "D" pillar.

The piano black upper grille features five layers of chrome dash slats, followed by body color filler. Four chrome dash slat lower fascia air louvers are cradled by a brushed metallic lower band. A subtle inner and side creased spill over hood, emphasizes front axle to firewall proportion.

In the area of illumination, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade adopts multi-level lateral segments. In front, the lower lateral DRL segment hooks inboard to cradle the grille. A lower lateral lighting segment in the rear extends in descent, lending a lifting effect to the rising lower rear quarter panel.

Chasing greater elegance, wheel cladding has been dumped in favor of mono-color double creasing. The pinched lower body crease rises slightly. A spill-over roof concludes with a twin cowl black encased body color roof spoiler.

The lower tailgate half embraces a wider U-shaped, license plate bowl and larger spaced "PALISADE" lettering. A neater lower rear valance matches the roof spoiler twin cowl theme with slim corner reflectors above back-up lamps, spanned by a black insert. A brushed metallic look completes the entire lower perimeter.

WHY: Hyundai's second generation "Paliride" SUV gains appreciable flagship esoteric distinctiveness from its Kia sibling

WHEN: On-Sale (in the U.S.) since Autumn 2025

WHERE: Hyundai new vehicle dealers

WHERE MADE: Ulsan, South Korea

WHERE TO:   Lockable 50:50 all-wheel drive torque split + 8.0" ground clearance means probably never getting stuck in accumulated air frozen H20 crystals.

HOW ROADWORTHY:

The optional battery hybrid four cylinder powerplant available in the new Hyundai Palisade handily beats the atmospheric V-6 on low and mid-range grunt, with a willingly smooth six-speed automatic, that locks up smartly and smooths upshifts under hard throttle. The sound is a satisfactory purr, but then again the new Palisade banishes most driveline and outside noise. The predecessor's push button transaxle selector has been relocated to the new corporate right side steering wheel stalk with incorporated ignition button.

The ride in Hyundai's big three-row is royal carriage plush en route to a coronation. The 2026 Palisade has learned well from the Ioniq 9 EV, containing larger frequency impacts to one wheel rather than the entire structure, without transmittance to the seats. Body roll in turns isn't as restrained as the outright sportiest SUVs, but it is a pleasant compromise for occupants.

For the driver, the second generation Hyundai Palisade has livened up surface feel to a more responsive steering wheel. Arguably, grip from the abundant Pirelli Scorpion tires has sharpened reaction to directional changes for more confident road placement. While the first generation was strictly a competent cruiser, the redesigned model embraces enthusiasm. However, while the brake hardware keeps up with the immense wheel sizing, initial responsiveness remains tentative, even with the driver adjustable brake pedal boost. The boxy new Palisade shape, however, does reprise vulnerability to cross-winds.

HOW FAR: 24 combined miles per gallon observed fuel economy; 564 miles highway range.

• -1 20% lower fuel economy from EPA estimate, likely owing to zero degree weather during test period

HOW BIG/ LITTLE: With two extra inches of wheelbase over its predecessor the 2026 Hyundai Palisade achieves bona fide large SUV status. Yet with abbreviated overhangs it will still fit in garages. Also available in seven passenger, second row split bench combination, the tested 2026 Palisade Calligraphy hoists six people in comfort. Gotta luv the full power adjusting 2nd Row captains chair and easy walking pass through to 3rd Row. Even two 3rd Row adults are treated to civilized legroom without exaggerated knee raising.

2026 Hyundai Palisade occupant space vs. the competition:

• 116.9" inch wheelbase = 2.2" < Ford Explorer, 0.8" > Toyota Grand Highlander
• 41.4"-inches Row 2 legroom = 2.4" > Ford Explorer, 1.9" > Toyota Grand Highlander
• 32.1"-inches Row 3 legroom = 0.3" > Ford Explorer, 1.4" <  Toyota Grand Highlander

HOW USEFUL: √ Low load floor floor bumper cover chrome scuff plate; √ Individual power sliding, reclining, tilting & folding 2nd Row captains' chairs; √ Power fold & slide 2nd Row access to 3rd Row; √ Available cargo shade

• +1 Front & 2nd Row door pockets, 3rd Row wall storage; +1 Tow Rating: 4000 lbs. (requires 7-prong trailer adapter
• Cup holders x 6, Bottle holders x 6
• +1 Hands-free, dual speed power liftgate; +1 Power folding 50/50% split 3rd Row seat backs w/ manual raising

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid utility vs. the competition:

• 86.7 cu. ft. cargo space (max.) = 4% < Ford Explorer, 4% <  Toyota Grand Highlander
• 4000 pounds tow capacity = 1000 lbs. < Ford Explorer 3.0T, 1000 lbs. < Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max

HOW SAFE: √ IIHS - 2026 MY Top Safety Pick; √ 10 airbags; √ Rear camera; √ Forward & rear sonar park assist; √ Blind Spot Warning; √ Forward collision & pedestrian detection & slowing; √ Full adaptive cruise control; √ Lane departure warning, keep assist; √ Highway driving assist lane trace; √ Rear Cross Traffic Alert, collision avoidance; √ Automatic high beam headlamps; √ Rear occupant alert (door activity based); √ 2nd Row doors approaching traffic & cyclists lockout

Available Supplemental Safety Aids: Foward pedestrain & cyclist evasive avoidance; Radar based rear occupant detection & mobile app alert; Highway driving assist + lane change aid; Blind Spot collision avoidance braking Side park distance warning

+1 Outward visibility from low cowl, narrow front & side pillars, tall tailgate window

-1 Dim low beam headlamp broadcast

HOW PEOPLE FRIENDLY:  At least in flagship Calligraphy trim, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade cabin re-defines volume brand bespoke materials. The entire dash is encircled in tuck seam leatherette matching the semi-aniline hides on the seats. A full microsuede headliner, extending to the pillars, is reprised to impress.

The latest colorful corporate tablet uni-screen is aboard, split for instrument panel and touch media display duties. Save for the center cluster climate control touch button array, there is no gloss black bezeling.

With transmission drive selection moved to the twisting right side steering column stalk, a floating center console liberates the 2020 Hyundai Palisade cockpit from a Telluride's. Simulated turned metallic panels and damped covers imply exotic. The Premium package's bleached high contrast wood grain along mid dash earns it company among luxury extants. Organically shaped controls exhibit a rich brushed metallic finish, then cooled at night by a soothing blue glow. Apertures & switches act silken, while observable panel fit betters competitors'.

√ 12.3" inch Supervision digital cluster; √ Contrast stitched, perforated, leather seating, front & 2nd Row heated; √ Power front seats: Driver's 12-way w/ 2-position memory, front passenger 8-way (with 2nd Row controls); √ 2nd Row power Captains' chairs (with 3rd Row controls); √ 4 power windows = full express; √ Heated power tilt & telescoping, cross-stitched leather wrapped steering wheel; √ Center stack twin dial and button 3-zone automatic climate switchgear; √ Row 2 door manual sunshades

• +1 Dual moonroofs
  • 1st Row power opening
  • 2nd - 3rd Rows panoramic glass, manual shade
• +1 Lower left lower dashboard dimmer & driver assist controls
• +1 Wide front seat cushion, with auto torso cinching in sport drive modes
• +1 Placid cabin

Cool Gizmo(s): √ Driver's Talk Row 3 broadcast; √ Row 3 audio muting; √ Retracting center console cupholder brackets; √ 2nd Row round brushed metallic integrated door lock loudspeaker housings

Details Done Right: √ Fully padded and contrast stitched saddle leatherette dashboard & upper door cards; √ Contrasting saddle color 3rd Row lower walls; √ Matte metallic and open pore wood dashboard and door accents; √ Metallic vent bezels; √ Grooved brushed metallic toggle integrated steering wheel spoke controls; √ Brushed metal mid-dashboard media switch buttons; √ Microsuede headliner & upper pillars

Nearly Non-Descript: -1 Kernel climate control buttons

HOW CONNECTED: √ BlueLink + center dash top pod mount 12.3"-inch landscape, capacitive touch LCD infotainment screen is curved and contiguous to 12.3"-inch instrument display; √ Bluetooth & voice command hands-free communications; √ GPS HDD OTA Navigation w/ 3-D map, voice guidance w/ connected weather at destination app; √ SMS messaging + pre-defined replies

USB-C x 7, 12V x 3 (incl. cargo bay); Qi Wireless charging pad; 110V AC x 1

♦ Audibly: 14-speaker, 580 watt DTS 5.1 Bose audio

• Accurate imaging, crisp timbre
• Sounds of Nature - 7 ambient audio tracks

HOW "APP" -LICABLE: Hyundai BlueLink + - 5 years included

• +1 Extensive Hyundai BlueLink + voice commands for climate, audio, and navigation inputs; Traditional Hyundai BlueLink + system + simple decipher menus
• "Last Mile" pedestrian walking destinations from between 0.1 and 1.2 miles distance
• √ Android Auto / Apple Car Play wireless smart phone projection

By Subscription: √ Sirius XM (90 days included); √ Navigation maps OTA updated (3 years included) √ Wi-Fi hot spot (by Verizon Wireless - 90 days or 2 GB included)

HOW MUCH: $60,625 = 2026 Hyundai Palisade 2.5T Hybrid Calligraphy AWD retail price

WHAT'S MISSING: Better hybrid fuel economy; Greater towing capacity, Power 2nd Row panoramic roof shade

ANY COMPETITION: Ford Explorer: +1 rear-drive platform; Honda Pilot: +1 tight as drum build; Kia Telluride: +1 more rugged looking sibling; Mazda CX-90: +1 driving dynamics