General

Hyundai Palisade Is Our Midsize SUV Best Buy of 2026

By 01/20/2026 6:17pm

  • All-new for 2026 
  • First-ever hybrid option 
  • Bigger interior, updated tech 
  • Pricing starts at $41,035 | Price yours 
  • On sale now | See listings near you 
Hyundai Palisade Is Our Midsize SUV Best Buy of 2026

The Hyundai Palisade went from good to great when it was redesigned for the 2026 model year. In addition to an updated look inside and out that enhances its premium aesthetics, it gets an efficient new hybrid powertrain option, a roomier interior with upgraded features and materials, and a rugged XRT Pro trim that’s ready for adventure. 

Bigger Interior 

Hyundai went above and beyond with the interior space and comfort in the redesigned 2026 Palisade. Sometimes a midsize SUV’s interior is roomy and practical, but at the expense of quality. Sometimes it will have a premium vibe, but it isn’t all that functional for families or has a cramped third row. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s interior simply does it all well, with adult-friendly space and luxury-like appointments. 

What Hyundai calls a “reimagined third row” has more legroom than the previous generation, and we found it pretty easy to get in and out of. It also has bigger windows for the third-row passengers, which makes it feel more open and airy in the way-back seats. Going up to the top Calligraphy trim gets third-row luxuries like power sliding and reclining, and even heated third-row seats, a rarity in this class. 

Black 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy parked near a hillside.
Photo: Guy Spangenberg

It’s comfortable for front-seat occupants as well, and the technology is both advanced and accessible. Dual panoramic screens come standard, as do wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Some premium options include a Bose audio system, Nappa leather upholstery, and a built-in dashcam. 

Pleasant Drive 

Driving the new Hyundai Palisade is a relaxed and predictable experience. The ride is smooth and comfy on long distances, and we’re impressed with the cabin’s quietness. The standard V6 under the hood got a little smaller with the redesign, but the output and efficiency are about the same as the previous generation. Many in this class are moving toward smaller turbo engines, so drivers looking for the satisfying grunt of a V6 will like this engine. 

However, we prefer the newly available Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. With more power, more torque, and better fuel economy (up to 34 combined mpg), there’s really no reason not to go with the hybrid, so long as your budget allows it. That said, we appreciate that Hyundai gives families a choice between an old-school V6 and a turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. 

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
Image courtesy of Guy Spangenberg

Strong Value 

The price tag of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is pretty typical for its class, but it has a few things going for it that make it a tremendous value. For starters, it has class-leading warranty coverage with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. These bring a little extra peace of mind to families planning on keeping the car for a while. 

Fuel costs are about average for the V6-powered Palisade, but the new Palisade Hybrid saves a lot of fuel in the long run. In its most efficient form, the Palisade Hybrid gets up to 33 city/35 highway/34 combined mpg. According to EPA estimates, the hybrid saves you as much as $1,500 over five years compared to the average new vehicle. 

Combine its reasonable pricing, above-average resale value, class-leading warranty, and the hybrid’s low fuel costs, and the new Palisade is an excellent value in new midsize SUVs. 

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