2026 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Comparison

The midsize 3-row SUV class features some of the toughest competition in the automotive marketplace. It reshuffles significantly in 2026, as Hyundai introduces an entirely new Palisade with handsome looks, an upscale cabin, and the same long warranty coverage it’s long been known for.

The Chevrolet Palisade was last redesigned for the 2024 model year, so it hasn’t needed a significant update for 2026. It keeps its spacious dimensions, huge, user-friendly screen, and available hands-free tech.

Let’s take a closer look at these 3-row family SUVs.

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade was redesigned from the wheels up for 2026, and we think it’s a well-tailored suit in a crowd full of flannels and blue jeans. It’s more elegant than almost any of its competition. That applies inside, too, where soft-touch surfaces and tasteful design are evident everywhere you look. Hyundai dealers have more options to offer you than ever, including a hybrid option and an XRT Pro edition built for getting off the pavement. While many competitors have moved to turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, Hyundai stuck with a 287-horsepower V6 for the 2026 Palisade.

Hyundai Palisade Highlights

You’ll enjoy looking at your car: Car designers herd. They mostly do the same things their peers are doing, making most family SUVs pretty forgettable. The Palisade, with its brushed-metal look trim and stacked lighting, looks sharper than most. Inside, unusual rounded lines predominate, making it feel lounge-like. At higher trim levels, the Palisade can feel like a product from Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury marque, at a lower price.

Flexible third row: The third-row dimensions of these two are quite similar. But the Palisade’s third row is uniquely flexible. They recline, slide back and forth on rails, and even include their own USB ports — something the Traverse’s third row lacks. If you’re looking at 3-row SUVs because you use every row regularly, this one is kinder to passengers.

Outstanding warranty: Hyundai’s 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty offer you peace of mind — for a decade. Hyundai also throws in a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan. Hyundai’s warranty outshines Chevy’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Palisade models near you.

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse received a complete redesign for 2024 and carries over for the 2026 model year with few changes. That means it keeps its best features, including one of the most spacious cabins in its class, 328 horsepower from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and a huge 17.7-inch central touchscreen. GM’s excellent Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system is available, and can be a real fatigue saver on road trips.

Chevrolet Traverse Highlights

Big screen: At 17.7 inches measured diagonally, the Traverse’s screen is the largest in its class. These days, when we all interact with screens regularly while driving, that counts as a safety feature. It’s easy to read and easy to tap on exactly what you need with just a glance.

Super Cruise: Described by many as the best hands-free driving technology on the road today, GM’s Super Cruise system is available on the latest Traverse. It combines adaptive cruise control and steering assistance, allowing drivers to keep their hands off the wheel and their feet off the pedals on more than 750,000 miles of mapped roads in the U.S. and Canada. The driver must remain alert and keep their eyes on the road.

Huge cargo hold: The Traverse has more space behind the third row than almost any midsize SUV. Fold all seats down, and you get a cavernous 97.6 square feet – nearly 11 more than the Palisade offers. If you expect to load your next vehicle to the brim regularly, it’s hard to beat this one.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Traverse models near you.

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Hyundai Palisade vehicles and New 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Conclusion

The Palisade’s redesign has made it one of the most appealing midsize SUVs available in 2026. There are plenty of reasons to buy a Traverse, and we’d strongly consider it if we needed a hauler as much as a passenger vehicle or took frequent long trips making Super Cruise an advantage. But, for most shoppers, the Palisade’s elegance and the wisdom of a 10-year powertrain warranty win out. We’d pick that one.