The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is all-new for this model year. The second generation boasts new looks, more tech than ever, and more interior space, while keeping its classy feel. There’s a lot that makes the new Palisade our Best Buy Award winner in its class, so let’s check out three of our favorite things about it.
1. Memorable Design
The Palisade stands out in a crowded midsize SUV market thanks to its new signature stacked LED blocks that serve as daytime running lights (DRLs). Both the front and rear turn signals are huge and feature the bold piano-key look — a combination you cannot miss. Beyond its distinct light signature, the Palisade has grown longer than its predecessor and adopted a boxier shape. The result is a modern and upscale look with a touch of ruggedness, especially on the new XRT Pro trim. On the Calligraphy trim, a silver-colored D-pillar frames the rear windows, elevating the aesthetic to a more premium level.
2. Refreshed Interior
The Palisades interior invites you to climb in, with a remodeled cabin that features cloth seating on the base SE trim and sumptuous leather on the Calligraphy model. Borrowing from Hyundai’s flagship electric vehicle (EV), the Ioniq 9, the Palisade comes with cutting-edge technology, including dual 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment display. The Palisade features a combination of physical dials, touch buttons, and digital buttons, giving it a modern feel while remaining user-friendly. There are 100-watt USB-C charge ports and plenty of storage, including a deep center armrest with additional storage beneath the center console area that can hold a purse or tablet. The gearshift is now built into the steering column, with the power start button at the end of the shifter, a big improvement over the awkward shift buttons in the previous Palisade.
3. XRT Pro Trim
If you’re planning some family off-road adventures, then you can step up to the XRT Pro trim. Enhancements include an extra inch of ground clearance over the base model for a total of 8.4 inches of ground clearance, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and special drive modes for varying terrains like mud, sand, and snow. The XRT Pro also features an exclusive rear electronic limited-slip differential. With the darkened exterior trim, front and rear red recovery hooks, this Palisade is primed for exploration.
More Hyundai Palisade
Read our full review of the Hyundai Palisade, find this week’s Fair Purchase Price, or see Palisade models for sale near you.
