Image courtesy: Hyundai news
The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade arrives larger, smarter, and significantly more capable than before. With a first-ever hybrid powertrain delivering quicker acceleration, up to 996 km of driving range, and a rugged XRT PRO variant for serious off-road use, Hyundai’s flagship SUV now covers comfort, efficiency, and capability without compromise.
Source: Hyundai Canada YouTube channel.
Why Did Hyundai Rethink the Palisade for 2026?
Short answer: Families wanted efficiency, power, and flexibility without moving to luxury brands.
After a record 23 percent sales growth in 2024, Hyundai chose a full redesign instead of a cosmetic update. The result is a Palisade that is larger, more efficient, faster in real driving, and far more versatile across trims.
Exterior Design: Bigger, Cleaner, More Efficient
Image courtesy: Hyundai news
Short answer: Size increased, drag decreased.
Key exterior changes:
- Overall length increased by 64 mm
- Wheelbase extended by 69 mm
- Shorter front overhang improves approach angles
- Wheels up to 533 mm
- Drag coefficient reduced to 0.31 Cd
The longer rear cabin directly improves third-row comfort and cargo usability.
Interior Comfort: Built for Long Trips
Image courtesy: Hyundai news
Short answer: Less fatigue and better everyday usability.
Interior highlights:
- Dual 12.3-inch curved digital displays
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bose 14-speaker surround audio
- Premium soft-touch materials throughout
Relaxation Seating Explained
Image courtesy: Hyundai news
Front and second-row Relaxation seats recline further and include deployable upper-leg supports. This reduces fatigue during long drives and highway cruising.
Additional comfort upgrades:
- Heated and ventilated second-row seats
- Power-folding, sliding, and reclining third row
- Heated third-row seats available
- 100-watt USB-C ports in every row
Powertrains Explained: Petrol vs Hybrid
Image courtesy: Hyundai news
Short answer: The hybrid is faster, smoother, and more efficient.
3.5-Liter V6 Petrol
- Power: 287 hp
- Torque: 353 Nm
- Drive: FWD or HTRAC AWD
- Towing capacity: 2,268 kg
- 0–100 km/h: approximately 8.0 seconds
2.5-Liter Turbo Hybrid
- Total system output: 329 hp
- Combined torque: 460 Nm
- Estimated range: up to 996 km (619 miles)
- Towing capacity: 1,814 kg
- 0–100 km/h: approximately 6.6 seconds
Despite being more efficient, the hybrid is significantly quicker than the V6. This matters when merging into fast traffic or overtaking with a full load.
Vehicle-to-Load: Power Beyond Driving
Short answer: The Palisade Hybrid can power your life off the grid.
The hybrid introduces Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability via an interior power outlet.
Owners can:
- Power laptops and work equipment
- Run small appliances while camping
- Support emergency power needs
This feature adds real-world value beyond fuel savings.
AWD, Terrain Modes, and XRT PRO Clarified
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Short answer: The most capable Palisade is petrol-powered only.
HTRAC AWD features:
- Tow Mode with optimized gear holding
- Terrain modes for Mud, Sand, and Snow
- Active torque distribution
Important XRT PRO Clarification
The XRT PRO is available only with the 3.5-liter V6 and standard HTRAC AWD.
The hybrid powertrain is not offered with XRT PRO at launch.
Buyers looking for a hybrid off-roader should note this limitation.
XRT PRO Capability: Hardware, Not Appearance
Short answer: This is Hyundai’s most capable SUV yet.
XRT PRO highlights:
- Electronic rear limited-slip differential
- Ground clearance: 213 mm, which is 25 mm higher than standard Palisade trims
- All-terrain tyres
- Front and rear recovery hooks
- Real-time pitch, roll, and elevation display
Interior and design upgrades:
- 18-inch dark alloy wheels
- Heated steering wheel
- Bose premium audio
- Power moonroof
- 115-volt power outlet
UPDATED QUICK REFERENCE TABLE: Why the Specs Matter
| Component | Specification | Why It Matters |
| Hybrid System | 329 hp / 460 Nm | Quicker and more efficient than the V6 |
| V6 Towing | 2,268 kg | Ideal for heavy trailers and boats |
| Hybrid Towing | 1,814 kg | Suitable for small trailers and gear |
| Max Range | Up to 996 km | Long-distance travel with fewer stops |
| Ground Clearance | 213 mm (XRT PRO) | Genuine off-road capability |
| USB Power | 100 W USB-C | Charges laptops, not just phones |
Official 2026 Hyundai Palisade Pricing (USD)
- V6 Petrol SE FWD: $38,935
- Hybrid Blue SEL FWD: $43,660
- XRT PRO V6 AWD: $49,370
- Calligraphy Hybrid: up to $58,280
AFTERMARKET CONVERSATION: What Owners Are Asking
Short answer: Service readiness matters as much as features.
Insights from Quora and Reddit:
- Hybrid systems save fuel but require trained technicians
- Larger wheels increase tyre replacement cost
- AWD systems need regular alignment checks
- Built-in dash cams are valued for insurance disputes
Problem, Agitate, Solution
The Problem:
Large SUVs were inefficient and slow to modernize.
The Agitation:
Families wanted range, speed, safety, and capability without luxury pricing.
The Solution:
The 2026 Palisade combines hybrid acceleration, long-range efficiency, and real SUV hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the hybrid faster than the V6 in real driving?
Yes. The hybrid reaches 100 km/h around 1.5 seconds quicker, making it better for highway merging.
Can I get the XRT PRO with the hybrid engine?
No. XRT PRO is currently offered only with the 3.5-liter V6 and AWD.
Is the 996 km range realistic?
It is a combined estimate. Real-world results depend on driving style and load.
Does the hybrid support towing?
Yes. It can tow up to 1,814 kg, suitable for small trailers and recreational gear.
What can the V2L system power?
Laptops, small appliances, camping equipment, and emergency electronics.
Will hybrid servicing cost more long-term?
Routine maintenance is lower, but battery and cooling systems require EV-trained workshops.
MotorHub UAE: Supporting Advanced SUVs in Extreme Heat
Why Hybrid SUVs Need Specialist Care in the UAE
High temperatures accelerate wear on batteries, power electronics, and ADAS sensors.
MotorHub connects UAE owners with workshops experienced in:
- Hybrid cooling diagnostics
- Battery health monitoring
- ADAS calibration
- Software and OTA updates
As SUVs become more complex, expert aftersales support becomes essential.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is no longer just a comfortable family SUV. With quicker hybrid acceleration, nearly 1,000 km of range, V2L capability, and a genuinely capable XRT PRO variant, it stands as one of the most complete three-row SUVs on sale today.
