2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD: A Three-Row Crossover Offering A Larger And Bolder Design Language

Highlight: The Hyundai Palisade is now available as a hybrid.  

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $58,800 (Base SE Trim MSRP): $40,535

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a backup camera; a blind spot collision avoidance assist; rear cross traffic avoidance; a lane keep assist system; a lane following assist system; a high beam assist; a forward collision assist system; a vehicle stability system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a hill start assist; a hill start assist system; Bluelink; dash camera; a temporary spare tire and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Calligraphy): 21-inch alloy wheels; AWD; dual pane sunroof; power folding mirrors; auto dimming side mirrors; roof side rails; a push button ignition starter; a remote park assist system; Nappa leather; heated/ventilated front/second row seats; power front seats; massaging driver’s seat; heated third row seat; second row captain chairs; second row manual seats; power folding third row folding and sliding seat; a heated steering wheel; a three-zone automatic temp control system; a heads up display system; a wireless phone charging; and digital key

Options: special exterior paint color and carpeted floor mats

Other Trim Levels:

SE

SEL

Limited

XRT

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 14-speaker Bose audio system with AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes (test model)

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 3.5-liter turbocharged, 6-cylinder /287-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 18-city/24-hwy (test model)

Towing: 5,000 lbs (test model)

What’s New: The second-generation Palisade wears a new bolder design language for the 2026 model year.

Why:

New bolder design with Range Rover styling cues

AWD or front wheel drive configuration

A car-like ride

Base SE trim starts out in the low $40k range

A variety of trims

A hybrid powertrain is now available

An easy-to-use infotainment system

Spacious interior

Second row power operated quad bucket seats (in Calligraphy model)

Massaging front driver’s seat

Nappa leather is available

A high-level of safety driving aids

A variety of driving modes

A built-in security camera (in Calligraphy model)

A radar-activated co-pilot steering system

Heated seats available throughout the entire cabin

A remote parking assist system

Dual sunroofs, one is fixed

21-inch wheels available

Power adjustable and reclining seats throughout the cabin

Easy to use second-row seats allows access to third-row

Hands-free, power operated liftgate

A built-in UV cleaner for smartphones and the like

Hyundai has traded in the piano shifter gear selector for one that requires more steps and is integrated into the ignition starter

One of the best new-vehicle and powertrain warranties in the segment

But:

Limited cargo room when third row is occupied

Gasoline model has a limited fuel driving range

No hands-free steering available

Futuristic fascia with the non-conventional vertical lights is not to everyone's liken

Unable to unlock and lock second row exterior doors from the outside without using the keyless fob

 

Verdict:  The second-generation Palisade is a game changer for both Hyundai and the three-row crossover/SUV segment.

Just as Hyundai did during the 2011 model year, when they birthed the reimagined Sonata, turning it from a vanilla design to one that evoked style and flair, they’ve done it again with the 2026 Palisade.

However, unlike the 2011 Sonata, which was plagued with quality issues, Hyundai seems to have gotten it right this time, with its fresh brawnier design, while building upon the reliability reputation of the first-generation Palisade. 

The all-new Palisade has hit all of the sweet spots in terms of style, features and affordability.

At a starting price just under $41,000, the Palisade is available in a front wheel drive or an AWD configuration in a variety of trims. Depending upon the trim, one can expect such features as heated three row seats, first and second row bucket seats with an ottoman-like leg extender to enhance comfort, Nappa leather seating surfaces, dual panel sunroofs, and a remote parking assist feature. Even more importantly, a UV-C sterilization compartment is available in the center console. This feature is great for cleaning all the germs that gathers on one's smartphones throughout the day.

While the first-generation Palisade seemed to have targeted families, seeking function over style, this year’s model moves the needle with its Land Rover-ish-like side and rear profile. The Hyundai brand is seeking to attract those yearning to make a subtle statement without having to break the bank by stepping up to a luxury car nameplate particularly in the Limited and Calligraphy trims.

Hyundai has elevated the new Palisade to luxury car status without the premium price. And we must admit the driving characteristics aren't as smooth as the Lexus TX, but for the price difference we can make some sacrifices.

Overall, Cadillac, Infiniti, Lexus and Lincoln should be on guard with their three-row crossovers. Hyundai is directly aiming for the luxury makes customer base with the second-generation Palisade.

Competition: Chevy Traverse; Buick Enclave; Ford Explorer; GMC Acadia; Kia Telluride; and Mazda CX-90

Premium Competition: Infiniti QX60; Lincoln Aviator; and Lexus TX