Tuesday, June 9, 2026

2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro AWD: The Fullsize Three-Row Crossover Designed for Off-Road Adventure

Highlight: The Hyundai Palisade XRT, which is not available with a hybrid powertrain, offers 8-inches of ground clearance.  

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $51,610 (Base SE Trim MSRP): $40,535

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; a surround view monitor with forward ground view; 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 (XRT Pro): 18-inch terrain tires; dark alloy wheels; 8.4-inches of ground clearance; AWD; exclusive rear electronic limited slip differential; real-time pitch compass and elevation displays; driving mode for a variety of terrains: mud, sand and snow; a downhill brake control; a tow mode; a factory installed tow hitch with conceal panel; a heated steering wheel; leather-like seating surfaces; front and rear recovery hooks; and a power moonroof

Options: carpeted floor mats; and creamy white exterior paint

Other Trim Levels:

SE

SEL

Limited

Calligraphy

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. And this is Hyundai’s first

Why:

New bolder design with language with 8 inches of ground clearance

An affordable three-row SUV

AWD or front wheel drive configuration

A car-like ride

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

A variety of driving modes with towing application built-in

A hybrid powertrain is now available (not available on XRT trim)

An easy-to-use infotainment system

Spacious interior

Leather-like seating

A high-level of safety driving aids

A variety of driving modes

A radar-activated co-pilot steering system

Heated seats available throughout the entire cabin (on select trims)

A remote parking assist system

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 UV cleaner for smartphone

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

Towing hooks are standard on the XRT trim


But:

Limited cargo room when third row is occupied

Gasoline model has a limited fuel driving range and diminished MPG when compared to the competition

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 fobb

 


Verdict:  For the first time, the three-row Palisade is now available in an off-road package to compete against its competitors. While the trim wasn’t available for the first-generation Palisade, it’s a welcome addition for the new design.

While the Palisade has been known more for its family-oriented luxury appeal. This year’s model gains a more athletic vibe with the all-wheel drive XRT trim. The new trim adds 18-inch black wheels which rides on 18-inch all-terrain tires.

Moreover, the aggressive looking XRT trim is outfitted with front tow hooks, a factory installed rear towing hitch, leather-like seats, a limited slip differential and an expansive driving mode to conquer snow, mud and sand.

Despite the bolder design cues to compliment the second-generation Palisade, the big body vehicle continues to hit a sweet spot in terms of features and pricing.

At a starting price just shy of $50,000 before adding on options, the Palisade XRT was available with such features as heated and ventilated front seats, first and second row bucket seats, a single panel sunroof, a high quality Bose audio system, and a radar-activated cruise control system with co-pilot steering.  

And 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 style side and rear profile seeking to attract those yearning to make a subtle statement without having to break the bank.

XRT Competition: Honda Pilot TrailSport; Kia Telluride X-Pro; and Nissan Pathfinder Rock Crrek

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2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro AWD: The Fullsize Three-Row Crossover Designed for Off-Road Adventure

Highlight: The Hyundai Palisade XRT, which is not available with a hybrid powertrain, offers 8-inches of ground clearance.   Test Vehicle...