2026 Hyundai Palisade: Bigger, Bolder, and Finally a Hybrid

If Hyundai’s mission was to make the school drop-off feel like a VIP shuttle service, then the 2026 Palisade has nailed it. Making its global debut at the New York International Auto Show, the all-new Palisade is more than just a mid-life makeover—it’s a total glow-up. It’s longer, posher, more powerful, and it finally brings a hybrid powertrain to the party.

Let’s get this out of the way: yes, it’s still massive. But now it’s cleverly massive. And pretty chic to boot.

What’s New?

Plenty. The 2026 Palisade rides on a refined platform and is stretched in all the right places. There’s 63mm more length and 68mm of extra wheelbase, which means more legroom, more boot space, and a third row that doesn’t feel like a punishment. Hyundai’s even added a new XRT PRO trim for those who think a weekend away isn’t complete without a kayak, two mountain bikes, and a medium-sized dog.

Design-wise, Hyundai’s gone full glam. The new front fascia looks like it’s been through a luxury boot camp, with vertical LED DRLs, a new horizontal light signature, and a bolder grille. It’s boxy, but not brutish—think RuPaul in a tailored suit. That trick aero brings the drag coefficient down to 0.31 Cd, which is pretty slick for something this size.

That Interior, Though

Inside, the Palisade channels serious Scandi-lounge energy. The dash is clean and horizontal, the materials are soft-touch, and there’s a healthy sprinkle of tech everywhere you look. Dual 12.3-inch displays merge behind a single pane of glass like something out of a sci-fi flick. There’s even an optional Bose 14-speaker system that’ll have your podcast about mid-century Danish furniture sounding like a live event.

Front and second-row “Relaxation” seats now recline and come with pop-up leg rests—ideal for those long hauls or a cheeky nap while waiting for someone to finish trying on activewear at Westfield. Ventilation, heating, power everything—Hyundai hasn’t missed a beat. The third row? It’s power-sliding, folding, reclining, and even heated if you tick enough boxes.

USB-C ports and cupholders abound, and there’s now a wireless charging pad with its own cooling fan because apparently we can’t be trusted not to overheat our phones. Practical? Yes. Excessive? Also yes. Deliciously so.

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ABOVE: All new 2026 Hyundai Palisade

A Hybrid at Last

For the first time, Hyundai’s added a hybrid option to the Palisade lineup. Under the bonnet sits a 2.5-litre turbo four paired with two electric motors, pumping out a combined 245kW and 450Nm of torque. That’s more than enough to lug your family, your luggage, and possibly the odd horse float. The claimed range? A staggering 996km. You could drive from Sydney to Melbourne and back on one tank and still have enough left over to do the Macca’s run.

Prefer the old-school grunt? There’s still a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 making 214kW, with up to 2,250kg towing capacity. Both powertrains come with either front-wheel or Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, complete with Tow Mode and terrain settings for Mud, Snow, and Sand. There’s even a hidden tow hitch on some trims for those who hate ruining their Instagram grid with visible utility.

Safety First (and Second, and Third…)

The Palisade’s new ADAS suite reads like a greatest hits album of modern safety tech: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Safe Exit Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance, and more. There’s even a camera-based rear-view mirror, perfect for when the back window is blocked by sports bags, shopping hauls, or Nana’s prized hydrangeas.

Hyundai’s also added a dual-camera dash cam that records continuously while driving—and keeps watch while parked. Got kids? The upgraded Rear Occupant Alert system now uses radar to detect movement in the back seat and will not only beep at you but send a message to your phone if you accidentally leave little Jimmy behind.

And because we live in strange times, there’s an optional UV-C sterilisation compartment inside the centre console. Yes, your Palisade can now sanitise your sunnies and mobile phone while you drive. Welcome to 2026.

Tech, Meet Convenience

The Palisade’s tech game is seriously tight. Hyundai’s Digital Key 2.0 means you can leave your keys at home and use your smartphone—or smartwatch—to lock, unlock, and start the car. You can even share access with your mates without playing musical keychains.

Over-the-Air updates are standard now too, so features and bug fixes will roll out without you having to step foot in a service centre. The infotainment system can now get smarter over time, just like your AI-powered vacuum or your nephew who suddenly knows everything about cryptocurrency.

And with Hyundai’s new “Stay Mode” for the hybrid, you can keep the AC and stereo going without the engine running—perfect for picnics, campouts, or sitting in the driveway hiding from your responsibilities.

XRT PRO: The Bushwhacker’s Bentley?

For those who believe SUVs should do more than just dominate the school car park, the XRT PRO trim delivers rugged credibility. Think of it as the off-road glam cousin—higher clearance, beefy tyres, and an integrated tow hitch that says, “Yes, I do own a fire pit.” Mud, snow, sand—there’s a mode for that. And with proper all-wheel-drive and clever torque vectoring, it’ll handle whatever the Outback (or the slushy car park at Thredbo) throws at it.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade isn’t just an update—it’s a statement. Hyundai’s clearly done its homework, offering a three-row SUV that can out-lux the Europeans, out-haul the Americans, and out-tech just about everything else on the road.

It’s practical enough for families, stylish enough for singles, and plush enough for retirees on a winery crawl. And now, with a hybrid that actually delivers on range and power, the Palisade finally ticks the eco box without feeling like a compromise.

Whether you’re hauling surfboards to Byron or just trying to survive Sydney’s peak-hour crawl with three kids and a dog named Meryl Streep in the back seat, the new Palisade has your back. With quilted leather.

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