Hyundai’s Palisade was already a hit the first time around, but now it’s back, and the stakes are even higher. In a segment packed with competitors fighting for every last driveway, Hyundai’s hoping its reworked SUV can strike gold twice. The brand just pulled the covers off the all-new Palisade, and it’s not just a refresh; it’s all-new.

The new Palisade is longer, more refined, packed with more space and tech, and introduces both a hybrid powertrain and an off-road-ready variant. In short, it marks a new direction for one of Hyundai’s most important vehicles. Let’s take a deeper dive into what is surely a vital model for Hyundai over the coming years.

Striking Styling

First and foremost, let’s judge this book by its cover – just a little. Hyundai has gone with a sharper, far boxier, and noticeably less curvaceous body this time around. In many ways, it blends the styling cues of the Ioniq 9 with the Kia EV9, then adds a bit more, shall we say, Teutonic, muscle. Hyundai even describes the front of its new XRT PRO model as “beefier.”

No doubt, the styling makes a statement. The front of the SUV features five horizontal LED lights stacked on each side, bookending the grille. Similar lights keep that same design ethos at the rear. Active airflow shutters and a more upright A-pillar help the Palisade achieve a 0.31 Cd, which the brand says is one of the lowest in the segment. That’s impressive considering this SUV is 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) longer from nose to tail. The wheelbase is also 2.7 inches (68.5 mm) larger, meaning the cabin is roomier too.

Cabin Accoutrement

Interestingly, the curvy bits now gone from the exterior have seemingly found their way into the interior of the 2026 Palisade that offers three rows of seats, but not the Korean model’s nine-seat layout with a front bench. The dash, door cards, and center console all have a rounded, almost mid-century modern vibe. As is the case in many other Hyundai products, dual 12.3-inch displays make up the infotainment system and the gauge cluster. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both standard and wireless.

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Hyundai says that buyers can add “Relaxation seats” to the front and second row of the Palisade. They’re unique as they offer upper-leg supports and can recline further than normal seats. Eight-passenger seating is standard, but second-row captain’s chairs are available. Power-folding heated third-row seats are also available. All three rows get cup holders and 100-watt USB-C power ports.

A New Hybrid Drivetrain

One of the most important updates to the new Palisade is the addition of a hybrid drivetrain. It pairs a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 329 horsepower (245 kW) and 339 lb-ft (459 Nm) of torque. Power is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai hasn’t confirmed whether all-wheel drive will be standard for the hybrid, but it wouldn’t be a surprise.

The standard non-hybrid option is a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 paired to a standard 8-speed automatic carried over from the previous generation. It produces 287 horsepower (214 kW) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque. Available with either two- or four-wheel drive, the V6 model can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The hybrid, by comparison, has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds.

The hybrid really impresses on the highway, where Hyundai says it targets “30+ mpg.” If it manages that, the Palisade Hybrid will offer up to 619 miles of range between fuel stops and has at least one more party trick up its sleeve. A new Stay Mode enables it to use the hybrid battery while parked in the same way that an EV might. Essentially, it’ll let occupants continue to use the HVAC and infotainment without burning gas.

The First XRT PRO

Those who prefer to get a little dirty with their whole family in tow might like the new XRT PRO. The trim name is new, and it’s aimed specifically at U.S. customers. The Palisade XRT PRO comes with one extra inch of ground clearance, improved approach (20.5°), departure (22.4°), and breakover (18.3°) geometry, and a slew of hardware and software tweaks too.

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The XRT PRO includes all-terrain tires, an electronic rear limited-slip differential, recovery hooks, a tow hitch, and standard all-wheel drive. In terms of tech, the XRT PRO stands out with Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain modes, a surround-view camera monitor system, real-time pitch, roll, compass, and elevation displays, and downhill brake control.

It’s also loaded with comfort features to make a day on the trail seem like a walk in the park. Customers will no doubt enjoy the power moonroof, ambient interior lighting, 14-speaker Bose sound system, and faux leather upholstery.

Made In Korea

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but Hyundai expects the new Palisade to reach U.S. dealerships by early fall. Both the timeline and the final sticker price could be affected by ongoing tariff drama, since the SUV is built in South Korea.