2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid SUV Review
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid SUV comes with several features typically found in electric vehicles.
- Now on sale, the Palisade Hybrid delivers 329 horsepower and up to 34 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
- It competes with large three-row SUVs such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas.
Powerful and fuel-efficient, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid improves on two of the large SUV’s few shortcomings, establishing itself as one of the year’s best new cars.
Now on sale, the Palisade Hybrid delivers 329 horsepower and up to 34 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
It competes with large three-row SUVs such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas.
The Palisade is one of the few hybrids available in its class, along with the Grand Highlander and CX-90.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Key Features
- up to 34mpg
- 329 horsepower, 339 pound-feet of torque
- Front wheel drive or all wheel drive
- 7 or 8 seats
- Can tow up to 4,000 lbs.
- UV-C sterilization center console bin
- 3 row electric adjustable seats
- All three rows are equipped with seat heaters
- Bose audio available
- 2nd row seat belt receiver with light
- Ventilated seats available in the first and second rows
- 3rd row microphone and speaker
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- wireless charging
Improvements in key areas
When I drove the gas-only Palisade, I liked almost everything about the 2026 Palisade, but I wanted more power. Hybrid solves that problem and adds some other welcome features. The Palisade uses Hyundai’s latest hybrid system. Add about $2,200 and 200 pounds when compared to a similarly equipped gas-only model.
This hybrid replaces the Palisade’s naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 with a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder connected to an electric motor. The new hybrid system, which will also be rolled out to models in other segments, places the main electric motor between the gasoline engine and the transmission. Hyundai says electric regeneration during braking improves both vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
Hybrids can travel up to 600 miles on one tank of gas.
Second-row legroom is slightly reduced because the battery is mounted under the passenger seat, but the Palisade’s interior remains one of the most comfortable and attractive in its class. Towing capacity is reduced from 1,000 pounds to 4,000 pounds.
The hybrid drivetrain is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive on SEL, SEL Premium, and Calligraphy models. There is no hybrid version of the off-road-oriented Palisade XRT Pro, as Hyundai believes the extra weight of a hybrid will conflict with rough terrain.
We drove the well-equipped Palisade Calligraphy AWD Hybrid on everything from Austin’s intense rush-hour traffic to sharp turns on state highways to winding roads through ranchlands and the scenic Texas Hill Country. It had a price tag of $59,535.
The Palisade Hybrid disengages the rear wheels to improve fuel efficiency at low loads.
Driving impression
The most efficient front-drive model gets 33 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. AWD models check in on 29/30/29.
The new system employs several features commonly associated with electric vehicles. For example, ‘Stay Mode’ uses the battery to power the climate control and infotainment for up to an hour with the engine off. This is similar to Pet Mode, which some EVs offer to keep pets safe inside parked cars, but Hyundai doesn’t include a disclaimer to let passersby know the animal is okay.
You can also set your navigation system to charge the battery to 80% when you reach your destination. This is enough power to keep your car comfortable.
Advanced driver assistance systems such as traction control and steering assist also utilize the drivetrain’s precise power delivery to assist in emergency maneuvers.
Under normal conditions, the Palisade Hybrid was able to maneuver adeptly around busy roads and construction sites.
It was quiet, comfortable and stable in the backcountry.
3 creative new features
2026 introduces two new interior features.
Calligraphy’s top model has a built-in UV-C germicidal light in the center console bin, which is likely to be a deal-breaker for some shoppers as a post-pandemic feature.
Another benefit is a warning light located just above the rear door latch to alert the occupants of oncoming vehicles. A sensor automatically locks the door, but an illuminated LED is a nice addition.
Finally, for anyone struggling to protect themselves in a taxi, Uber, or shuttle, Palisade introduces a solution that’s simply great, or wonderfully simple. That’s the LED light for the center row seat belt receiver.
Once you see them, you just wonder why it took so long to find this elegant solution to the common problem of buckling up when getting into a strange new car. All automakers should adopt it, and Hyundai should waive any patents it holds on this idea.
Why buy a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid?
There’s no more advanced and comfortable 3-row SUV on the market than the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.
It’s spacious, advanced, attractive and competitively priced.
Adding hybrid power and efficiency to an already great vehicle should seal the deal for many shoppers.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Overview
3-row SUV with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
7 or 8 seats
Base price: $44,160. All prices exclude $1,600 destination charge.
Now on sale
Test model: Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD
Price as tested: $59,525
Power: 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and electric motor
Output: 329 horsepower; 339 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
EPA estimated fuel economy: 29 mpg city/30 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. regular gasoline
Wheelbase: 116.9 inches
Length: 199.4 inches
Width: 78 inches
Height: 69.5 inches
Passenger volume: 161.9 cubic feet
Cargo volume: 19.1 cubic feet behind third row, 46.3 cubic feet behind second row, 86.7 cubic feet behind first row.
Vehicle weight: 45,016 lbs.
Towing capacity: 4,000 lbs.
Assembled in Ulsan, South Korea
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark ferran. read more car and sign up for our service automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.
