Trims and Powertrains

Hyundai’s flagship crossover features an extensive six-trim range: the SE, SEL, SEL Premium, XRT Pro, Limited, and Calligraphy. Their powertrain unites a 287-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on all but the XRT Pro, which comes with the all-wheel drivetrain (AWD) that’s an option for the rest.

With FWD, the Palisade is EPA-rated for 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. AWD changes the fuel economy to 18 mpg around town and 24 mpg on the open road. With all three rows in use, there's 19.1 cubic feet of dedicated cargo space. That capacity can be increased to 46.3 cubic feet with the third row folded down and 86.7 cubic feet behind the first row. When it’s properly equipped, the ‘26 Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Standard Features

The SE is the only eight-passenger Palisade trim, with all of the others configured for seven passengers via second-row captain’s chairs. This base edition has fabric upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, LED exterior lighting with automatic headlamps, proximity keyless entry, push-button ignition, sliding second-row seats (with electric releases in the cargo area), and a cargo area with underfloor storage. Other standard features of this lowest-priced yet well-outfitted Palisade include heated power side-view mirrors, a 4.2-inch driver information display, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, rear privacy glass, sound-reducing glass on the windshield and front side windows, six USB ports, and 18-inch wheels.

The SEL adds additional premium amenities such as a power sunroof, wireless device charging, a hands-free power liftgate, H-Tex leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, eight-way power front seats, second-row captain's chairs, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Digital Key, side-view mirrors with integrated turn signals, roof rails, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The SEL Premium gets even more upgrades: heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a driver's memory system, additional driver's-seat power lumbar controls, heated and ventilated captain's chairs, and ambient cabin lighting.

As mentioned, this is the first model year for the XRT Pro, the rugged-minded version of the all-new Palisade. It’s differentiated by an electronically limited-slip differential, unique exterior treatments and cabin accents, and additional instrumentation (oil and transmission temperature gauges and pitch/roll/off-road display). Otherwise, it has a similar equipment roster to the SEL, but with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 115-volt outlet, and a tow hitch.

The Limited starts with the amenities of the SEL Premium and adds leather upholstery, a dual-pane power sunroof, heated third-row seats, a power seat slide for the second row, third-row power seats (folding/unfolding, reclining, and sliding), rear side sound-reducing glass, a 115-volt outlet, a tow hitch, and 20-inch wheels. The Calligraphy represents the ultimate Palisade edition with abundant luxuries such as Nappa leather upholstery, massaging front seats with leg cushion extension, second-row power captain's chairs with massage, a digital rearview mirror, rain-sensing windshield wipers, integrated front and rear dashcams, and 21-inch wheels.

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology

The standard suite of advanced driver aids in the 2026 Palisade consists of forward collision-avoidance assist (with car/pedestrian/cyclist detection and junction-turning/direct-oncoming vehicle assist), lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, highway driving assist, and adaptive cruise control. Forward attention warning, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, and safe exit assist are also included. All trims come with front and rear parking sensors, with wide side sensors added to the SEL Premium and above. The SEL Premium and above also get a blind-spot view monitor, a surround-view monitor, and reverse automatic braking. The Calligraphy has blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and an upgraded version of forward collision-avoidance assist with evasive steering assist. Every ’26 Palisade is set up with a complement of airbags plus stability control, traction control, hill start assist control, downhill brake control (AWD only), and a rearview monitor with parking guidance.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Palisade’s infotainment system is built around a 12.3-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Supporting technology includes an in-car intercom and a rear seat quiet mode. Wi-Fi hotspot capability is universal across the lineup, as are over-the-air (OTA) software updates and access to the Bluelink Connected Car System. The XRT Pro, Limited, and Calligraphy upgrade from the default sound system to a 14-speaker Bose Centerpoint array.