2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade and its Kia-badged sibling, the Telluride, have each been hot sellers. Part of the reason why is probably because they're both refreshingly inexpensive -- under $40,000 to start for a full-size, seven-to-eight-passenger crossover being just that these days -- and even more so because for that you get a standard V6 engine, a type of engine that's become hard to find in anything that costs less than $60,000.

But for how much longer?

It has already been announced that the 2027 Telluride will no longer even offer a V6. Instead, it will come standard with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

Meanwhile, the 2026 gets a new V6 -- and it's standard.

What It Is

The Palisade is a full-size, three-row crossover related to the Kia Telluride. It is one of very few vehicles of its type that even still offers a six-cylinder engine (the Mazda CX-90 is one of the few others in this class that still does).

The main difference between the Palisade and its Kia-badged (and styled) sibling is that the Hyundai's styling is a bit more traditional and conservative. Also that there is no 2026 Telluride. Kia is jumping to 2027 with the "all-new" version that no longer comes with the 3.8-liter V6 engine that it used to come standard with.

Meanwhile, the just-updated Palisade gets a new 3.5-liter V6 as its standard powerplant.

There are seven trims, so lots of choices within the line.

The base SE ($39,435) comes with a second-row three-cross bench plus the third-row seats (eight total), USB-C power points for all three rows, wireless phone charger up front, 12.3-inch LCD touch screen with navigation and three-zone climate control. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive can be added as an a la carte option, which bumps the MSRP up to $41,435.

The V6 is included either way.

The SEL ($41,940 to start) adds a 12.3-inch main gauge cluster as well as second-row captain's chairs (reducing seating to seven) and synthetic leather covers for all the seats. Roof rails and rear sunshades are also included. An SEL Convenience package can be added. It bundles a sunroof, digital key (an app for smartphones that can be used to remotely access the vehicle as well as lock/unlock, etc.) and some other features in addition.

The SEL Premium ($45,300 to start) comes with heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats, heated steering wheel, ambient interior lighting and all the amenities that come with the SEL Convenience package.

The XRT Pro ($49,870) is the version of the Palisade that comes standard with the AWD system plus some off-road upgrades, including all-terrain tires on special wheels, an electrically locking rear differential, off-road driving modes, a lifted suspension, front and rear recovery hooks and a tow hitch. This version of the Palisade also gets an upgraded 14-speaker Bose stereo and a 115V household-style three-prong power outlet.

The $49,770 Limited trim goes upscale with 20-inch wheels, gloss black interior accents and a dual-pane panorama sunroof. This Palisade also gets acoustic (sound-deadening) side glass, as well as the 14-speaker Bose stereo.

At the pinnacle is the $54,560 Caligraphy, which includes most of the options and features that come with the Limited plus a massaging driver's seat, a similar Relaxation Mode for the front passenger seat as well as the second-row seats, suede headliner, a UV-C sterilizing center storage cubby, built in front and rear dashcams and 21-inch wheels.

Hyundai also offers a hybrid drivetrain if you'd like more mileage -- and power -- than you get with the otherwise standard V6. The hybrid is available in Hybrid Blue SEL ($44,160), Hybrid SEL ($46,160), Hybrid Blue SEL Premium ($47,520) as well as Hybrid Limited ($51,990) and Hybrid Calligraphy ($56,780) trims, with the main difference between these and other Palisades being the hybrid drivetrain. The hybrid comes with FWD standard; AWD is an available option.

What's New for 2026

The Palisade gets its first major makeover since this model was introduced back in 2020. The new model is larger and more luxurious -- its now-exclusive V6 engine putting more distance between itself and its soon-to-be-four-cylinder-only Kia sibling.

What's Good

-- Hyundai didn't drop the V6 in favor of a compliance engine four.

-- Hybrid-augmented four is available -- if you prefer.

-- Luxurious in every respect except its price.

What's Not So Good

-- New V6 is a little smaller -- and a little less powerful -- than previous V6.

-- Awkwardly mounted engine start button (it's on the same stalk you use to engage Drive and Reverse).

-- Inflation (and tariffs) have boosted the price of the '26 Palisade by about $2,000 compared to last year.

Under the Hood

Every 2026 Palisade, except hybrid models, comes standard with a new 3.5-liter V6, paired with an eight-speed automatic.

This new engine is slightly smaller than the 3.8-liter V6 that previously came standard in the Palisade and the Kia Telluride -- but it's still a V6, and that means there is now a much bigger difference between the Palisade and the Telluride that goes beyond the cosmetics and the badging.

Not that there's anything wrong with the 2027 Telluride's newly standard 2.5-liter, turbocharged four. In fact, it makes nearly as much horsepower (274) and more torque 311 foot-pounds) as the new Palisade's new 3.5-liter V6, which touts 287 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque. But it still a four, and that will probably always be less than a six, and not just in literal terms. A six-cylinder engine is more substantial; more prestigious. Fours are common. Sixes are becoming almost exotic -- as was once the case with V12 engines versus V8 engines.

If you want a bigger difference -- in the other direction -- you can always choose the new hybrid drivetrain, which consists of a 2.5-liter four augmented by a pair of electric motors and a small lithium-ion battery pack. The combo produces 329 horsepower and 339 foot-pounds of torque and touts 29 mpg city, 30 mpg highway.

This iteration of the Palisade is also the quickest Palisade; the hybrid can get to 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds. It takes the Palisade with the new V6 about eight seconds to get to 60 mph.

On the downside, you can still tow as much as 5,000 pounds with the V6-powered Palisade, while the hybrid's max tow rating drops down to 4,000 pounds.

On the Road

Some reviewers have knocked the V6 Palisade for not being quicker than some of the turbo-four powered crossovers in the same general class, such as the Volkswagen Atlas (which used to be available with a V6). But this misses the point, which is that it's not all about acceleration. It is also about having something more than others do. Also something different -- again -- and in this regard we're talking about the sound made by a V6 versus a turbo four. There is something incongruent about the sound of a small, four-cylinder engine in a big vehicle. It's like Tiny Tim's voice -- if you're old enough to remember his falsetto. Tim was not tiny. So it was odd to hear that little voice coming out of that big man.

Another thing that's different about the Palisade is that you can see out of it. The front glass is huge -- wide and tall -- and gives a greenhouse view of what's ahead. Equally important is the view to either side, which is also good -- which is increasingly uncommon in new vehicles, many of which have atrocious blind spots to either side. The rear glass is also not a steeply canted slit, so you can see (with your own eyes) what's behind you without needing to rely on backup cameras and warning chimes of imminent collision with something.

The big breadbox dash sits low and helps open up the view ahead.

All in all, it's a very pleasant vehicle to drive -- and to be in -- with the exception (if you're not a kid) of the third-row seats, which are for kids only.

At the Curb

The Palisade's big appeal is that it's close enough to being an SUV -- in terms of everyday functionality -- without being as ponderous as an actual SUV, such as a Chevy Tahoe or something like that. While it can't tow as much as something like a Tahoe, it can tow enough (up to 5,000 pounds) for many people, and it's plenty able to handle poor weather driving and even light off-roading, if you buy the XRT Pro version.

At the same time, it's got that wonderfully plush ride -- even the XRT Pro version -- detailed above and it has more room inside for people than an SUV the same overall size.

Speaking of that, for 2026, the Palisade is a little roomier than it was -- because it's a little longer than it was. The '26 is now 199.2 inches long versus 196.7 inches previously. This allows for a bit more cargo space behind the third row -- 19.1 cubic feet versus 18.8 cubic feet -- and also more total capacity, which increases to 86.7 cubic feet vs. 86.4 cubic feet previously.

As is typical of Hyundai vehicles, first-row legroom is expansive -- 44.2 inches -- and the second row has more legroom -- 43 inches -- than some similar-in-size crossovers have in the first row. The second-row captain's chairs can recline, and they have extendable footrests too.

This expansive first-and-second-row legroom does come at the cost of third-row legroom, however. But the third row is still roomy enough for kids -- and that's pretty much what many people need that third row for anyhow.

The Rest

Hyundai has been working to make the brand a near-luxury brand. Better stated, a great alternative to much more expensive luxury-brand vehicles. Just the standard V6 really sets this big crossover apart from the herd. But so also the standard three-zone climate control AC, standard navigation (it's become increasingly optional in many new vehicles) and the available amenities such as heated and cooled second-row seats as well as quilted leather and massaging seats.

The Bottom Line

The Palisade has been a standout in its class since its introduction and stands out even more for 2026 -- especially in relation to its soon-to-be-four-cylinder-only Kia Telluride sibling.

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Eric's latest book, "Doomed: Good Cars Gone Wrong!" will be available soon. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.