Update (February 28, 2025): ‘Production,’ ‘Release Date,’ and ‘Pricing’ updated.
The eagerly anticipated second-gen Hyundai Palisade was unveiled in South Korea in January 2025, and it is likely to arrive at U.S. dealerships as a MY2026 vehicle. Along with a bolder and classier design and a more sumptuous interior, the all-new model would boast higher fuel efficiency, thanks to an available hybrid powertrain. Here’s everything we know about the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and its future Hybrid variant:
Design
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade carries over the distinctive character of the original model we saw first in November 2018 but with comprehensive changes. The all-new SUV offers a visibly more commanding presence with enhanced proportions and more striking exterior elements.
Front
An upright front fascia creates a strong and dominating first impression. The vertically stacked lights, a wide and boxy radiator grille, and a high and flatter hood are key to that intimidating look. The chunky daytime running lights grab all the attention here, while the low- and high-beam lights are positioned beside them, integrated into a low-profile housing. The lower air intakes appear to have on-demand activation, enhancing aero.
Side
On the sides, new, raised roof rails and 21-inch wheels add to the authentic SUV character of the 2026 Palisade. The mirrors are slightly shorter, and the wheel arches are more squared than on the first-gen model. The windows and rear quarter glass panels carry a more symmetric look. The rear quarter glass panels are notably bigger than on the current model and the C-pillar is slimmer, leading to improved visibility, something both the driver and the third-row passengers will appreciate.
Rear
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s new tail lamps feature a design similar to the previous, fourth-generation Range Rover. They comprise six rectangular clusters stacked vertically, with the top and bottom-most pieces featuring outward extensions flowing onto the sides. Small, inner-side parts of the tail lamps double as turn indicators and blink in the conventional, simultaneous way. The reverse lights and fog lights are integrated into the bottom of the new bumper, which carries a more premium and polished design.
Palisade moves up a level
Olabisi Boyle, vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America, had told CarBuzz at the 2023 LA Auto Show that the company wants to take the things customers like about the Palisade “to the next level” in the second generation. She had hinted that the second-gen Palisade’s changes would be just as significant as the fifth-gen Santa Fe, although not necessarily similar. This has proven accurate, as the upcoming Palisade heralds significant changes while maintaining its unique identity.
Colors
In South Korea, Hyundai will offer the 2026 Palisade in new colors Ecotronic Grey Pearl, Cast Iron Brown Pearl, Galaxy Maroon Pearl, and Classy Blue Pearl, as well as the familiar Abyss Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Shimmering Silver Metallic, and Robust Emerald Pearl.
Interior & Features
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade incorporates a ‘Premium Living Space’ theme, offering an expansive and rich interior inspired by furniture design. Hyundai has generously used soft-touch upholstery and premium trim materials for a more upmarket feel. The company has confirmed that the redesigned model has an extended length and wheelbase, which should lead to improved space and comfort.
Features
The dash integrates a panoramic curved display comprising two 12.3-inch screens on the driver side and wood-like decor panel on the passenger side. The new three-spoke steering wheel features the ‘H’ morse code and the gear selector is mounted to the steering column.
An island-type front center console, separated from the dashboard, features USB Type-C charging ports with an output of up to 100 watts, a wireless charger, dual cup holders, an open storage compartment in the lower area, and a dual-opening storage box on the top. Photos also confirm that the vehicle is equipped with a panoramic sunroof. Other key features of the 2026 Palisade include a fingerprint authentication system, built-in Cam 2 Plus, OTA updates, Digital Key 2, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.
Seating
Unlike in the current Palisade, the front center console can double as a middle seat, increasing the maximum seating capacity from eight to nine, in South Korea. In the U.S. market, the 2026 Palisade will likely have an eight-seat layout in the base configuration, and at least a seven-seat layout option should be available. Simon Loasby, the head of Hyundai Design Center and Style Group, says the interior design is finished with sophisticated details reminiscent of premium furniture.
Colors
In S.Korea, Hyundai will offer customers 5 interior color options: Black One-tone, Gray Two-tone, Brown Two-tone, Navy Two-tone, and Dark Gray Two-tone.
Specifications
Dimensions
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has improvements in length (+2.55 in.) and wheelbase (+2.75 in.). For reference, the first-gen Palisade has a 114.2 in. wheelbase and measures 196.7 in. in length, 77.8 in. in width, and 68.9 in. in height.
Next-gen 2.5L hybrid system
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade debuts the company’s next-gen hybrid powertrain, based on a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. The engine produces 262 PS (258 hp) and 36.0 kgf·m (260 lb.-ft.) of torque, while the electric motor develops 54 kW (72 hp) and 264 Nm (195 lb.-ft.) of torque. Their combined output is 334 PS (329 hp). A 6-speed automatic transmission sends the power to the wheels. A mechanical all-wheel drive system is available as an option.
Hyundai equips the 2026 Palisade Hybrid with exclusive functions like E-Ride, E-Handling, E-HA (Electrically Evasive Handling Assist), and e-DTVC (Electric Assisted Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control), all operated through the electric motor. The company uses a 1.65 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to store the energy recuperated from deceleration.
Stay Mode
Using a Stay Mode, the driver can direct the 2026 Palisade Hybrid to save all the energy stored in its traction battery pack for later use at a specific destination set in the navigation system. Upon arriving, the driver can operate the vehicle’s HVAC system, infotainment system, and other functions using solely this energy stored in the high-voltage battery pack, without needing to turn the engine on or put the 12-volt auxiliary battery pack under load.
621+ mile range
Hyundai is yet to get the official fuel efficiency figures of the 2026 Palisade Hybrid, but it expects the electrified model to have a range of more than 1,000 km (621 miles). The fuel tank of the 2026 Palisade Hybrid is just as big as that of the gas-powered 2026 Palisade – 72 liters (19.0 gallons).
While the above range is according to South Korea’s testing method and driving conditions, the EPA estimates in the U.S. should also have a similar difference. For reference, the current gas-powered Palisade has an EPA-estimated range of 414 miles in the FWD configuration and 395 miles in the AWD configuration.
Fewer refueling stops will make the family SUV apt for long road trips, especially through remote places where gas stations are few and far between, often separated by hundreds of miles, such as Australia’s Outback or the Dalton Highway (Alaska) here in the U.S.
The chief drawback of the current Palisade continues to be its low fuel economy with the EPA estimating the plush family hauler is capable of delivering just 22 MPG (FWD)/21 MPG (AWD). This should be addressed with the electrified powertrain, which should deliver 25-30 MPG (combined).
V2L
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid has Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability. Thus, customers can power external devices from the energy stored in the 1.65 kWh battery pack, making the SUV ideal for work sites or camping trips.
Production
South Korean publication The Dong-A Ilbo reported on February 27, 2025, that the current waiting period for the Palisade Hybrid is one year in the country, with over 40,000 bookings.
Hyundai is speeding up capacity expansion in response to the high demand for the Palisade Hybrid. Construction work will take place in Ulsan Plant 4 between March 1-3, for the production of the electrified variant. Plants 2, 4, and 5 will now produce the Palisade, which commands a waiting period of five months for the gasoline version.
Release Date
Hyundai has launched the new Palisade gasoline model in South Korea, the only global market where the new SUV is available, and plans to start the deliveries of the Palisade Hybrid between April and June 2025. According to a report New Auto Post published on December 13, 2024, Hyundai will commence mass production of the new Palisade Hybrid on May 20, 2025.
U.S. launch
Under usual circumstances, we would expect the launch of the new Palisade in the U.S to follow later this year. However, the Donald Trump administration is mulling tariffs on vehicle imports to tune of 25%, which will be detailed on April 2.
Unlike sister model Kia Telluride, the Palisade is not manufactured in the U.S., and tariffs, if passed on to buyers, would price the Hyundai SUV out of the market. We should get clarity on Hyundai’s launch plans for the new Palisade in April.
Lee Chul-min, VP of Marketing at Hyundai, at the local launch in Seongnam, Gyeonggi, on January 14, 2025 (via Korea JoongAng Daily), said that the new Palisade would be loved by North American buyers, but overseas launch details “have not been decided.”
Pricing
| Configuration | 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Price |
| Exclusive 9-seat | KRW 49.82 million (USD 34,376) |
| Exclusive 7-seat | KRW 51.46 million (USD 35,507) |
| Prestige 9-seat | KRW 55.36 million (USD 38,198) |
| Prestige 7-seat | KRW 57.29 million (USD 39,530) |
| Calligraphy 9-seat | KRW 61.86 million (USD 42,683) |
| Calligraphy 7-seat | KRW 64.24 million (USD 44,326) |
In South Korea, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid prices range between KRW 49.82 million (USD 34,376) to KRW 64.24 million (USD 44,326). In the U.S., we expect the base price to be around USD 45,000, with well-equipped variants touching USD 55,000. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid will compete with the likes of the Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-90, and the next-gen Kia Telluride.
TopElectricSUV says
While the Palisade is desirable for its bold design, comfort, convenience, and high-end tech make it an excellent value for money SUV in the U.S., the unavailability of a fuel-sipping hybrid system is keeping it from becoming the perfect three-row mid-size SUV. This should be fixed for MY2026, and with the hybrid powertrain, it could become the top pick in its segment.
Featured Image Source: Hyundai
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
