The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has always been one of my favourite SUVs on sale. It’s always been a bit more upscale feeling, large enough for a big family, and not too expensive. Now, there’s a new version of the Palisade that looks even more stylish and adds to the premium feel.
Engine/Transmission
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has a new 3.5L V6 engine that produces 287 hp & 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s also available with a hybrid engine as well. The V6 is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is rated to return 13.4 L/100km in a city and 10 L/100km on a highway. I only managed to achieve 14 L/100km as this new Palisade is heavier than before and the engine produces a bit less power. But it didn’t feel like as though it was struggling to get up to speed and the automatic transmission shifts gears smoothly.
Handling/Performance
Driving the Hyundai Palisade is not as engaging as driving something like the Mazda CX-90. However, it feels stable around corners with a bit of body roll through some of the tighter turns. It is available with Comfort, Eco, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Sport mode. Driving on Eco will of course help save a bit of fuel but I decided to drive in normal mode and noticed a difference when accelerating and the response of the Palisade. On Eco mode, it almost feels like it struggles to get the Palisade going, but on normal mode, it drives a bit more smoothly.
Comfort
The new 2026 Palisade is one of the most comfortable family SUVs out there. It drives very smoothly over bumps and it has a very quiet cabin. At times, it feels like as though you’re driving an electric car. It is also very spacious on the inside. The front seats are comfortable, and I like that they are wide, so I had no issues on my back or legs. The 2nd row seats are also very comfortable and leg room is plentiful even with the driver’s seat pushed back. The 3rd row is not as comfortable as the 2nd row as leg space is not much, but the seats are still cushiony. I was able to fit ok, my legs touched the front seats, but I didn’t feel extremely squished. I would be fine with sitting in the 3rd row for a road trip so it’s a decent space for average height adults. How often can you say that about a 3rd row SUV! Kids will have no issues fitting in the 3rd row. With the 3rd row up you get 540L of cargo space in the trunk, so this is more than its competitors offer. If you need more space, you can fold/unfold the 2nd and 3rd row seats with just the touch of a button placed beside the trunk panel.
Interior
The interior of the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is in between so it’s not super basic looking but also not extremely luxurious. It’s just about right. It is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that is simple to use. It is also equipped with leather Nappa seats, ventilated front, and rear seats, multiple USB ports and power outlets throughout the cabin and so much more! There are premium-like soft touch materials used throughout the cabin that just makes it that much nicer to be in.
Exterior
The updated 2026 Hyundai Palisade has a very modern look to it. It is equipped with LED headlights and taillights, 20-inch alloy wheels, dual sunroofs, and of course the grille which gives it a bold look.
Pros/Cons
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is not an engaging family SUV to drive nor is it that fuel efficient. It is, however, one of the most comfortable SUVs out there, it is very spacious for a family, it’s available with a lot of features, it looks modern and it’s available with a hybrid engine. It’s not as cheap as it once was though, as the Preferred Trend trim starts at $53,699 CAD while the base SE trim in the United States starts at $39,435 USD. This Calligraphy trim will cost you $62,499 CAD ($54,560 USD).
2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Gallery
