2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD – A ‘SPACIFIC’ PALISADE

2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD

A ‘SPACIFIC’ PALISADE

Have the Koreans – Hyundai and its corporate cousin Kia – become  ubiquitous? Given the frequency with which we see their products on driveways and in parking lots, the answer is an obvious ‘yes’. Of course, the Japanese have been stateside far longer, and their products are everywhere. But that’s a ‘been there/done that’, whereas Hyundai and Kia seemingly snuck in. And this is from the perspective of someone supposedly paying attention. 

If you need demonstrable proof, take a look at our weekly feature, Hyundai’s new Palisade XRT Pro. What has become (recently) a prominent dirt-oriented takeoff of the 3-row crossover amongst many OEMs, the Palisade XRT Pro provides a small increase in ground clearance, more aggressive puncture-resistant rubber, an electronic limited-slip differential and mud, sand and snow terrain modes. Given that I’m writing this during the first week of December – in Northern Virginia – the Palisade’s arrival is perfectly timed. 

The ’new’ in the 2026 Palisade is significant, even without the XRT Pro’s off-road embellishments. In its 1^st-generation the Palisade took – at least figuratively – a backseat to its corporate cousin, the Kia Telluride. The Kia was an absolute homerun in the burgeoning 3-row market, combining a compelling architecture with a right-sized footprint and wide array of trims. In contrast, Hyundai’s Palisade didn’t exude the Telluride’s athletic vibe, opting instead for some implied luxury – and somehow the ‘implied’ wasn’t what the public wanted; or, more correctly, wanted in the same sales volumes as the Kia cousin. Hyundai hit, in MLB terms, a double.

In this 2026 remake the Palisade is a bit longer and wider, which – of course – is what Americans and their processed diets want. But the sheetmetal tones down its luxe aspirations and instead embraces more of the Telluride’s athleticism. In fact, in the workmanlike visage of the XRT Pro you could confuse the Palisade with the Telluride, something you won’t do with the more street-specific trims. It’s almost bitchin’ – and intended as a compliment! Outside, I have but one disconnect: The Palisade’s front fascia looks to have come from a box of Legos. Everyone loves a danish – but am not sure I want a Danish front end…

Inside, the black upholstery (H-Tex plastic) and interior (more plastic) goes well with the Classy Blue exterior, but what we have here is all black – and it’s almost oppressive. OK – it is oppressive. That the product team couldn’t inject a little brightness in the dash or trim is regrettable, as ‘brightness’ doesn’t cost a lot to an OEM, and would do amazing things as you climb in to go to work. At 7:00 am. Before coffee. 

And while the combo of digital gauges and infotainment works, the start button is often hidden behind the steering wheel, and regardless of the wheel’s position it’s problematic to find in the dark. Kudos, however, to the location of the wireless charger; it’s right beside you, and makes both hearing and seeing navigational commands easy – even for a guy with reduced hearing and eyesight.

As you’d hope, room in the first and second row buckets is generous, and while things tighten up in the third row, at least that row is accessible. There’s 19 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, and with it folded you have 46 cubic feet behind the second row. And with all of it folded you can take your small kayak; or, with a twin mattress, the 30-something now living in your basement.

As with Kia’s Carnival, Hyundai gives you two powertrain choices for its Palisade. Ours was equipped with the tried-and-true (but not tired!) 3.5 liter V6, delivering an estimated 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, driving all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. With this, you get all-wheel traction and what is today lackluster fuel economy: 16 City/22 Highway and 19 Combined. But as I noted in the recent review of the Kia Carnival with the same drivetrain, there’s a lot to be said for the essential simplicity of a naturally-aspirated V6.

For those preferring more complexity and enhanced efficiency, Hyundai also supplies a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5 liter turbocharged four with 90 horsepower of electric assist, for a combined output of 329 horsepower and a prodigious 339 lb-ft of torque. It’s good for up to 33 City/35 Highway in front-wheel drive form. But – notably – the hybrid is not available in the XRT Pro trim, which is a missed opportunity. Given the claimed 600 miles of range, it’d be perfect for the Boonies.

With all of that, the Palisade XRT Pro is a perfect base camp, but not really intended for boulders or – GODFORBID! – technical trails. Its 5,000 pounds of towing capability could tow a small trailer with a good bed, decent kitchen and hot shower. And with the XRT Pro’s price right around the national average for a new car – $50,000 – you can still (possibly) afford the small trailer, decent kitchen and good bed…