By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
It is bigger, cooler and shall we say better than its predecessor. The second-generation Hyundai Palisade has been totally overhauled for 2026. Length up by 2.5, wheelbase by 2.7, height by 0.6 and width by 0.2 inches also translate into extra leg/head/shoulder room for second- and third-row passengers.
The previous 3.8-liter engine in the 7- or 8-passenger midsize SUV has been replaced by a 3.3-liter V-6 putting out 287 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque @ 5,000 rpm. However, the smooth and reliable 8-speed auto gear box with paddle shifters has been retained, and rightly so. Drive the Palisade in normal, sport and smart modes while new terrain includes mud, sand and snow options. Of course, you can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The retuned suspension is handled once again by MacPherson strut front and a multilink rear system. A motor driven power rack-and-pinion steering produces an on-center response. Also serving the overall efforts are sound-damping materials such as thicker glass and absorption pads that hold wind and road noise to a minimum.
Up front, vertical LEDs and DRLs surround a horizontal center light bar amid an enormous black grille with silver accents while the bumper is painted in body color/gloss black accents. The upright light theme continues in the rear lamp signature of the boxlike vehicle. Boasting 161.9 cubic feet of space, the family-room-like-cabin once again hosts 12.3-inch displays, one for the infotainment and the other a digital instrument cluster, but both integrated into a huge, curved screen. A front/rear dash cam is new and so is a UV sterilization tray atop the glovebox to sanitize your phone, wallet or keys. The wireless phone charger is within the driver’s reach and sight in the center console. The previous Harmon Kardon audio has been swapped with the 14-speaker Bose sound system. Relaxation mode (lounging during those long trips up north) is among the features for first- and second-row seats. Calligraphy embossed on front seat backrests is an instant giveaway that this is Palisade’s top-level model. Other standard goodies include eight-way cooled/heated driver and front-passenger power Nappa leather seats, 3-zone auto a/c, suede headliner, dual-pane sun roof, wireless (new for 2026) Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wing-out headrests for second-row heated/cooled Captain’s chairs, digital rearview mirror, head-up display and much more.
The hot-selling Palisade comes equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, which includes forward- and rear-cross traffic collision avoidance, safe exit and lane keep/follow assists; blind spot collision and front/reverse/side park distance warnings; and smart cruise control; there also are 10 airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, vehicle stability/traction control, front/rear crumple zones, surround-view monitor, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system.
Hats off to Hyundai engineers for transforming the redesigned Palisade into an even more appealing, graceful and solid SUV, inside and out. That it is also available in the all-new hybrid and off-roader XRT PRO trims ensures that it will set a new sales record … down the road!
PALISADE (CALLIGRAPHY, HTRAC AWD)
Tires: 265/34R21
Wheelbase: 116.9 inches
Length: 199.4 inches
Width: 78 inches
Height: 69.5 inches
Fuel capacity: 19 gallons
City/hwy/comb: 18/24/20 mpg
Base price: $56,560
Price as tested: $58,905
Weight: 4,872 pounds
Web site: www.hyundai.com
