The new, 2nd-generation 2026 Hyundai Palisade was globally unveiled in early December 2024. It made its first U.S. public appearance at the 2025 New York International Auto Show in April. Its initial U.S. press preview, held with a limited number of automotive journalists, took place in early August in California’s Napa Valley.
On October 9, Hyundai held a localized Miami 2026 Hyundai Palisade Media Drive with a greater number of South Florida-based automotive journalists. After a technical presentation held at the EB Hotel Miami, the assembled scribes drove the new Hyundai flagship along suggested routes covering Miami Beach and Miami Springs.
The new 2026 Hyundai Palisade vs its predecessor
The 2026 Palisade’s wheelbase is 2.7″ longer than its predecessor’s. Its length, width and height have increased by 2.5″, 0.2″ and 2.2″, respectively. These translate into increased interior and cargo room. Legroom in the second and third rows is 0.6″ and 0.7″ longer, respectively. Overall passenger volume is 6.6 cubic feet larger.. Cargo room behind the third row of seats increases by a notable 1.1 cubic feet. Folding the second and third row seats, however, yields a more modest 0.3 cubic foot uptick for 2026.
The powertrain, though, goes in the opposite direction. In a world that is increasingly enamored of turbocharged 4 cylinder engines, it is gratifying to see that the new Palisade is still propelled by a naturally-aspirated V6. The new Smartstream V6’s displacement is 3.5 liters, down from its Lambda II predecessor’s 3.8. The new V6’s 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque are down 4 hp and 2 lb-ft vs the previous unit. Combined fuel economy is also down by 1 mpg with the new Smartstream V6.
For those seeking more power and better fuel economy, 2026 will see the first Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. This will be powered by a 4 cylinder, 2.5-liter turbocharged engine plus 2 electric motors. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to sample this powertrain in Miami. What we did drive were Palisade XRT Pro and Calligraphy models powered by the non-hybrid V6.
The Palisade XRT goes Pro
To date, XRT has denoted a “rugged” cosmetic appearance package available on Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tucson, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe and Palisade models. The 2026 Palisade, however, is the first to take it to the next level with its new XRT Pro variant. Its more off-road capable equipment includes an electronic rear limited-slip differential (eLSD); all-terrain tires; an extra inch of ground clearance; revised bumpers for improved approach, departure and breakover angles; red recovery hooks front and rear: and real-time pitch and roll, compass, and elevation displays. Its standard HTRAC all-wheel drive includes new Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain modes plus Downhill Brake Control.
Calligraphy: luxury verging on Genesis levels
The top-of-the-line Palisade Calligraphy’s interior trim and equipment would feel right at home under the Hyundai Group’s luxury brand Genesis. This includes quilted Nappa leather seating and suede headliner; Ergo-motion driver’s seat with massage function; and front and second-row Relaxation seats with deployable leg supports. The center console includes a UV-C sterilization compartment that sanitizes personal items like phones and keys. Visibility is enhanced by a digital rearview mirror that provides an unobstructed view of the rear via a camera feed. A built-in camera DashCam can record continuously while driving and capture events when parked. This is also available on the XRT Pro.
Driving impressions
The new 2nd-generation 2026 Hyundai Palisade is undeniably roomier, quieter and smoother than its predecessor. The non-hybrid V6’s acceleration, however, feels a bit more lethargic. We’re inclined to blame the combination of slightly less power with a notable weight increase. The 2026 Calligraphy weighs 366 lb more than its predecessor, while the 2026 XRT Pro is 395 lb heavier than the 2025 XRT. Selecting Sport mode helped to improve the powertrain’s responsiveness.
For those who are allergic to minivans, the Hyundai Palisade rivals the Toyota Grand Highlander and the General Motors trio of Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave as the roomiest midsize 3-row SUVs.
A well-deserved award for Claudia Márquez
The Miami 2026 Hyundai Palisade Media Drive preceded the Negocios and Ejecutiva Magazines’ Top Entrepreneur Awards 2025. The magazines’ founders and directors (and SAMA members) Eduardo Hapke and Karen Blanco helped choose Claudia Márquez as one of this year’s award recipients. Ms. Márquez is the chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor America. She leads Hyundai’s U.S. business operations and directs the company’s customer-focused growth strategies .
