2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Road Test and Review

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy ・ Photo by Hyundai

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is part of the all-new second generation of this three-row SUV. It seats up to eight people and brings hybrid power for the first time in addition to a gas engine. Major changes this year include a bolder, boxier design, a longer wheelbase for more interior space, and updated technology.

Growing families who crave luxury road trips without constant fuel stops or anyone wanting premium features in a versatile package will appreciate the Palisade Hybrid. I drove the top Calligraphy trim, which delivered a seamless blend of power and efficiency sure to make every journey an enjoyable one.

Striking New Exterior Design

The new Palisade Hybrid turns heads with its squared-off body, wider grille, and bold LED daytime running lights. It has a commanding presence on the road or simply parked in your driveway. Up front, vertical headlights frame a massive grille with bold fender flares and up to 21-inch alloy wheels.

Hyundai paid equal attention to the rear view of the Palisade, which features striking full-width LED taillights. It’s a fresh take that creates an impressive, premium experience without being flashy or overdone. It stands out from other large SUVs in all the right ways, making a unique statement in a crowded segment.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy ・ Photo by Hyundai

A Spacious Haven for Families

Take a seat behind the wheel of the new Palisade Hybrid and you're greeted by a cabin that feels like a high-end lounge with leather seats and relaxation modes for the first and second rows. Trims range from the sleek SEL to the opulent Calligraphy with quilted leather and suede headliners. There are also heated and ventilated seats that make the interior a luxury escape for the whole family.

Roominess is improved with more third-row legroom so adults can more easily take a seat in back. The second row slides forward and tips up so that getting into that third row doesn’t require a gymnast's flexibility. It’s luxurious yet practical and perfect for daily drives and vacations.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy ・ Photo by Hyundai

The Smooth Power of a Hybrid

Under the hood, the Palisade Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors for 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque that launches you forward effortlessly. It was responsive zipping through traffic and merging onto highways with seamless transitions between electric and gas modes. It delivers quick acceleration without any drama.

A unique Stay Mode takes advantage of the hybrid battery, keeping the climate controls, infotainment, and charging ports running on battery alone when the Palisade is parked. Fuel economy reaches up to 34 mpg combined with front-wheel drive or 29 mpg combined with all-wheel drive with a total gas/electric range of up to 619 miles.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy ・ Photo by Hyundai

A Surprisingly Responsive Drive

The Palisade Hybrid delivers a smooth ride over bumps and rough pavement with good handling in the corners thanks to the refined suspension and longer wheelbase. It fits its family-hauler role perfectly, absorbing road imperfections for a serene ride that lets adults relax while the kids snooze.

The low hybrid battery placement keeps what is a very large vehicle from feeling top-heavy. It’s stable on twisty roads with minimal lean and delivers plenty of power while still staying well-mannered and controlled. The transition from gas to electric is so smooth that you won’t even notice, which is exactly what you want in a hybrid vehicle.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy ・ Photo by Hyundai

Roomy and Practical Storage

Cargo room in the Palisade Hybrid includes up to 86.7 cubic-feet behind the first row and 46.3 cubic-feet behind the second row. Behind the third row you get 19.1 cubic feet of room to easily carry cargo even with a full load of people. Underfloor storage and small item bins everywhere add to its versatility.

If it’s something larger you need to bring along for the ride, there’s a 4,000-pound maximum tow rating, which is slightly less than the 5,000-pound rating of the gas Palisade. Whatever combination of people and cargo you have planned, the Palisade Hybrid is up for the task.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy ・ Photo by Hyundai

Keeps the family connected

A single curved display holds dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. It gives the Palisade Hybrid a tech-savvy vibe. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and there’s Alexa Built-In. Multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front passengers help keep everyone’s devices ready.

Cool driving tech like highway driving assist offers hands-free steering on mapped roads, while Hyundai Pay handles gas or parking from the screen. Digital Key 2.0 lets you unlock your doors with just your phone. Over-the-air updates keep everything fresh and ready to go.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy ・ Photo by Hyundai

Robust standard safety features

The SmartSense safety suite is standard with a wide variety of features to keep you and your passengers safe. It includes blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, rear occupant alert, forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and forward attention waning.

Novel additions include an available built-in dual camera dashcam that records the front and rear. Everything works seamlessly, alerting gently and intervening when needed without being overly intrusive to the point that you’re tempted to ignore the warnings.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy ・ Photo by Hyundai

A Value-Packed Lineup

Starting with the SEL at $44,660, the Palisade Hybrid brings efficiency and essentials in a smart package. Step up to the SEL premium at $47,520 for more luxury touches that go even further with the Limited at $51,990.

Topping the lineup is the Calligraphy at $56,780 with quilted leather and a head-up display. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000 across the lineup. The Palisade hybrid affordably priced with a good range of features in its base trim and plenty of luxury in the Calligraphy with a price that stays manageable.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy ・ Photo by Hyundai

A Winner for Family Life

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is a much-needed addition to the Palisade lineup. At a time when not everyone is ready to move to a full electric vehicle like the Hyundai Ioniq 9, this is the happy medium between the two. It offers the ability to use electric power part of the time with the security of a gas engine.

The Palisade Hybrid comes with a host of updates over both the gas and hybrid models that are sure attract new buyers. It’s a well-priced, efficient, and roomy SUV with plenty of amenities to make family trips more enjoyable.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy ・ Photo by Hyundai