Hyundai’s flagship SUV, the 2026 Palisade, returns six years after its initial release with a larger body, upgraded driving performance, and a significantly more luxurious interior. A recent test drive highlighted how well the model balances premium design and practical usability for families.
The drive covered more than 100 miles around Calistoga, near San Francisco, including rural backroads, curvy mountain roads, freeways, and off-road terrain. The test focused on the Palisade’s performance and convenience as a family-oriented vehicle.
Premium design inside and out
The updated Palisade features a confident exterior with vertically stacked LED daytime running lights, rectangular front lamps, and a long, slim grille. Its extended length, widened stance, and longer wheelbase give it a more commanding presence.
Design updates such as bold side lines, deeply sculpted tail lamps, 21-inch wheels, and a redesigned D-pillar help the SUV stand out with stability and strength.
The interior is built around a 12.3-inch panoramic curved display, accompanied by a wide layout and premium leather finishes. The lower center console includes a storage space large enough for a tablet or briefcase, and the SUV offers a high-speed wireless charger along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
However, some physical buttons—such as those for climate control—are placed farther from the driver, which could affect ease of use.
In terms of space, the flagship SUV delivers as expected. The Calligraphy trim comes with ventilated second-row captain’s chairs as standard, and the third-row seats are now both sliding and reclining for improved comfort. Second- and third-row seats can also be controlled via the driver’s display or from the trunk using powered adjustments.
Smooth and stable driving experience
Despite its large size—over 16 feet long and 4,500 pounds—the Palisade feels agile and smooth on the road. At low speeds, road noise is minimal and the ride is quiet. The steering is responsive and light, and the elevated driving position offers excellent visibility.
Acceleration is controlled, and the vehicle’s electronic systems help reduce jolt even when the accelerator is released suddenly. The suspension absorbs potholes and speed bumps smoothly, delivering a refined ride.
A low center of gravity, achieved by placing heavier parts beneath the cabin, keeps body roll in check while cornering. Even on curvy mountain roads, the SUV’s immediate steering response gives it sedan-like handling.
In Eco mode, the Palisade provides a calm and comfortable driving experience. Switching to Sport mode sharpens the response of the powertrain, suspension, and steering, offering a more dynamic feel. However, the brakes may feel overly sensitive during regular city driving in this mode.
On the highway, the Palisade maintains impressive stability. The head-up display made it difficult to notice when the speed approached legal limits. Wind noise became noticeable only after 65 mph, but overall cabin quietness remained strong.
Confident off-road performance
The off-road section featured the XRT PRO trim, where the Palisade handled sand, rocks, and steep hills with ease. Its multi-mode system automatically adjusted torque distribution for different surfaces, maintaining traction throughout.
Even on loose rock surfaces, the vehicle remained composed under braking. On steep inclines, the all-wheel drive system adjusted power between wheels to maintain balance. A dedicated off-road camera on the XRT PRO trim helped drivers monitor wheel positions and road surfaces in real time.
Advanced safety and convenience features
The 2026 Palisade also includes several upgraded features aimed at convenience and safety. A surround-view monitor improves parking visibility and reduces blind spots, while advanced driver assistance features such as lane-keeping and smart cruise control are available.
A built-in dashcam, a first for Hyundai, offers both continuous driving footage and parking surveillance. Linked to a smartphone app, the system can alert users when motion is detected around the vehicle.
Overall, the test drive confirmed the Palisade’s status as a highly refined and capable flagship SUV. Its upscale interior, quiet performance, and versatile utility make it a strong choice for both weekday commutes and weekend family adventures.
The 2026 Palisade starts at $38,935, with upper trims reaching into the $50,000 range. A hybrid version with a 2.5-liter turbo engine is expected to launch in fall 2025.
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
