The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Finally Goes Hybrid

The new V-6 makes less power than the outgoing one, but the optional hybrid powertrain is far more powerful.

Photo by: Hyundai

By: Anthony Alaniz

Apr 16, at 10:30am ET

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We got our first glimpse of the second-generation Hyundai Palisade back in December. It's bigger than the three-row SUV it replaces—2.5 inches longer overall with 2.7 more inches between the wheels. It'll go on sale later this year in America with an all-new design and two new powertrain choices.

The Palisade comes standard with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine making 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission. That's a bit less than the outgoing 3.8-liter engine that produced 291 hp and 262 lb-ft. The new engine is available in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Photo by: Hyundai

Also new for 2026 is a hybrid powertrain that pairs a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors mounted inside the six-speed automatic transmission. The total output is 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Hyundai expects the hybrid Palisade to achieve 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, with an estimated towing capacity of 4,000 lbs.

Hyundai continues to take design risks, with the Palisade featuring bold LED daytime running lights that dominate the flat, upright grille. Despite its wide front, Hyundai says the SUV has a 0.31 drag coefficient. The active airflow shutters in the lower fascia likely help.

Photo by: Hyundai

The 2026 Palisade also has a completely restyled cabin. Hyundai embeds the dual 12.3-inch screens in the dash while providing a stack of physical buttons underneath. It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 15-watt wireless charging pad featuring an integrated cooling fan for faster charging, which should just be the industry standard.

The 2026 Palisade will go on sale later this year, with V-6-powered arriving at dealers early this summer. The hybrid variant will arrive this fall. It'll be available in 10 exterior colors while customers can choose from cloth, leatherette, lather, and Nappa leather upholstery. The 2026 Palisade is also the first Hyundai to launch with the brand's new XRT Pro trim, which receives mechanical upgrades for improved off-road capability.

Hyundai hasn't revealed the SUV's new price, but the 2025 Palisade starts at $38,675, and we don't expect a sizable jump for the new model if it wants to remain relevant in the competitive three-row SUV market.