Answering Your Questions About the 2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade has earned plenty of accolades since it first hit the market in 2020. The Palisade’s three-row design, safety features, and convenience technology have made the crossover the go-to choice for value-seeking buyers who need a spacious ride with an upscale flair.

That popularity comes as little surprise, especially when you factor in the sort of value that Hyundai’s industry-leading 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides. Still, some buyers might be pleased to learn that the 2026 model has been fully redesigned, adding an available hybrid powertrain, more modern technology, a premium interior, and a new off-road-ready XRT Pro trim.

If you’ve been looking to level up your daily driver and are searching for a spacious model that provides a premium blend of convenience, comfort, utility, and performance, there’s never been a better time to consider a Hyundai Palisade for sale near Libertyville. Let’s explore some of the highlights of the new 2026 model, cover the various powertrain and trim options, and see how Hyundai has managed to set a new standard in the three-row segment.   

Gas Power and Hybrid Efficiency

A pair of potent engines enables drivers to maximize performance or efficiency, with both gasoline and hybrid powertrains available for 2026. The purely gas-powered Palisade employs a 3.5L V6 that gives the three-row model all of the muscle it needs to keep up with your busy lifestyle. The V6 boasts 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which is routed through the SUV’s eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Palisade features available all-wheel drive, which significantly improves its off-road ability and provides a safer, more confident driving experience when harsh winter weather hits Libertyville. This is especially true of the off-road-ready XRT Pro, which adds an extra inch of ground clearance, along with a full suite of heavy-duty components that prime the Palisade for your next outdoor excursion. 

The V6 Palisade might not be able to match the impressive efficiency of its hybrid counterpart, but it still delivers an EPA-estimated 25 MPG on the highway. It also isn’t afraid to put in a little hard work with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. That’s a solid figure for the midsize segment, and it goes a long way towards illustrating Hyundai’s commitment to well-rounded design.

The Palisade hybrid leverages electric motors and a battery pack to produce 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, which places the three-row model right towards the top of the pack in terms of output. However, the hybrid’s biggest selling point would have to be its exceptional fuel economy. Despite its size, the Palisade hybrid is a model of efficiency with an EPA-estimated 33 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.     

Which Trim to Choose? 

With seven trims to choose from, there are plenty of options on the table when it comes to the 2026 Palisade. The entry-level SE trim trades on its remarkable value, allowing buyers to get behind the wheel of one of the industry’s most celebrated three-row models without breaking the bank. 

Three SEL trims add some key comfort and convenience technology to the mix, and the Palisade’s penultimate Limited edges into true luxury territory. Each trim offers a unique slate of features, and while taking a test drive is the easiest way to decide which version is right for you, we thought we would cover a few of our favorites to help narrow down the options. 

Best Value: SEL

If you want to take advantage of the Palisade’s premium design while staying firmly within your budget, the SEL trims are worth a closer look. The SEL only adds a bit to the bottom line, and it’s worth every penny when you consider the trim’s comfort-enhancing potential.

The SE’s standard cloth upholstery is replaced with H-Tex leatherette in the SEL, which lends the interior a high-end look, as does the heated, power-adjustable driver’s seat. The trim also ups the SUV’s tech arsenal with an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a wireless charging pad, and can comfortably accommodate adult riders with a set of second-row captain’s chairs instead of the standard bench seat.

Those seeking a seamless driving experience should consider the SEL Convenience trim, which lives up to its name with a digital key system that provides owners with a new, modern way to access the Palisade. No one likes kicking off their day by frantically searching the house for their car keys, but thanks to the digital key system, drivers only need to keep track of their smartphone or smartwatch. The trim also adds a sunroof that provides the interior with plenty of natural light, not to mention a power-adjustable passenger seat.

Finally, there’s the SEL Premium, which punches way above its modest price tag to deliver a borderline luxury experience. Both the first-row and second-row seats are heated, as is the steering wheel, and the front seats also gain a ventilation feature that’ll keep you nice and cool in the warmer months. A set of auto-dimming exterior mirrors will keep you from being blinded by the ultra-bright LEDs of a tailgating driver as you navigate around Libertyville after dark. The SEL Premium also features a generous array of additional safety technologies, including an upgraded parking alert system, a blind-spot camera, and a 360-degree camera system that’ll come in handy when it’s time to squeeze into a tight parking space.

Most Luxurious: Calligraphy

The Calligraphy is by far the most luxurious option for the 2026 Palisade. While this range-topping trim is based on the well-appointed Limited, it adds some important comfort features that are designed to deliver an elevated driving experience. Premium nappa leather upholstery lends the interior an unmistakably sophisticated look, but it’s the plush seating that really seals the deal.

Every trim from the SEL Premium up includes heated and ventilated seats in both the first and second rows, and the Limited even adds heated, power-folding third-row seats. However, Calligraphy goes above and beyond with some cutting-edge comfort technology that few models can match. The front seats gain a massage function that’ll ensure you’ll arrive at your destination relaxed, refreshed, and ready to tackle the day, while the second-row seats add power-adjustability and innovative headrests with extra cushioning that folds out from either side at the touch of a button. 

The top Palisade trim also comes with another feature that’s perfect for catching a little nap or unwinding after a long day of family fun in the form of Hyundai’s Relaxation seats in the first and second rows. A reclining seat is nothing unusual, but the Palisade ups the ante with added leg support and a generous amount of adjustability that allows the seats to fully support your aching limbs and lower back.

The Calligraphy also includes some innovative features, such as a center console with built-in UV-C sterilization. Of course, there is a generous array of safety features and advanced driver-assistance systems, including Remote Smart Parking Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, a head-up display, and Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist 2 system.     

Ready for Adventure: XRT Pro 

The XRT Pro transforms this three-row SUV into a true off-road contender that isn’t afraid to venture off the beaten path. The Palisade’s midsize design makes it particularly well-suited to the rigors of the off-road lifestyle, offering drivers a perfect combination of maneuverability, ground clearance, and comfort that’s sure to enhance your next adventure. From tackling your favorite off-road trails around Libertyville, to introducing the kids to your favorite fishing spot, to enjoying a frosty sunrise at your hunting blind, the XRT Pro is here to serve.

New for 2026, Hyundai’s first XRT Pro trim equips the brand’s flagship SUV with a comprehensive list of off-road-ready enhancements, including the expected features—such as all-wheel drive and all-terrain tires—as well as some premium upgrades that distinguish the trim as a true off-road model. 

While there are plenty of crossover SUVs designed to cater to the off-road set, many take a more surface-level approach to the segment with rugged exterior styling and little else. Hyundai breaks the mold by equipping the XRT Pro with the most crucial of all off-road components: an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD).

Traction is the watchword when it comes to off-road ability, and the eLSD provides plenty of grip by automatically diverting the SUV’s 260 lb-ft of torque right to where it’s needed most. That should come in handy when trying to free yourself from a tricky stretch of trail, but if the Palisade does end up mired in the muck, Hyundai has you covered with front and rear recovery hooks.

The off-road trim gains an extra inch of ground clearance when compared to the standard model, adds dedicated Terrain Modes with specific settings for snow, mud, and sand, and even features a 115-volt power outlet that’ll keep all your equipment charged up and ready to go when you venture far off the beaten path.

The XRT Pro also boasts a surprisingly long list of premium comfort and convenience features that enable the SUV to excel as a daily driver, including ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting, and a 14-speaker Bose premium audio system.  

Experience the 2026 Palisade at Gurnee Hyundai 

The Palisade is known for its performance, premium design, and adaptable trims, making it easy to see why the model has become such a popular choice in the family-friendly segment. However, the 2026 redesign goes further than ever before, especially with its new hybrid and XRT Pro options. Do you want to learn more about Hyundai’s award-winning three-row SUV? Gurnee Hyundai is at your service. Stop by today and learn how the 2026 Palisade can improve the daily driving experience for the whole family.

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