The next generation of the three-row SUV from Hyundai. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

The Hyundai Palisade is now, with the 2026 model, in its second generation. The three-row SUV launched in the summer of 2019 as a 2020 model, and over the years has consistently gained plaudits and sales.

One notable thing about three-row SUVs is that they’re more popular than you might imagine.

According to Hyundai figures, for the first half of 2025 there were 1,394,000 compact SUVs sold, which puts that category head and shoulders above everything else in the mainstream segment.

But three-row SUVs are in second place, at 754,277 vehicles sold.

Entry SUVs come in third, at 717,117.

But in the three-row space that the Palisade competes in there is a variety of choices, whether it is the Ford Explorer or the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Grand Highlander.

In other words, Hyundai designers and engineers had their work cut out for them when they developed the first generation, and arguably even more work for the 2026 model year Palisade.

Premium Approach

When Soomin Choe, Exterior Creative Design Manager, Hyundai Design North America, talks about the development of the new model he repeatedly uses the adjective “premium,” whether he’s referring to the execution of the exterior design or how the interior is architected and adorned.

Another word he uses is “furniture.”

Here’s the thing: the ’26 interior is capacious for those who are housed in it.

The Space

Its interior volume, 181 cubic feet (that’s 161.9 for passengers and 19.1 for cargo behind the third row), is bigger than that of its competitors from Chevy, Kia, Honda, VW, Toyota, Ford, Subaru, Nissan, and Mazda.

So like a modern room, the Palisade includes comfortable seating, storage capacity for the stuff that you have when seated, premium materials on surfaces, and an impressive sound system (14-speaker Bose—which is likely better than what most people who buy three-row SUVs have in their homes.)

Soothing

And speaking of what people have in their homes, often times there are TV commercials for furniture stores touting massaging chairs. The Palisade has got an “Ergo Motion” driver’s seat and the front passenger and the second-row passengers have “relaxation” seating, which means there are powered tilt and recline.

(The third row does have power adjustable seating, but it isn’t to the extent of the other places. It is notable that the third-row seats are heated, which is unusual given that space is often a penalty box in vehicles. They even increased the size of the rear side windows so those in the back have a better view of their surroundings.)

Go the Distance

A word about the powertrain offerings. There is a 287-hp, 3.5-liter V6 mated to an eight-speed automatic. Given the nature of this being a family hauler, which can translate every now and then as “vacation vehicle,” the Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds. It is also available with all-wheel drive.

Then there is a hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 258-hp four that is mated with two electric motors that are mounted in the six-speed transmission case that increase the overall propulsion system output to 329 hp. What is particularly interesting about this is that even though this is, as previously mentioned, a large vehicle—199.2 inches long, 78 inches wide, 69.5 inches high, with a 116.9-inch wheelbase—it is going to be providing on the order of 34 mpg. (Let’s say for the sake of argument that someone gets only 30 miles per gallon. It has an 18.2-gallon fuel tank. So let’s posit someone wants to end up with at least 0.2 gallons in the tank. 30 x 18 = 540. That’s a lot of miles on a single tank of fuel.)

The ’26 Palisade comes in seven trims, from the entry SE to the top-of-the-line Calligraphy.

Special Trim

But there is one trim that is particularly interesting.

While the Palisade is certainly a refined vehicle, the Hyundai product planners know that especially in the U.S. market there is a non-trivial number of people who want vehicles that not only look rugged but are capable of performing at levels that suburban sleds can’t.

So the designers and engineers came up with the XRT PRO model. It has thing like an electronic rear limited-slip differential. There is 8.4 inches of ground clearance as well approach (20.5°), departure (22.4°) and breakover (18.3°) angles that take the ground into account.

There are 18-inch dark-finish alloy wheels and the darkness theme carries through to the exterior trim.

Clearly, with the ’26 Palisade Hyundai is doing all it can to increase its share of the three-row SUV market.