New Hyundai Palisade debuts in NYC

HYUNDAI has pulled the covers off its MY26 Palisade in New York, the three-row SUV introducing a new turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid powertrain and rugged XRT PRO variant alongside added amenity and safety technologies.

A heavily revised exterior sees the Palisade offers distinctive vertical LED daytime running lights and a horizontal centre positioning light signature, bold new-look grille with active aero shutters, a shorter front overhang, and lengthened wheelbase aimed at delivering a “substantial, premium silhouette”.

The updated Palisade rides on large diameter alloy wheels, up to 21 inches, while the D-pillar and larger side glass are altered to provide a more spacious third row and improved outward visibility.

From the rear, a prominent high-mount brake light is “visually balanced with a lower fascia element for ideal design harmony”, the higher shoulder line further contributing to “a stronger road presence”, says Hyundai.

Now 63mm longer than before, and with a 68mm extension in wheelbase, the Palisade is said to offer easier entry and exit for passengers. The redesigned cabin boasts a horizontally themed dashboard layout, additional soft-touch materials, a reshaped centre console with wireless device charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and available 14-speaker Bose audio.

Dual 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and instrumentation dominate the dashboard and are enjoyed from “relaxation seats” that aim to reduce fatigue during longer drives. Eight-passenger seating is standard, with captain’s chairs available optionally. The third row of seats is offered with power-folding, sliding, and reclining mechanisms, along with heating, while second row seats add ventilation to the deal.

Cup holders and 100-watt-capable USB-C ports are available to every occupant.

Importantly, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers an expanded suite of Hyundai SmartSense active and passive safety technologies including a built-in dash cam, available digital rear-view mirror, advanced rear occupant alert, digital key access, and updated adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot warning, driver attention alert, high beam assist, lane keeping, rear cross-traffic avoidance, and remote smart parking technologies.

The Palisade will be offered with the choice of petrol or petrol-electric hybrid drivelines. The former is a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine developing an anticipated 214kW/353Nm paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the choice of two- or all-wheel drive configurations, and a braked towing capacity of 2250kg. The latter is a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol with dual electric motors offering 245kW/450Nm and up to 996km of driving range. Braked towing for the HEV option is listed at 1800kg.

Finally, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade will be available as a rugged XRT PRO variant for the first time.

With more muscular styling and more off-road-capable hardware, the Palisade XRT PRO incorporates a bold lower grille design bookended by prominent canyon red recovery hooks and a beefier lower fascia, 214mm of ground clearance, improved approach (20.5 degrees), departure (22.4 degrees), and break-over (18.3 degrees) geometry, all-terrain tyres on 18-inch alloys, 360-degree camera technology, downhill brake control, rear recovery hooks, and HTRAC all-wheel drive.

The variant is further characterised by dark-finished alloy wheels, bespoke badging, darkened exterior accents (grille, window framing, and body cladding), leatherette upholstery with front seat heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, 14-speaker Bose audio, LED ambient cabin lighting, 115-volt power outlet, and a powered moonroof.

Hyundai will offer the 2026 Palisade in 10 exterior colours (confirmed for the US market only at this stage) including Abyss Black, Cast Iron Brown, Classy Blue, Creamy White, Earthy Brass, Ecotronic Grey, Galaxy Maroon, Robust Emerald, Titan Charcoal, and Typhoon Silver.

Upholstery options include cloth, leatherette, leather, and Nappa leather with “a wide variety of colourways and textures to meet every preference”, including black, two-tone grey, two-tone navy, and brown.

“The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade showcases commitment to customer needs,” said Hyundai Motor Corporation product planning and mobility strategy senior vice president Olabisi Boyle.

“The introduction of a hybrid variant, alongside our robust internal combustion engine and the adventure-ready XRT model, ensures that every driver finds their perfect fit.

“This strategic approach positions Hyundai to excel in any market environment, driving our continued growth in the SUV segment.”

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade will launch locally in the fourth quarter of 2025, exclusively with the 2.5-litre hybridised powertrain.