More Hyundai Palisade variants to come

HYUNDAI Motor Company Australia (HMCA) has confirmed that it intends to broaden the new-generation Palisade line-up in 2026 with a more affordable mid-spec, non-hybrid variant and a factory-built, off-road-biased XRT Pro version.

This brings the second-generation, right-hand-drive Palisade into line with left-hook, US-market models which share production lines with the Australian Palisade in Ulsan, South Korea.

In the US, the Palisade is available in a plethora of trim levels (including SE, SEL, XRT Pro, Limited and Calligraphy), however GoAuto expects only the confirmed XRT Pro and a lower-spec Elite (equivalent to the US Limited variant) will be offered in Australia alongside the just-launched Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid flagship.

Given the previous Calligraphy variant accounted for 83 percent of total Australian Palisade sales, HMCA decided to launch its new-gen large SUV with the top-spec Calligraphy and an all-new 245kW/460Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain with two electric motors and a six-speed automatic transmission before introducing more variations in 2026.

Australia won’t see the 3.5-litre direct-injection petrol V6 with eight-speed auto that continues in front- or all-wheel drive versions in the US. Instead, our non-hybrid Palisades will feature the same 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine as the non-hybrid Santa Fe, with the same eight-speed automatic transmission but with standard all-wheel drive.

Unlike the dealer-fit XRT Pro version of the Santa Fe, the forthcoming Palisade XRT Pro will be a proper factory-built variant, offering unique matte-black 18-inch alloys with knobbly Continental Cross Contact 255/60R18 tyres and an increased ground clearance of 213mm (up from 187mm).

It also features significant styling changes including bespoke colours (such as a khaki green), Canyon Red front and rear recovery hooks, a unique grille and door cladding, matte-black rear numberplate panel, and unique interior trim with topographic trim elements, unique instrument displays (such as a compass and altimeter), plus Mud/Sand/Snow terrain modes and a surround-view monitor with forward ground view.

Underneath, the XRT Pro features an electronic limited-slip rear differential, improved approach (20.5 degrees), departure (22.4 degrees) and breakover (18.3 degrees) geometry angles, and expected modifications to its suspension tune.

No powertrain has yet been confirmed for the Oz-market Palisade XRT Pro – though it will be either the hybrid or non-hybrid 2.5T, or both.

Meanwhile, the Limited-based Palisade Elite (the spec that Go Auto predicts HMCA will base its Elite variant on) will get chunky silver/black five-spoke 20-inch alloys to differentiate it from the Calligraphy’s glossy multi-spoke 21s, as well as an extensive level of standard equipment.

This is expected to include a black or grey interior with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, power-folding second- and third-row seats, and 14-speaker Bose premium audio, as well as the possibility of heated/ventilated front- and second-row seats, and heated third-row seats.

The XRT Pro will be similarly equipped, though with a standard sunroof (likely for the Elite) and unique synthetic-leather upholstery for its all-black interior.

HMCA is yet to confirm when these additional Palisade variants will go on sale in Australia – the only communication so far is “some time in 2026”.