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When you look at Hyundai’s three-row SUV lineup, the Palisade has always been the one that blends practicality with a sense of refinement. But in 2026, Hyundai decided to give the Palisade something it didn’t have before: a real taste of dirt-road adventure. Enter the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD, a trim that promises to take this family-friendly SUV beyond mall parking lots and into the trailhead parking areas where dusty boots and bikes live.
This review is going to walk you through what’s new, how it looks, how it drives, and—most importantly—whether Hyundai has pulled off the trick of making a three-row SUV that feels as at home in a suburban cul-de-sac as it does on a gravel road. And here’s the suspenseful part: I’ll tell you right now that the Palisade XRT PRO AWD surprised me in ways I didn’t expect, but it also showed its limits. Whether those limits matter depends on the driver you are. Let’s dig in.
What’s New in the 2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade has been refreshed several times since its debut, but 2026 is a standout year. Hyundai introduced two new trims: the XRT PRO and the top-level Calligraphy Night Edition. The XRT PRO is the headliner here, and it’s Hyundai’s most rugged attempt at building a Palisade you’d want to take on trails rather than just smooth interstates.
What sets it apart? For starters, it has a 1.0-inch suspension lift, which gives it 8.4 inches of ground clearance. That’s not Wrangler Rubicon territory, but it’s enough to clear ruts, rocks, and snowy paths that would make a standard crossover scrape. Hyundai pairs that lift with 255/60R18 Continental all-terrain tires, standard all-wheel drive, an electronic limited-slip differential, recovery hooks, and new terrain drive modes for Mud, Sand, and Snow. It also offers camera tech like the “invisible hood view” and slope monitors that give the driver confidence when approaching tricky angles.
Fuel economy is officially rated at 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. That’s not stellar, but with a curb weight north of 4,500 pounds and all-terrain tires, it’s about what you’d expect. The MSRP lands at around $51,110, putting it right in the heart of the premium family SUV segment.
Exterior Design
From the outside, the Palisade XRT PRO has a look that’s more subtle than some off-road packages but still purposeful. The front fascia wears Hyundai’s current design language: wide grille, bold DRLs, and angular cuts. On the XRT PRO, blacked-out trim and skid-plate-inspired cladding give it a rugged edge. It doesn’t scream “hardcore,” but it whispers “capable.”
The lifted stance is noticeable, especially parked next to a regular Palisade. The tires are chunkier, the wheels smaller (18-inch vs. 20-inch), and that combo works in favor of anyone who cares about ride comfort and grip on mixed surfaces. Walking around the vehicle, you notice details like functional roof rails that can take racks for kayaks, bikes, or cargo boxes. Families who live active lifestyles will see those features not as decoration, but as tools.
And here’s a question for you: when you look at a three-row SUV, do you want it to look like a luxury crossover, or would you rather it lean toward the rugged side, even if it’s still fundamentally a soft-roader?
Interior
Step inside, and you realize Hyundai hasn’t compromised what the Palisade is known for: a genuinely luxurious cabin for its price. Soft-touch materials dominate, and the XRT PRO doesn’t strip things down for the sake of ruggedness. In fact, it’s more upscale than some buyers might expect.
The center console has a wide, flat design with an integrated shifter and lots of storage. One thing to note: some early owners on forums have said the wide console makes the cabin feel more enclosed compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride. For families, though, the tradeoff is plenty of cupholders, charging ports, and wireless phone charging.
Noise isolation is excellent on the highway, though those all-terrain tires bring a little extra hum at speed. Not enough to be annoying, but enough to remind you that this isn’t the Calligraphy trim.
Infotainment
The infotainment system in the 2026 Palisade is one of the most polished in its class. You get a large, crisp touchscreen that integrates navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto seamlessly. Hyundai also includes a 12.3-inch digital cluster that can change views depending on drive mode. In off-road settings, it even shows pitch and roll angles—features usually reserved for Jeep or Land Rover.
Audio quality is strong, with an available Harman Kardon system delivering theater-like sound. One reviewer described it as “classy rather than rugged,” and that’s an accurate way to think about the overall feel of the Palisade. This is an SUV that doesn’t make you compromise entertainment just because it’s wearing all-terrain tires.
Second Row Seats
Hyundai knows its buyers: many Palisade families care as much about passenger comfort as they do about horsepower. In the XRT PRO, the second-row seats are spacious, supportive, and slide to adjust legroom. You can choose between a bench or captain’s chairs, depending on whether you prioritize seating capacity or ease of access to the third row.
What stands out is the attention to detail. There are sunshades built into the doors, climate control vents mounted in the ceiling for better air circulation, and USB-C charging ports within reach. For parents, these are the kind of details that matter more than 0–60 times.
Third Row Seats
The third row in the Palisade is actually usable for adults, which can’t be said for every midsize SUV. While it’s best for kids or teens on long trips, Hyundai’s design gives enough headroom and decent legroom for short drives with adults.
One neat feature is the ability to fold the seats flat with the push of a button, expanding cargo space without wrestling with heavy seatbacks. That makes the Palisade particularly family-friendly when you’re juggling kids, groceries, and sports gear.
Cargo Space
Cargo space is one of the Palisade’s strongest suits. With all three rows up, you get a respectable area for groceries or backpacks. Drop the third row, and the space becomes expansive – enough for camping gear, bikes, or even a small mattress.
For context, during my five-day test drive of the 2025 Hyundai Palisade, I noted how the cargo flexibility is one of its most practical attributes, though certain design quirks can be frustrating. Hyundai has refined those touches for 2026, making the layout more intuitive.
Engine and Transmission
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Under the hood, the Palisade XRT PRO sticks with a proven formula: a 3.5-liter V6 making 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This isn’t a turbocharged or hybrid setup—it’s straightforward, naturally aspirated power.
Some buyers prefer this simplicity. As I’ve written in my story about SUVs that still offer V6 power without the complexity of hybrids, a naturally aspirated V6 offers predictable power delivery, fewer turbo-related maintenance concerns, and a character that feels smooth on the highway.
Towing capacity remains competitive at up to 5,000 pounds, which covers trailers, small boats, and most family campers.
Driving and Handling
Here’s where the story gets interesting. On the road, the Palisade XRT PRO is still the smooth, composed SUV you’d expect. The suspension soaks up bumps, the steering is light but accurate, and highway cruising feels stable. Hyundai tuned this SUV to be comfortable first, capable second.
But take it onto dirt or gravel, and you’ll find yourself grinning more than you thought you would. Those all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance make a big difference in confidence. The “invisible hood” camera view is a standout, letting you see rocks and obstacles you’d otherwise miss. Features like that might feel gimmicky in the showroom, but when you’re pointing the Palisade up a hill, they suddenly make sense.
Now, does it have the chops of a Jeep Grand Cherokee or a Ford Bronco? Not even close. There’s no low-range gearbox, no locking differential. On tough obstacles, it hesitates. But for most families who camp, ski, or head to trailheads on weekends, this SUV is plenty capable. And the best part is that it still feels refined Monday through Friday.
Hyundai Palisade vs. Kia Telluride: Which Three-Row SUV Is Better for You?
When someone is looking at a Palisade XRT PRO, chances are high that the Kia Telluride X-Pro or Trail model is also on their list. The two SUVs share a platform and powertrain options, but they diverge in personality. The Telluride leans more toward rugged styling and a slightly firmer driving feel, while the Palisade prioritizes elegance and a plush interior. The new XRT PRO trim is Hyundai’s response to Kia’s success with the more adventure-leaning Telluride trims, but the difference in execution is subtle: Hyundai went with refined capability while Kia doubled down on bold, boxy ruggedness.
From a family perspective, both SUVs offer excellent third-row space, towing capacity around 5,000 pounds, and strong resale value. But the Palisade’s cabin materials and technology—things like the invisible hood camera and advanced terrain modes—often feel more polished. On the flip side, the Telluride’s styling might appeal more to buyers who want their SUV to look tough, even if they never use it off-road. For readers, understanding these differences is key to deciding which vehicle fits their lifestyle best.
Earlier this year, John Gorheam, Torque News senior editor, tested the 2024 Kia Telluride, and found that it is very similar to the vehicle we feel is the best in its segment.
Also, note that the Kia Telluride, a cousin of the Hyundai Palisade, received a good update for the 2023 model. This update includes mechanical and technological advancements that will enhance the driving experience and provide better performance.
The Role of Fuel Economy in Large Family SUVs
Fuel economy often becomes an afterthought when families shop for big, three-row SUVs. Yet with the 2026 Palisade XRT PRO’s EPA rating of 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined, it’s an important factor to weigh. Compared to smaller crossovers or hybrids, this number feels low, and over years of ownership, the cost of filling up can add up significantly. Buyers need to ask themselves whether the extra ground clearance and rugged features of the XRT PRO are worth the trade-off in fuel efficiency.
Interestingly, some competitors are beginning to move toward hybridization or turbocharged four-cylinder engines, promising improved mpg. But Hyundai sticks to the naturally aspirated V6, valuing its smooth power delivery and reliability. As I’ve written before, this decision speaks to a customer who values predictable performance and durability over headline fuel economy numbers. Still, with gas prices fluctuating, families planning long road trips should carefully consider how much the 19 mpg combined rating impacts their budget.
Off-Road Capability vs. Everyday Comfort: Finding the Right Balance
The Palisade XRT PRO walks a fine line between being a family hauler and a weekend adventurer. It’s important for buyers to ask themselves how often they’ll actually use features like all-terrain tires, extra ground clearance, or terrain modes. If 95% of driving is suburban commuting and highway travel, trims like the Limited or Calligraphy might provide more day-to-day satisfaction. But if you camp, ski, or spend weekends on gravel trails, the XRT PRO makes sense.
This balance is central to the decision-making process. Unlike hardcore off-roaders, the Palisade doesn’t sacrifice ride quality or interior refinement to chase extreme trails. That means owners get an SUV that can confidently handle muddy fields, snowy mountain passes, or sandy paths without giving up the quiet, comfortable drive they rely on during the week. For families who want one vehicle that does it all, this compromise may be more valuable than a specialized off-roader that feels harsh in everyday use.
Final Thoughts About the 2026 Palisade XRT PRO
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD is a fascinating package. It doesn’t try to turn the Palisade into something it’s not, but it adds just enough grit and gear to make it more versatile. It’s still fundamentally a comfortable, three-row family SUV, but now it has a side that says: “Let’s take the scenic route.”
Hyundai is having what I once called a beautiful problem with Palisade sales, and the XRT PRO only adds to the appeal. The biggest question isn’t whether it’s good—it is. The question is whether this particular mix of rugged looks and real-but-limited capability is the right fit for you.
So I’ll leave you with two questions:
- If you were shopping for a three-row SUV, would you choose the Palisade XRT PRO for its balance of family comfort and light off-road confidence, or would you lean toward a more traditional competitor like the Honda Pilot TrailSport or Kia Telluride X-Pro?
- Do you value the simplicity of a naturally aspirated V6, or would you hold out for a hybrid or turbo option with better mpg?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—share them in the comments below.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
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Source: torquenews.com
