There is no perfect SUV, and even the most feature-packed Toyota Land Cruiser can be the wrong SUV for someone who prioritizes sporty handling or compact dimensions. But there are some SUVs that balance things out and can wear many hats, especially for families. These cars offer decent performance, family-friendly space, and plenty of modern features that won’t keep you wanting for more. Usually, such options fall in the midsize SUV category.
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Make
-
Hyundai
- Model
-
Palisade
- Segment
-
Midsize SUV
Perhaps the best option here is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, a midsize SUV that promises to balance space, power, and value. It’s not the most powerful or feature-packed SUV out there, but when it comes to balancing things out, it beats the likes of the 2026 Mazda CX-90, 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, and the 2025 Kia Telluride. Here’s why this handsome, boxy Hyundai is such a great choice in the midsize SUV segment when it comes to power, space, and features.
The Hyundai Palisade Balances Power, Space, And Value
Built on the same platform as the already awesome Kia Telluride, the Palisade has been the go-to choice for a midsize crossover SUV since its 2020 debut. In the second-generation 2026 avatar, it only builds on this with a fresh, handsome design. It still remains a three-row SUV with seating for eight, complete with a premium cabin and plenty of new convenience features all around. The standard Palisade gets a 287-horsepower V-6, but you can even opt for the more powerful and efficient 329-horsepower Palisade Hybrid.
New For 2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade gets a major update for the 2026 model year, where it gains a few inches in its wheelbase and overall exterior dimensions. It also features a new blockier design with bold lighting elements that bring the SUV in line with Hyundai’s latest design language, especially the Ioniq 9 SUV. On the inside, the Palisade gets a completely new, contemporary interior with premium materials and plenty of new features. This makes the Palisade among the most bang-for-buck midsize SUVs in the segment, maximizing both space and features.
Award-Winning Boxy SUV Design
While we’ll delve deeper into the features and performance of the Palisade, one thing that will stand out first is the SUV’s new design. Boxy SUVs are the next big thing, and the Palisade stands at the top of it with a new boxy design, along with plenty of modern touches, like a silver D-pillar and vertically-stacked LED lights. It’s an almost Land Rover-esque design language for under $40k. Oh, and the Palisade is also the 2025 Red Dot Design Award and 2025 iF Design Award winner.
The Buzz Awards: Hyundai Palisade Named Best Family Vehicle For 2026
It’s a killer value, and now the new 2026 Hyundai Palisade is (even more) gorgeous both inside and out.
Choice Between Gas And Hybrid Powertrains
|
Power Output |
Torque Output |
0-60 MPH Time |
Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
287 HP |
260 LB-FT |
8 seconds |
129 MPH |
The standard Palisade is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which is mated to an eight-speed automatic and comes with a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. With 287 horsepower and a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of over eight seconds, the Palisade isn’t a performance SUV by any stretch. Instead, –. And with AWD and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, it should also be adept at handling a variety of road conditions and towing relatively heavier loads.
According to the EPA, the standard V-6 powertrain offers an estimated MPG of up to 21 miles per gallon (combined) with the base FWD trim. This results in an estimated 399 miles of range on a single fuel tank and an annual fuel cost of $2,100. Stepping up to the AWD model drops the economy down to 20 miles per gallon, and the XRT Pro drops it one point more to 19 miles per gallon. That’s decent fuel economy for a three-row midsize SUV.
Hybrid Powertrain Offers More Performance And Economy
|
Power Output |
Torque Output |
0-60 MPH Time |
Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
329 HP |
339 LB-FT |
6.6 seconds |
130 MPH |
For those looking for more pep or fuel economy, Hyundai offers the Palisade Hybrid, featuring a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a pair of electric motors. This powertrain, with AWD standard, offers a combined output of 329 horsepower and 399 pound-feet of torque, resulting in a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of 6.6 seconds. This performance is almost on par with the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. This hybrid powertrain offers up to 34 miles per gallon on the FWD Blue variant and 29 miles per gallon on the AWD variant.
Hyundai’s promises with this hybrid system are turning out to be what future owners will feel when they get their hands on the new Palisade Hybrid. As remarked by our team, the new Palisade Hybrid offers an unparalleled combination of both efficiency and performance.
– Isaac Atienza, TopSpeed Journalist
10 SUVs And Crossovers That Still Rock A Six-Cylinder Engine
In a world cluttered by emission regulations and the advent of electric vehicles, these 10 SUVs still rock a six-cylinder engine.
Bang For Buck, Near-Luxury Features List
Unlike many SUVs, where you get what you pay for, the Palisade offers more, thanks to a long list of standard features. On the higher trims, the Palisade offers near-luxury amenities, too, with the top-spec Calligraphy offering Genesis-like luxury. Along with plenty of features, the Palisade’s interior looks premium and a class-above, along with a dashboard that’s inspired by mid-century-modern furniture. The cabin is also flush with plenty of cupholders and USB-C charging ports, along with optional wireless chargers and digital RVM.
Standard features include a large curved display with two 12.3-inch screens, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, on-board Wi-Fi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, and Hyundai Pay. Higher trims and available features include a 14-speaker Bose audio system, H-Tex trimmed seats, hands-free liftgate, Surround View Monitor, heated/ventilated front and second row seats, and an integrated dashcam. Rounding off the package is a host of driver-assistance tech, including standard SmartSense Safety Suite and available advanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. The Palisade leaves little to be desired.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Interior And Exterior Picture Gallery
The 2026 Palisade features increased dimensions, a more assertive design, enhanced technologies, and, for the first time, a hybrid powertrain.
Seating For Up To Eight With Optional Second-Row Captain’s Chairs
Coming to space, the Palisade is a three-row midsize SUV that can seat up to 7 or 8 people, offering seating for the whole family. Here, the front row is particularly roomy, while the standard three-passenger second-row bench offers decent headroom and legroom. You can also opt for a pair of optional second-row captain’s chairs for even more second-row comfort. The third row, power-adjustable on upper trims, is best suited for children and can hold an adult occasionally.
Cargo space ranges from a modest 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row up to a generous 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, which is plenty for road trips and grocery hauls. Depending on the seating configuration you pick, the Palisade offers to be a spacious all-rounder for families, which can wear multiple hats. In its XRT Pro trim, the Palisade can even double up as a weekend adventurer, which can handle light off-roading, thanks to its slightly lifted suspension and AWD.
The Sub-$50,000 SUV That Can Do It All
This sub-$50,000 SUV is all-new for 2026, and it’s currently one of the hottest commodities in the three-row SUV segment.
Offered In Several Trims, Including One That Can Rival A Genesis
Starting Price: $39,435
The Hyundai Palisade starts at $39,435 for the base SE trim and goes up to $54,560 for the Calligraphy variant. Meanwhile, the Palisade hybrid starts at $44,160 and goes up to $56,780 for the top-tier Calligraphy Hybrid. Each model offers a premium cabin experience, but the choice between various trim levels and powertrain options depends on what you’re looking for. The base variant, while still feature-packed, is barebones compared to the top-spec Calligraphy trim that offers an above-class experience.
In the entire Palisade lineup, the SEL Premium trim stands out as the best balance of features and affordability. It is a good upgrade from the SEL trim, featuring various great features, like ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 360-degree camera, and a heated steering wheel. Meanwhile, the XRT Pro gets raised suspension and terrain-specific driving modes, making it ideal for adventurers. The luxury Calligraphy trim is ideal for those looking for the most opulence under $60k. In any case, it’s hard to beat the Palisade when it comes to the features, performance, and space balance.
Source: Hyundai, FuelEconomy.gov