2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid and XRT Pro: Electrified and Energized

The Hyundai Palisade is completely redesigned for 2026, and two new models are joining the lineup. First, the adventure-oriented XRT Pro (all-inclusive price starting at $60,621) stands out with unique bumpers featuring tow hooks, improved approach and departure angles, increased ground clearance, plus an exclusive set of wheels and all-terrain tires.

Under the hood is a 3.5-litre V6 engine that, as we’ve mentioned in a previous review, proves beautifully flexible and pleasant to the ear. On the other hand, fuel economy is somewhat disappointing. Our tester achieved a combined 11.1 L/100 km during a full week of driving around town and on the highway, which is admittedly much better than the official rating of 12.7 L/100 km posted by Natural Resources Canada.  

• Also: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid NHL Edition Coming to Canada Only
• Also: 2026 Hyundai Palisade: Aiming for the Top Spot

The Car Guide recently participated in the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s (AJAC) TestFest—the first step in the process of crowning the top vehicles in the country—which gave us our first opportunity to drive the other new model for 2026, namely the Palisade Hybrid. In top-line Ultimate Calligraphy trim, this one retails for $68,521 (all fees included).

Everything You Want and Need

The new Palisade's interior is certainly designed to please customers looking for a three-row midsize SUV. It may not be as elegant as that of the Mazda CX-90, but it trumps most of the competition in our opinion. Fit and finish including materials, colours and textures are outstanding, especially when you select the Ultimate Calligraphy. The two-tone combination of blue and gray really gives the cabin an exquisite appearance.

Occupants benefit from a spacious environment where the seats definitely make up in comfort what they lack in support. By the way, only the gasoline-powered Preferred Trend and Luxury models come standard with a second-row bench seat for a total of eight passengers. This is replaced by captain's chairs on the XRT Pro, Luxury (optional) and Ultimate Calligraphy models. The third row can accommodate adults, with ample room for the shoulders and head, but a bit more legroom would be nice. It’s fine for short trips or children, mind you.

Similar to Hyundai's other vehicles, the 2026 Palisade features a number of technologies. Every model includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen on a curved panel. It’s all very attractive and intuitive to use. The heated steering wheel and seats are Canadian necessities that come standard. But get this: heated outboard second-row seats also come standard.

Staying in the tech department, there are seven USB-C ports scattered throughout the cabin, while the front row includes a wireless charging pad for smartphones and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Except for the base Preferred Trend model, which has an 8-speaker audio system, all Palisades offer 14 Bose speakers.

As far as practicality goes, the larger 2026 Palisade offers increased storage and cargo room. Models equipped with the V6 can tow up to 5,000 lbs, while those with the hybrid system manage 4,000 lbs. The roof rails on top can support 220 lbs.

Hybrid is Better

The Palisade shines when it comes to a smooth ride and predictable handling. Hyundai engineers have done an excellent job tuning the chassis and suspension, while designers have done their best to incorporate large windows, although blind spots can still be a problem.

The Palisade XRT Pro, which is the best at going off-road, is similarly well suited to rough and bumpy surfaces. It's the only model equipped with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, the latter resulting in a slightly noisier ride. Then again, the fully loaded Palisade Hybrid Ultimate Calligraphy riding on 21-inch wheels also knows how to deliver a comfortable ride, and it handles better on paved roads.

Which powertrain should you pick? Each comes with pros and cons. The V6 proves strong enough with 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. However, the 8-speed transmission doesn't seem to make the most of this power and is slow to respond. We used the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and then activated Sport mode to try and improve performance, but to no avail.

The hybrid pairs a turbocharged 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors. Together, they produce 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque—much more impressive numbers. And despite the transmission having two fewer gears, throttle response is instantaneous, which results in dynamic acceleration off the line and when passing slower vehicles. The whole system doesn’t sound so great when pushed, however.

In terms of fuel consumption, Hyundai rates the Palisade Hybrid at a combined 8.1 L/100 km, which is more fuel-efficient than the Mazda CX-90 PHEV with an empty battery (9.2 L/100 km) and the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX (8.8 L/100 km). That said, the Grand Highlander Hybrid and the Highlander Hybrid still lead the way with 7.0 L/100 km and 6.7 L/100 km, respectively.

Enticing Proposition

It's hard not to recommend the 2026 Hyundai Palisade. More refined and more technologically advanced than ever, the second-generation Korean midsize SUV stands out with bold looks and a 5-year/100,000km limited vehicle warranty. You can say the Palisade has it all, and we think the hybrid variant is the one to get due to its better fuel economy and more dynamic driving experience.

Oh, one more thing: just like the Santa Fe, the Palisade Hybrid offers a Canadian-exclusive NHL Edition limited to 500 units. We’ve been told by Hyundai Canada that some units are still available, so hurry.