The Three-Row Hybrid Done Right

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid electrifies Hyundai’s flagship three-row SUV. It pairs a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors to deliver 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque that feels effortless. Part of the all-new second generation of the Palisade, it gets all the upgrades and design changes found in the gas model, but with a more efficient engine.

Hyundai invited us to Austin, Texas for a day of driving the top Calligraphy trim through the hill country. I left thoroughly impressed by its smooth power, refined manners, and family-friendly versatility with a truly luxurious cabin.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid First Impressions

The redesigned Palisade shows off a bold, boxy stance with striking LED lighting and a massive grille that commands attention. It looks premium and modern without being overdone or fussy. The new, longer wheelbase and swept-back profile hint at its increased interior space. Hyundai has once again created a great value in the Palisade hybrid with an interior more luxurious than its price would have you expect.

Exterior Dimensions

Driving Impressions And Performance

The Palisade Hybrid handled beautifully on winding Texas roads with smooth acceleration up steep grades and maintained its composure in corners. Drive Mode Select offers Eco for a focus on efficiency or Sport for quicker shifts and an overall more engaging experience that’s worth the sacrifice in fuel economy.

The ride stayed comfortable over bumps thanks to the available self-leveling suspension system with excellent sound deadening, so you neither heard nor felt sections of pebbled pavement. It’s a remarkably quiet ride, even when transitioning from gas to electric power. If you’re looking for something with off-road cred, then you should look at the gas lineup, which now includes a rugged XRT Pro trim.

Braking And Acceleration

The hybrid setup is excellent. It delivers good fuel economy with strong acceleration, which is a challenging combination not every hybrid manages to balance. This is easily one of the best hybrids we’ve had the pleasure of driving. Part of that is due to the choice of a six-speed automatic transmission rather than a CVT, so shifts are smooth and quiet.

Performance Specifications

There’s no hesitation when you press on the gas, making it easy to get up to highway speeds. It’s rare not to notice the moment the gas engine kicks in when you’re driving a hybrid, but it’s seamless in the Palisade hybrid. It’s easy to forget that it’s not simply a traditional gas engine. It brakes with equal confidence, bringing the Palisade to a quick, controlled top despite its bulk.

Palisade Hybrid Fuel Economy

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Palisade hybrid is impressive. Front-wheel drive trims get up to 35 MPG, with all-wheel drive dropping to 30 MPG. Those are strong figures, but just as impressive is a Hyundai-estimated total gas and electric driving range of up to 619 miles. As a family car, there are likely road trips in the future, and that kind of fuel economy and range makes it more affordable while reducing the number of fuel stops you’ll need to make along the way.

Interior Design And Comfort

The Palisade Hybrid offers a premium cabin experience with soft-touch materials that look and feel upscale. Heated and ventilated front seats and three-zone climate control ensure everyone is comfortable. The ride stays remarkably quiet with laminated glass and excellent sound insulation to prevent road and wind noise from intruding. Adults can easily chat up front while the kids snooze in the back.

The Calligraphy adds quilted Nappa leather and a suede headliner for a true luxury vibe. The ergo motion driver’s seat is fabulous, activating massage periodically during long drives to keep road trip aches and pains at bay. There’s also an available relaxation mode that pops out a little leg rest for when you’re sitting, waiting for the kids to get out of school or practice.

The second-row captain’s chairs also offer a relaxation mode, so even those passengers are pampered. There’s also ambient lighting, wood trim, and contrast stitching throughout that elevates the cabin. Hyundai has once again created a great value in the Palisade hybrid with an interior in line with more expensive competitors.

Interior Dimensions

It’s a roomy cabin that’s well-suited to family life. Accessing the third row is easier thanks to a second row that slides forward and tips up. Not to be forgotten, the third row is available heated in top trims. While adults won’t want to spend hours back there, it’s suited to short trips for all but the 6-foot crowd.

Technology And Ease Of Use

A single curved display houses both the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Infotainment includes navigation and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto with good responsiveness and clear, organized menus. There’s an available 14-speaker Bose audio system with standard high-power USB-C ports in every row and a single Qi wireless charging pad for the first row.

The Calligraphy trim also gets a built-in front and rear dashcam, which is an unusual feature to find in a non-luxury brand. The Palisade hybrid also has a unique Stay Mode that takes full advantage of its hybrid nature. When the vehicle is in park, it runs the climate control and infotainment, including charging ports, on the battery instead of the gas engine.

Cargo And Storage Space

The Palisade Hybrid provides versatile storage starting with 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row, perfect for groceries or luggage. Folding the third row expands space to 46.3 cubic feet, ideal for weekend gear or runs for home improvement supplies. With the second row down, maximum capacity reaches 86.7 cubic feet to handle furniture or bikes effortlessly. There’s a deep center console that splits open down the middle for easier access, and it also serves as a UV-C sterilization compartment with a quick 10-minute cycle to remove germs.

Our Recommendation For Which Model You Should Buy

Though the Calligraphy is tempting, we’d go with the SEL Premium, which is one step up from the base SEL. It’s priced at $47,250 with front-wheel drive. Another $2,000 will get you all-wheel drive for those who live in snowier areas. It has a few upgrades, including heated and ventilated rear seats and ventilated front seats that greatly improve the passenger experience for a modest price increase. It makes the Palisade hybrid a great value proposition while still maintaining its upscale vibe.