Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD
Specs
Class: Midsize Crossover
Coloration: Forged Iron Brown
Nation of manufacture: South Korea
Seating capability: 6
Miles pushed: 107
Actual-world gasoline economic system: 22.5 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | B |
| Match and End | A- |
| Gas Economic system | B |
| Worth | B |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of your entire mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | B |
| Tall Man | A |
| Massive & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 275-horsepower, 2.4-liter |
| Engine Kind | Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 29/30/29 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas kind: Common
Base value: $58,780 (not together with $1600 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at car: Ground mats ($245)
Worth as examined: $60,625
Audio-System Model
Bose
Audio-System High quality
Poor Honest Good Very-Good Glorious
Execs and Cons
The good: Roomy, refined, now supplied with hybrid powertrain
The nice: Quiet cabin, wonderful journey high quality, fashionable design
The not so good: Expensive in prime trim ranges
Assessment
Whereas compact crossovers stay American shopper’s favourite car kind, there’s a shift within the motion on the subject of midsize crossovers. Reasonably immediately—nothing really occurs all that rapidly within the auto world—consumers of latest midsize crossovers have taken a liking to 3-row examples of the breed.
This development is so compelling that Ford has dropped the 2-row Edge from its lineup, and Toyota is dropping the Highlander, leaving the immensely well-liked 3-row Grand Highlander as an alternative. (The Highlander returns for 2027 as an electrical car. You may study all about that transformation right here.)
Midsize Crossover Gross sales
For proof that the 3-row crossover is on a scorching streak, try these gross sales figures for calendar-year 2025:
Collectively, these 6 nameplates comprise greater than 6 % of the U.S. market. The Jeep Grand Cherokee additionally sells in important quantity, however Stellantis doesn’t get away 2-row and 3-row take charges, however we do know that the mannequin racked up a formidable 210,082 mixed gross sales final yr.
New Hybrid Choice
Whereas the Palisade sits low on the “prime 7” checklist, it’s virtually sure to see important shopper curiosity for 2026. Redesign for the brand new mannequin yr, the favored Hyundai not solely appears to be like and feels new, it is usually obtainable for the primary time with a hybrid drivetrain.
Of the autos listed above, the Grand Highlander is the one different mannequin supplied as a hybrid for 2026. Word that the 2027 Telluride, rolling into dealerships proper now, will provide a hybrid possibility.
As Hyundai has introduced imprecise plans to supply further Palisades for U.S. consumption in 2026, and that a lot of the further autos will probably be hybrids, we anticipate important gross sales development for the family-friendly crossover.
Palisade Hybrid Trim Ranges
For 2026, is obtainable in a mind-blowing 7 standard trim ranges, plus 5 further hybrid fashions. Right here’s the hybrid lineup:
- Blue SEL: $45,760
- Blue SEL Premium: $49,120
- SEL Premium: $51,120
- Restricted $53,590
- Calligraphy $58,380
Word: The non-hybrid Palisade lineup begins with the entry-level $41,035 SE. Because the hybrid Palisade collection begins with the midlevel SEL trim stage, the value of entry for a hybrid Palisade—virtually $5000–isn’t insignificant.
Check Automotive
Shopper Information lately spent every week behind the wheel of the 2026 Palisade Hybrid in top-tier Calligraphy trim. All instructed, our AWD Forged Iron Brown take a look at automotive got here to $60,625, together with vacation spot.
Right here we’d prefer to share with you or 5 favourite options of the redesigned Palisade. Learn on…
5 Cool Issues Concerning the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
It’s just a little greater

For 2026, the Palisade grows just a little large in virtually each dimensions Wheelbase will increase virtually 3 inches, whereas total size is up virtually 4 inches relying on trim stage. On account of this growth, headroom is up barely in each seating row, as is legroom. Whereas we by no means discovered the Palisade wanting for passenger area, we welcome the added room.
It’s very good inside

In Calligraphy trim, the Palisade performs credibly towards premium model autos, together with the Lexus TX. We like easy shapes and normal class of the cabin, which is remarkably hushed on the freeway. We have been impressed by the standard of supplies used to line the Palisade cabin, and the workmanship in apparently prime notch.
The controls, too, are usually easy to function, and we’d prefer to thank Palisade product planners for not forcing the local weather switchgear onto the touchscreen.
It’s very good exterior

We understand that design is subjective, however we discover the redesigned Palisade each fashionable wanting and refreshingly freed from pointless prospers. We’re baffled as to why Hyundai selected to name this shade Forged Iron Brown—which feels inappropriately rustic for a car this contemporary, however we admire the hue itself, which is a nice various to all of the white, grey, and silver autos clogging the Interstates.
It’s a fantastic hybrid

As famous above, whereas the Palisade’s beefy 3.5-liter V6 returns for 2026, it’s augmented this yr by an all-new hybrid powertrain. For the Palisade Hybrid, Hyundai pairs a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a pair of electrical motors and a 6-speed automated transmission. Whole system output is 329 horsepower, a pleasant bump over the usual V6, which is rated at 287. All-wheel drive is a $2000 possibility on each Palisade Hybrid trim stage.
The good information is that the hybrid setup delivers loads of easy energy from a cease or as soon as underway, and by no means reveals itself to be a hybrid. Sadly, our time within the Palisade Hybrid coincided one of the extreme chilly snaps in current Chicago historical past. Chilly, as you might know compromises the operation of a hybrid (or EV) battery.
Nonetheless, we averaged simply shy of 23 mpg, higher than the 20 mpg we noticed whereas testing a previous-generation V6 Palisade.
Word that the “Blue” fashions (Blue SEL and Blue SEL Premium) commerce some efficiency for improved gasoline economic system. Certainly, the Blue Palisade Hybrids return an EPA estimated mixed fuel-economy 3 mpg greater than the non-Blue examples.
It’s prone to be extra broadly obtainable
If you happen to’ve gone Palisade buying in previous, you possible took notice of a restricted provide of sure trim ranges and specific colours. If, as we’ve heard reported, Hyundai will increase Palisade allocations to the U.S., discovering the precise car you need ought to be much less of a problem. That stated we’re predicting an early run on the Palisade Hybrid, so you might need to store early, to plan on being affected person. We suggest ready if that you must, this to insure you get the precise car you had hoped to personal.

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2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Footage
