2026 Hyundai Palisade | First Look & Review

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The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is stepping into the new model year with subtle elegance and meaningful upgrades, most notably, under the hood. This year, Hyundai replaces the long-used 3.8L V6 with a brand-new 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s a small shift in numbers, but the new engine promises better efficiency, smoother power delivery, and a more refined overall driving experience.

Fresh Face, Same Bold Presence
Up front, the 2026 Palisade wears a slightly more sculpted face. A wider, more intricately patterned cascading grille now blends seamlessly with sharper LED headlamps and vertical DRLs, giving the SUV a more upscale, confident look. The Calligraphy trim adds premium satin chrome finishes around the grille, lower fascia, and side trim—details that subtly set it apart.

Exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with a turbine-style design, a revised rear bumper with integrated reflectors, and updated LED tail lamps bring cohesion to the overall refresh. The changes are modest but effective, polishing an already handsome package.

Interior That Rivals Luxury Brands
The Calligraphy trim is where Hyundai really flexes. Inside, the 2026 Palisade feels every bit like a luxury SUV, without the luxury price tag. Quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a microfiber suede headliner, and ambient lighting set the tone. New color options and updated materials throughout the cabin make it even more inviting.

Front and second-row seats are both heated and ventilated, with enhanced padding for long-distance comfort. A curved panoramic display now stretches across the dash, integrating a 12.3-inch digital cluster and an enlarged 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in Google services (like Maps and Assistant) come standard, along with an upgraded voice control system.

The center console is redesigned too, with a sleeker shift-by-wire selector, more organized storage, improved wireless charging, and USB-C ports for every row.

New Engine, Familiar Smoothness
The big mechanical change for 2026 is the introduction of the 3.5L V6, producing 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The power delivery feels smoother and more linear, with a touch more responsiveness than the outgoing 3.8L.

Hyundai has also fine-tuned the suspension for better ride comfort and improved steering feedback. Whether you're gliding down the highway or navigating city streets, the Palisade feels planted, quiet, and more refined than ever.

For added traction, the available HTRAC all-wheel-drive system includes Snow, Mud, and Sand modes, making it a confident year-round cruiser.

Smarter Safety & Convenience
The 2026 Palisade is loaded with Hyundai’s latest tech, including an enhanced Highway Driving Assist 2, which now offers smoother lane centering and automatic lane changes on the highway. Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 makes tight spots a breeze, and the latest Digital Key 2.0 works with both iOS and Android devices, letting you unlock and start the vehicle with just your smartphone.

A new fingerprint authentication system adds a layer of personalized security and convenience, adjusting seats, climate, and user profiles based on who’s behind the wheel.

Final Verdict
With a more efficient and refined 3.5L V6, updated tech, and continued focus on comfort, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy further cements its place as a top contender in the three-row SUV market. It delivers a luxury experience without crossing into luxury-brand pricing—and it does so with confidence, elegance, and a whole lot of value.

Whether you're hauling family, road-tripping in style, or just want to enjoy a plush daily driver, the 2026 Palisade Calligraphy is more than ready for the job. Thank you for watching and for the support. Make sure to subscribe for my first driving impressions of it later on this year.