2026 Hyundai Palisade review

Want a Range Rover but can’t spare $300,000? Perhaps we can interest you in this – the newHyundai Palisade.

Imagine a Range Rover pumped full of steroids – all sharp angles and imposing presence. Its silhouette screams "authority" in a language of pure, unadulterated boxiness.

Sink into the cabin, and you’re practically royalty. Swathed in supple Nappa leather and velvety suede, it’s a tactile symphony. Space? Think ballroom, not broom closet.

The Palisade versus the Range Rover: a David and Goliath story, but Goliath might be surprised. While not a perfect match, the Palisade punches far above its weight class, closing the luxury SUV capability gap to a surprisingly narrow margin.

Is the 2024 Palisade the Korean answer to the Range Rover? A budget-friendly luxury SUV disguised as a family hauler? If so, where does that leave the competition? We’re diving deep to see if the Kluger, Sorento, and CX-90 should be nervous. Buckle up. Answers await.

How much does the Hyundai Palisade cost?

Prepare your wallet! The all-new Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid arrives with a price tag starting at $89,900 plus on-road costs. That’s a noticeable leap from the previous Palisade generation, where the diesel-powered Calligraphy Black Ink AWD topped the charts at a comparatively modest $81,719 (plus on-roads).

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid AWD | $89,900 |

Prepare for sticker shock: The new Palisade doesn’t just inch up in price; it leaps ahead. Suddenly, competitors like the Mazda CX-90 G50e Azami (a cool $86,070), the ever-reliable Toyota Kluger Grande ($85,135), and even its own cousin, the Kia Sorento PHEV GT-Line ($84,660), seem like comparative bargains. This Palisade demands a bigger bite from your bank account.

Let’s face it: German luxury SUVs can drain your bank account faster than you can say "Autobahn." The Palisade Calligraphy, however, offers a serious dose of opulence without the financial gut-punch. Think Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, or Audi Q7 levels of refinement, but at a fraction of the cost. And if you’ve been eyeing that seven-seat Range Rover? Prepare for sticker shock. You could buyfourPalisade Calligraphys for the price ofoneentry-level Range Rover. Just let that sink in.

Tight budget got you singing the blues? Hold tight! Hyundai’s got a Palisade promise for next year: wallet-friendly models rolling in. Think gas-sipping, sans-hybrid engines and a front-wheel drive option that’ll leave extra cash in your pocket. Patience could pay off big time.

To see how the Hyundai Palisade lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool.

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What is the Hyundai Palisade like on the inside?

Premium, plush and practical are three words that immediately come to mind.

The moment you swing open the driver’s door, it’s like stepping into a first-class lounge. The front row feels expansive, a genuine breath of fresh air compared to the cramped confines of other SUVs. Credit the clever, floating center console, which carves out extra legroom, but the real secret is the Palisade’s sheer, unapologetic size. It’s big, bold, and beautifully roomy.

Sink into serenity. Even loaded with seven, this SUV prioritizes pampering. Imagine this: First and second-row passengers stretch out, legs supported by extendable rests, while everyone enjoys the luxury of electrically adjusted, heated seats. (Sorry, middle seaters!). All this premium comfort comes in at around $90k – a surprising price for such spacious indulgence.

And the pampering doesn’t stop there. Sink into front seats that offer a triple dose of cool comfort and personalized lumbar support. But the driver? They’re in for a true indulgence: a full-body massage at their fingertips and power-adjustable bolsters that hug them just right.

Forget spacious seating; the Palisade offers a throne. But the real magic happens once you’re settled. With a touch, the steering wheel glides into its perfect position – and what a wheel it is! Swathed in two-tone Nappa leather (as our test model flaunted), it’s a detail that wouldn’t be out of place in a Genesis, or even a Bentley. High praise, indeed, for Hyundai’s surprisingly opulent Palisade.

Calligraphy models pamper occupants with Nappa leather, a tactile indulgence offered in four distinct palettes: a rich brown, a classic black, a sophisticated dark navy/light grey, and a moody dark charcoal accented with brown stitching. My test drive unfolded within a striking metallic blue specimen, showcasing the two-tone interior. Aesthetically, it stole my heart, though I suspect its pristine beauty would be short-lived in the face of everyday family life.

The same can be said of the suede headliner, but that’s a risk I’d be willing to take.

The interior whispers understated luxury. Leatherette, wood grain, and subtly placed hard plastics coalesce into a refined experience. While material quality impresses throughout, imagine the tactile pleasure if the dash and door cards offered just a touch more cushioning – a final flourish to elevate the ambiance.

The Mazda CX-90 feels similarly high-end in Azami trim, but the Palisade trumps its Toyota rival by a significant margin.

And one area in which the Palisade bests both its closest competitors is infotainment technology.

Imagine settling into the driver’s seat and being greeted by a dazzling, seamless panorama. Twin 12.3-inch screens flow from the dashboard, a vibrant canvas showcasing Hyundai’s cutting-edge software. Ditch the cords – wireless smartphone integration puts everything at your fingertips, displayed in crystal-clear graphics. Navigating is effortless thanks to an intuitive tile menu system. It’s not just a screen; it’s your command center.

Even if you’re a touchscreen skeptic, the Hyundai Palisade throws you a bone. They haven’t banished real buttons and knobs entirely, thankfully. A dedicated climate control panel greets you with satisfying rotary temperature dials, while an additional control panel sits proudly above, offering physical shortcuts to key infotainment menus. No deciphering hieroglyphics here – everything is clearly labeled. Except for that one mysterious drive mode toggle lurking near the steering wheel… Hyundai keeps you guessing, just a little.

Beyond, a vibrant digital driver’s display awaits, ripe with customization options for data and visual flair. Essential driving data elegantly projects onto the windscreen via a standard head-up display, keeping your focus firmly on the road ahead.

Connected services is standard, and you can lock and unlock the Palisade using a digital key on your smartphone.

Plunge into the Palisade’s tech-rich environment, where connectivity reigns supreme. Ditch the dreaded low-battery anxiety with not one, but three rapid-charging USB-C ports nestled within the sleek, floating center console. And for the ultimate convenience? Simply drop your Qi-enabled device onto the wireless charging pad and watch it power up, cord-free.

Cabin storage is a mixed bag. While the innovative floating centre console frees up space for a generously sized storage tray at its base, don’t expect to stash your oversized water bottles in the door bins. The glovebox also feels a bit cramped. The centre console bin, though shallow, boasts a neat trick: a built-in UV-C sterilisation function, a futuristic touch for sanitising your phone and keys on the go.

Before you dismiss the Palisade’s practicality based on those initial impressions, consider this: The passenger and cargo space? Simply cavernous. Any perceived storage shortcomings are quickly forgotten once you experience the sheer abundance of room for passengers and their belongings.

Imagine this: your kids, not squabbling in the back, but lounging like little emperors. We test-drove the seven-seater with captain’s chairs in the second row, and trust us, that’s the VIP experience you want. Think full electric recline, heated and ventilated seats for supreme comfort, and their very own armrests to claim. Forget "Are we there yet?" – this is "Are we staying here forever?" Family road trips just leveled up.

Even at 185cm, I found the backseat surprisingly spacious. Legroom and headroom abound, creating a comfortable haven for adult passengers. The dual sunroofs flood the rear cabin with natural light, letting backseat occupants customize their experience without disturbing the driver’s serenity.

Rear passengers ride in comfort with thoughtful touches: retractable sunshades for sunny days, convenient USB-C charging ports, and personalized climate control. Stow your belongings in the center console’s smooth-gliding drawer, seatback map pockets, and generously sized door bins – everything stays organized and within easy reach.

Safety’s a fortress. Side curtain airbags shield every passenger, even those in the very back. Plus, smart rear doors use safe-exit sensors to warn of approaching hazards, preventing accidental openings into oncoming traffic.

So, it must suck to be forced to sit in the third row, right? Nope, not at all.

Forget fighting for shotgun. In this Palisade, even the "back-back" is a throne. Reclining rear seats transform the third row from penalty box to premium experience. Cold day? No problem. Even thosewayback there get heated seats (outboard positions, naturally). And with USB-C ports, cupholders, and dedicated vents, everyone arrives refreshed, not ragged.

Cramped third rows are the bane of family road trips. But the Palisade? It’s a haven back there. This isn’t just a seven-seater; it’s a genuinely comfortable space for everyone, making it the ultimate ally for growing families who crave adventure without sacrificing sanity.

Forget cramped cargo holds. The Palisade boasts a cavernous 300 liters of boot spacebehindthe third row. That’s enough room to make the Mazda CX-90 (257L), Toyota Kluger (241L), and even its smaller sibling, the Sorento (187L), feel like they’re packing peanuts.

Transform your vehicle into a cargo-swallowing cavern with a touch. Effortlessly command the second and third rows to fold flat from the rear, thanks to conveniently located buttons in the boot. More space, instantly.

Beyond its gas-electric heart, the Palisade boasts a hidden superpower: a vehicle-to-load outlet in the rear, ready to power your adventures, complemented by a traditional 12V socket. But the real hero lies beneath – a full-size spare tire, offering peace of mind when the road gets rough.

| Dimensions | Hyundai Palisade | | — | — | |Length| 5060mm | |Width| 1980mm | |Height| 1805mm | |Wheelbase| 2970mm | |Cargo capacity| 300L (behind third row) 712L (behind second row) 2081L (behind first row) |

To see how the Hyundai Palisade lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool.

What’s under the bonnet?

The next-generation Hyundai Palisade says goodbye to diesel, embracing a cutting-edge dual-motor hybrid heart. This electrifying upgrade unleashes a potent 245kW and 460Nm of torque, channeled to all four wheels via a responsive six-speed automatic transmission for unparalleled grip and exhilarating performance.

| Specifications | Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid AWD | | — | — | |Engine| 2.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol hybrid | |Engine outputs| 192kW 353Nm | |Electric motor outputs| 54kW 264Nm | |System outputs| 245kW 460Nm | |Battery| 1.65kWh lithium-ion | |Transmission| 6-speed automatic | |Drive type| All-wheel drive | |Weight| 2175-2294kg (7-seat) 2185-2304kg (8-seat) | |0-100km/h (claimed)| N/A | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 6.8L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 7.6L/100km | |Fuel tank capacity| 72L | |Fuel requirement| 91-octane regular unleaded | |CO2 emissions| 145g/km | |Emissions standard| Euro 5 | |Braked tow capacity| 2000kg |

To see how the Hyundai Palisade lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool.

How does the Hyundai Palisade drive?

While other SUVs flex their muscles with a stiff, sporty ride, the Hyundai Palisade prefers a more relaxed approach, like a well-worn armchair in a world of park benches.

"Let’s be honest, it’s a behemoth. No amount of clever design can shrink this family SUV. And ‘big’ doesn’t quite cut it – piloting the Palisade feels like navigating a particularly luxurious ocean liner through city streets."

Leaving Sydney, headed for the Hunter Valley, felt like navigating a yacht through a canal. This beast of a vehicle hugged both lane markings, demanding constant attention. City parking? A low-speed ballet of patience. Thankfully, the feather-light steering and a crystal-clear surround-view camera transformed the "Palisade Parking Panic" into something merely… challenging.

The Palisade’s size translates to a driving experience best suited for straightaways. Push it into a tight corner, and you’ll encounter noticeable body roll and a tendency to understeer if you’re carrying any real speed. Let’s be honest, though – the average Palisade driver is likely more concerned with comfortable cruising than carving canyons.

And, in this case, the payoff for average handling is superb ride comfort.

Forget global settings. Hyundai’s suspension gurus sweated the details, crafting self-levelling dampers uniquely tuned for Australia’s demanding roads – a localized precision the Ioniq 9 and Tucson missed out on.

The Palisade shrugged off the backroad beating we subjected it to. Yes, those country lanes were brutal, but the Palisade just soaked it all up. You’re connected to the road – feeling the texture, the subtle shifts – but when the asphalt crumbled into craters, the suspension stepped up like a seasoned pro. We slammed into some truly nasty potholes, the kind that make you wince, but the Palisade just kept its cool, never losing its composure. You knew you’d hit something, but the drama stayed outside the cabin.

Indeed, compression and rebound is always controlled, and the Palisade never feels floaty or unsettled over longer undulations.

Hyundai engineers have walked the tightrope of SUV design, achieving a "just right" equilibrium in this spacious ride.

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Like footy and a meat pie, the Palisade’s impressive ride quality pairs perfectly with a high level of general refinement.

Slip behind the wheel, and the highway melts away. Even at speed, the cabin becomes a tranquil haven. Road noise fades to a distant whisper, and wind buffeting is silenced thanks to clever engineering and insulated tires. Acoustic laminated glass cocoons you in serenity, turning every journey into a premium experience.

The hybrid heart of this machine purrs to life with barely a whisper. Unless you decide to unleash its full potential, tranquility reigns.

Yet, the powertrain needs refinement. The Palisade Hybrid boasts a stout 245kW and 460Nm, rivaling class leaders on paper. But these figures don’t tell the full, somewhat underwhelming, story.

The Palisade’s throttle response feels like wading through molasses. Plant your foot, and instead of a surge, you get a pensive pause, as if the car is second-guessing your intentions before reluctantly unleashing its power. Equally unnerving is the sticky throttle effect; a lingering acceleration even after you’ve lifted off the pedal, leaving you with a distinct lack of control and a nagging sense of unease.

Forget any lingering doubts; the Palisade shrugs them off the moment you tap into its reserves. Unleashing a surge of robust power, it leaves its predecessor eating dust.

Hyundai’s next-gen hybrid system isn’t just another engine – it’s a power couple. Imagine this: one motor tirelessly generates electricity, while its partner unleashes that energy directly to the wheels. The result? An extended EV range, fewer trips to the gas station, and game-changing electric features like vehicle-to-load (V2L), turning your car into a mobile power outlet. And ‘Stay Mode’? Think silent, emissions-free camping, powering your devices all night without waking the neighbors with a rumbling engine.

While we didn’t get to push the Palisade’s hidden talents to their limits, whispers of improved fuel efficiency in this new generation reached our ears. It sips a bit less gas than its predecessor, though a fuel-sipping Kluger or a plug-in hybrid still holds the crown for ultimate frugality.

Forget mundane commutes. A stealthy, dash-mounted dial, devoid of labels, holds the key to your driving destiny. Flick it, and unlock a trio of distinct personalities:Ecofor effortless efficiency,Sportto unleash the beast within, andCustomto sculpt your perfect ride.

Hyundai claims its tweaked ADAS package is now more "user-friendly." While muting the infernal speed limit chime is a victory, a gaggle of intrusive electronic nannies still conspire to ruin the simple joy of driving.

The Palisade’s lane-keep assist? Let’s just say it’s a tad… enthusiastic, given the SUV’s broad shoulders. Thankfully, a quick press of a steering wheel button silences its overzealous beeping. The overspeed warning, equally eager, demands a more assertive approach: a sustained press of the volume control will finally grant you peace and quiet.

Overall, the Palisade’s safety systems feel a little too eager, especially for a model with premium aspirations.

The GPS took a mischievous turn, and suddenly, the Palisade and I were flirting with a gravel road odyssey. Hyundai doesn’t pitch this SUV as a mountain goat, but with all-wheel drive and those tempting terrain modes, I had to wonder: could it dance in the dirt? My impromptu off-road detour didn’t deliver any definitive answers, but it certainly hinted at a hidden adventurous spirit within this family hauler.

For thrill-seekers craving off-road dominance, the Ford Everest Tremor or Toyota LandCruiser reign supreme… for now. Keep your eyes peeled: the Palisade XRT Pro is set to unleash its beastly capabilities early to mid next year.

To see how the Hyundai Palisade lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool.

What do you get?

The Palisade will only be available in flagship Calligraphy specification from launch, although Hyundai Australia will introduce lesser variants.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy equipment highlights:

• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Dual tilt and sliding powered sunroof
• LED headlights
• LED tail-lights
• Privacy glass
• Roof rails
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14-speaker Bose sound system
• Satellite navigation
• Nappa leather upholstery
• Suede headlining
• 16-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory
• 12-way power-adjustable passenger seat
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Power-adjustable steering wheel with heating
• Second row relaxation seats (seven-seat option)
• Powered second- and third-row seats
• Heated and ventilated second-row outboard seats
• Heated third-row outboard seats
• 6 x 100W USB-C outlets
• Digital Key
• Fingerprint recognition
• Wireless phone charger
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Digital centre mirror
• Head-up display
• Full-size alloy spare wheel
• Bluelink connected services with OTA updates

To see how the Hyundai Palisade lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool.

Is the Hyundai Palisade safe?

Hyundai Australia is targeting a five-star ANCAP rating for the new Palisade, after the previous-gen model launched with four stars.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• 8 airbags
• Front, side and rear parking sensors
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Parking collision avoidance
• Highway Driving Assist 2
• Forward collision avoidance
• Intelligent speed limit assist
• Lane-keep assist
• Surround-view cameras
• Smart Cruise Control 2 with stop/go
• Tyre pressure monitoring system

To see how the Hyundai Palisade lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool.

How much does the Hyundai Palisade cost to run?

The new Palisade is covered by Hyundai Australia’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

| Servicing and Warranty | Hyundai Palisade | | — | — | |Warranty| 7 years, unlimited kilometres | |Roadside assistance| Lifetime | |Service intervals| 12 months or 10,000km | |Capped-price servicing| 5 years | |Average annual service cost| $520 | |Total capped-price service cost| $2600 |

"Keep your ride smooth: servicing hits every 12 months or 10,000km. That’s a tighter schedule than the old model, and most of the seven-seat SUV gang."

But here’s the kicker: keep your adventures under 10,000km a year, and you’re looking at a sweet deal – five years of fixed-price servicing for just $2600. That’s a mere $520 annually, undercutting the maintenance bills of even "premium" plug-in hybrids like the XC90, CX90, or Sorento. Think of all the extra lattes you can buy!

To see how the Hyundai Palisade lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool.

childcareman.xyz’s Take on theHyundai Palisade

Forget speculation. After wrestling the Palisade prototype and now experiencing the real deal, the verdict is in: this SUV reigns supreme under the $100,000 mark. Consider it a Korean Range Rover – delivering luxury and capability without the exorbitant price tag.

Imagine gliding over Australia’s rugged landscape in a luxurious cocoon. The second-generation hybrid SUV isn’t just reborn; it’s a revelation. It effortlessly absorbs every bump and jolt, leaving you feeling serene and cosseted. But don’t mistake comfort for complacency. Unleash your inner speed demon and feel the surge of power as it transforms into a surprisingly swift steed.

And regardless of your driving style, the hybrid Palisade is a relatively frugal beast despite its immense heft.

Step inside, and you’ll discover an interior where flexibility reigns supreme. Forget cramped quarters – the Palisade effortlessly morphs from a family-ferrying fortress with seating for seven or eight, to a cavernous cargo carrier with the touch of a button. Its seating configuration isn’t just good, it’s the gold standard, redefining what a family SUV can be.

Sink into the top-spec seats, and you’ll discover a realm of unparalleled comfort. The driver’s throne, in particular, is a masterpiece, boasting every premium amenity imaginable. Power-adjustable side bolsters embrace you like a tailored suit, while an exceptional massage function melts away stress, transforming every drive into a rejuvenating experience.

The next-generation Palisade isn’t just a stunning SUV; it’s a tech-lover’s dream. Hyundai has packed it with their most advanced and intuitive infotainment system yet, a seamless blend of user-friendly design and eye-catching visuals. Prepare to be wowed.

The Palisade: a family hauler, not a thrill ride. Let’s be honest, you won’t mistake it for a sports car. The driving experience? Functional, not exhilarating. However, the real sticking points might be a bit more nuanced. That eager-beaver throttle can be a pain, some safety features feel more like nagging than helping, and those frequent service visits at every 10,000 kilometers? Ouch, your wallet might feel that one.

Forget the top-shelf Kluger or CX-90. Finding a realreasonto choose them over the Palisade is tough. They simply don’t measure up in spaciousness, cutting-edge tech, or sheer luxury – and the Palisade barely nudges the price needle. It’s a no-brainer upgrade.

Forget budget-busting SUVs. Hyundai’s about to drop a Palisade price bomb next year with more accessible models. Translation: if you’re hunting for a spacious, do-anything vehicle, the Palisade just became the smartest option on the block. Put it at theverytop of your list.

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