2026 HYUNDAI PALISADE PREVIEWED WITH SQUARER SHAPE, LOVELY INTERIOR
- The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is ready for a redesign, which the newly revealed Korean model previews.
- The next-gen Palisade has a squarer shape and looks more elegant, and the mid-size SUV's interior gets prettier too, mixing fashion and function.
- Hyundai hasn't released any details about the upcoming U.S.-spec Palisade, but we expect it will be revealed sometime in 2025.
Hyundai just recently revealed the new Ioniq 9, a distinctively styled three-row electric SUV. Distinctive styling is kind of the Korean automaker's thing, with many of its models boasting futuristic lighting elements and expressive bodywork. That includes its EVs as well as its gas-fed lineup, such as the mid-size Santa Fe and the larger Palisade. The latter is set to enter a new generation, and Hyundai has now revealed details about the Korean version.
The outgoing Hyundai Palisade has a palatial exterior with a big ol' grille and eye-catching front lighting. Those traits continue on the upcoming version, which we expect will come to the United States for the 2026 model year. The Palisade's new appearance isn't as overtly bold as the Santa Fe, but it looks squarer and more elegant than before. Its box-shaped grille is flanked by hidden headlights and a stacked set of rectangular daytime running lights that will surely get noticed in people's rearview mirrors.
The SUV's mostly smooth side surfacing has sculpted wheel-arch outlines, and the intricate 21-inch wheels on the Korean model shown in these initial photos would look at home on a Genesis product. The taillights mimic the design of the front DRLs, creating a sense of cohesiveness. The decorative bezel that rises up the rear roof pillars appears to connect with the roof rails in another classy visual touch.
Inside, the new Palisade adopts a more upscale appearance, with an ovoid dash design that we're pleased to see still includes physical controls. Along with a pair of tuning knobs and buttons for the sound system, the HVAC system below has similar switchgear. Hyundai's ubiquitous curved digital display is part of the new-look interior, as are the company's badgeless-three-spoke steering wheel and the electronic shifter that's now located on the steering column. There's also a useful shelf facing the front passenger, and the console houses a charging pad and multiple outlets.
Hyundai says the new Palisade has a longer wheelbase, although it's unclear how much it has grown compared with the current 114.2-inch wheelbase. Along with larger, albeit also unknown, exterior dimensions, the Palisade should be roomier than before. There's seating for seven or up to nine passengers. For maximum people space, Hyundai says the front center console lifts up to create a three-across configuration. Who doesn't love a bench seat? Of course, we'll have to wait and see if that feature is also offered on the U.S. version.
Despite getting a preview of what's to come, we'll have to wait a while longer until we learn more details as well as pricing for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade that's coming to North America. The current lineup only offers a 291-hp 3.8-liter V-6, so it remains to be seen if Hyundai will switch to a turbocharged four-cylinder and possibly offer hybrid or plug-in-hybrid variants as it does with some of its other SUVs. The 2025 Palisade starts at around $38K and ranges up over $55K, so expect those prices to get a little higher too.
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