The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is a part of the second-generation for this automobile, and it marks the primary time this three-row SUV will get an electrified powertrain. We’ve seen hybrids from Hyundai Motor America because the 2011 mannequin 12 months, and in reality, the Tucson, Elantra, Santa Fe and Sonata have all had hybrid choices. So, the massive query is: Was it well worth the wait?
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
In brief: Sure.
Let’s dig into this new powertrain and why it’s so good.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid system
Hyundai is looking the hybrid powertrain within the new Palisade a next-generation system. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter, inline-4 turbocharged engine and paired with two electrical motors. It has a main drive motor that’s built-in into the transmission for propulsion after which a secondary motor that begins the engine and regenerates the battery. Beforehand, Hyundai has solely utilized a one-motor system.
The top result’s higher effectivity in addition to extra energy.
Mixed output for the hybrid powertrain is 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. It is a lot extra energy than we see from the three.5-liter V-6 within the gas-only mannequin that delivers 287 horsepower.
Along with extra energy, mixed gas economic system is estimated to be greater than 30 mpg. Although our temporary day-long drive is hardly a real instance of precise gas economic system, I can say we have been averaging 31.6 mpg. So, our preliminary check, no less than, exhibits this ought to be pretty correct.
However is it actually that easy?
One of many first issues I observed once I obtained behind the wheel was the sleek supply of energy–each as we got here out of a cease gentle and after we have been merging on the freeway. This isn’t going to be throw-you-back-in-the-seat quick. It received’t make 12 months abdomen do flip flops. However it’s good easy energy that will get the job completed with out lag.
I additionally didn’t discover a clunky transition between hybrid and gasoline operation.
I’ve at all times thought the Hyundai hybrids have been high-quality, however this powertrain undoubtedly helps Hyundai degree up, and I’d put this next-gen system on par with Honda and Toyota hybrids.
Costlier, however get a refund in 2 years?
As you’d anticipate, the pricing for the hybrid is extra. The bottom worth of the common Palisade is $39,435, excluding vacation spot, and also you’ll must pay no less than $44,160 to get right into a hybrid. Nevertheless, it’s value noting the bottom trim for the internal-combustion engine (ICE) automobile is the SE, and the bottom trim for the Hybrid is the SEL.
As execs identified through the Palisade Hybrid preview, the value premium is definitely a lot much less whenever you examine comparably outfitted fashions. Melvyn Bautista, the product planning supervisor for the Palisade Hybrid, particularly said there’s a $2,220 worth distinction whenever you examine apples to apples by way of trim and tools from ICE to Hybrid. Nevertheless, whenever you have a look at the sticker sheet, gas prices for the hybrid are about $2,000 much less. Which means, in concept, it is best to make your a refund in about two years.
Pricing and Trim Ranges
Pricing for hybrid trim ranges, with out the $1,600 vacation spot charges, is:
- SEL: $44,160
- SEL Premium: $47,520
- Restricted: $51,990
- Calligraphy: $56,780
These are front-wheel-drive fashions. All-wheel drive will add $2,000.
ICE vs Hybrid variations
When it comes to seems to be, there actually aren’t many seen variations. You’ll see a discreet hybrid badge on the again of the HEV fashions, however that’s it by way of design variations.
However exterior of the powertrain, there are two huge belongings you’ll see on the hybrid that aren’t on the gasoline variations. The primary is “Keep Mode,” which is able to help you keep in park in EV mode for 30 to 40 minutes so long as your battery is charged as much as 80%. Together with that, you’ll see obtainable loosen up and recline seats within the first and second rows. We’ve seen these in Hyundai EVs, however that is the primary time we’re seeing it in hybrid mannequin.
Design
Although the design, particularly the headlight remedy, might be thought of polarizing, we like the general styling of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid–that features each the inside and exterior. We respect the minimalist sprint and heart stack, however we totally respect the buttons and dials for steadily touched objects–just like the HVAC and audio controls.
We additionally respect the tech you will get on the Palisade. From the usual wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the obtainable blind view monitor that exhibits your blind spots within the behind-the-wheel gauges, there’s a variety of intuitive and simple to make use of high-tech options.
Since we have been within the Calligraphy trim, we solely had entry to one of the best of one of the best, however the inside supplies and accents on that mannequin felt and appeared very excessive finish. The suede headliner was significantly bougie, and I couldn’t assist pondering I’d need that materials as one thing I’d placed on my clothes.
Lastly, the Third-row on the highest trims is rather well completed. With heated energy slide and recline seats, you may actually regulate the consolation degree for these passengers. However exterior of that, we appreciated the general consolation of the seats, and the massive rear home windows hold passengers from feeling claustrophobic.
Wants some work
There have been only some issues we didn’t like. First up, in the event you’re going to maintain your telephone within the wi-fi charger for greater than a half hour, it might overheat. We tried it with our case on and off, and it had the identical outcome: a message stating that charging had stopped as a consequence of our telephone overheating. Subsequent, we expect the bottle holders on the door a bit awkward. They’re too slim to carry a 17-ounch Yeti-brand container, so in case you have espresso and water bottles for each front-seat passengers, you’ll be overloaded with drinks.
Lastly, and this solely applies to petite drivers, with the loosen up and recline seats, there’s just a little further materials on the entrance of the driving force’s seat. Which means that it pushes your knees just a little nearer to the underbelly of the sprint. I discovered myself hitting my knees when coming into the automobile and when shifting between gasoline and brake pedals.
Our take
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is a wonderful electrified mannequin. It has the correct quantity of energy and loads of effectivity. Getting 30+ mpg in a 3-row automobile is nothing to sneeze at. Contemplating the facilities you get for the value tag (all-in at lower than $60,000 with heated third-row seats!), we contemplate this a no brainer. It drives properly and has a lot of the options you could possibly probably need on a household automobile.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is on sale now.
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2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy Footage
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2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: Evaluation, Costs, and Specs
