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The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has been completely redesigned, bringing a fresh and modern look to one of the most popular family SUVs on the market. While the new exterior and interior styling take a more streamlined and futuristic direction, Hyundai also focused on meaningful upgrades behind the scenes — including expanded car-seat hardware, enhanced third-row usability, and next-generation tech. With a hybrid version on the way promising over 30 mpg and strong power, the redesigned Palisade continues to be a top contender for families who want space, comfort, and versatility in a three-row SUV.
- Expanded Car Seat Hardware & Third-Row Usability: Hyundai added lower anchors and tether anchors in both third-row seating positions, a huge win for families. Now you can install forward-facing car seats or latch-equipped boosters back there with real peace of mind, and the seats even sit on tracks to give you extra legroom when needed.
- Hybrid Powertrain: The 2026 Palisade will be offered as a hybrid that’s expected to deliver 30+ mpg and still have over 300 horsepower — something very few three-row SUVs can claim. This could be a major advantage for families who want efficiency without sacrificing power.
- Amazing Second & Third-Row Comfort: Legroom back there is impressive for both rows — especially for a midsize SUV. Second-row legroom easily accommodates taller drivers in the front seat, and the third row now feels like a space adults might actually enjoy thanks to ceiling vents, USB charging, adjustable tracks, and heated seats.
The Exterior
The redesigned Palisade looks entirely different from the outgoing model. Hyundai is leaning into a more futuristic design language, similar to what we’ve seen with the Santa Fe.
The front grille is sharp and modern, and while it’s a big departure from the outgoing model, I don’t hate it. I actually think it works especially now that we’ve all had time to adjust to Hyundai’s newer design direction.
First Row
Interior: A Surprising Step Back in Design
This is where I struggled the most with the redesign.
Hyundai has always been known for beautiful, well-thought-out interiors, and this one feels… very different. The overall look is much more simplistic, almost to a fault.
- Door panels are padded leather with very little contrast
- No wood trim
- Minimal design elements
- Large, basic door handles
For a Calligraphy trim, it feels surprisingly plain. I genuinely preferred the warmth and visual interest of the outgoing Palisade interior.
Hyundai also removed the traditional logo and replaced it with four dots (representing “H” in Morse code). I’ll be honest — this one feels unnecessary and confusing.
Center Console & Storage: A Major Miss
One of my favorite features in the previous Palisade was the open center storage area — the perfect place for a phone, keys, lip gloss, or extra cups.
That space is gone.
In its place:
- A wireless charger
- A few small ledges that don’t actually hold much
- A much smaller center console
As a mom, this is a big deal. Everyday storage matters, and this redesign feels like a step backward in usability.
They did attempt a “purse bridge” concept, but it’s small and not especially practical in a vehicle this size.
Tech & Features: Still Very Strong
Despite my design frustrations, the Palisade still delivers on tech and comfort:
- Built-in dash cam (a very cool addition)
- Heated, ventilated and massaging front seats (trim specific)
- Intuitive Hyundai infotainment system
- Physical climate controls (thank you, Hyundai)
I do wish the touch controls had some sort of vibration feedback, but overall, Hyundai’s infotainment remains one of the easiest to use in the industry.
Second Row
Second Row: Spacious and Much More Versatile
At the time of filming, only captain’s chairs were available — no bench seat yet.
Second-row legroom is excellent, even with the front seat set for me at about 6 feet tall. Car seat installs are easier than before, thanks to some big hardware upgrades:
Car Seat Hardware Improvements
- 4 sets of lower anchors (up from 3)
- 5 tether anchors (up from 4)
- Lower anchors are well-exposed and easy to access
Hyundai also added a car seat tilt feature, allowing access to the third row with a car seat installed. While useful in theory, the power operation is slow, and combined with the new “relaxation mode,” it feels overcomplicated.
Important Safety Note
The relaxation mode is not safe for driving. The owner’s manual clearly states not to drive with seats reclined in this mode, as seat belts cannot function properly. I personally recommend choosing a trim without these power second-row features.
Third Row
Third Row: The Biggest Improvement
This is where Hyundai really won me back.
The 2026 Palisade now offers:
- Lower anchors and tether anchors in both third-row seating positions
- Much better flexibility for forward-facing car seats and latch-equipped boosters
While Hyundai still advertises this as a seven-passenger SUV, let’s be honest:
This is a six-passenger vehicle, and that’s okay. The middle third-row seat is extremely small and not practical for real people.
That said, for six passengers, it’s excellent.
Third-row highlights include:
- Heated seats
- Charging ports
- Ceiling vents
- Seats on tracks, allowing extra legroom when needed
It’s rare to see this level of comfort and adjustability in a third row, and older kids or adults will appreciate it.
Trunk
In the trunk, Hyundai did a great job clearly labeling tether anchors — a small detail that makes a big difference.
One feature I really like is the ability to slide the third row forward from the trunk, gaining about 6 inches of cargo space without folding seats down. This adds flexibility while maintaining safety.
Safety
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