2026 Hyundai Palisade Review
I’ve always said the previous Hyundai Palisade was a major win Hyundai’s family-friendly lineup, and I still stand by that. The outgoing model nailed it with intuitive tech, smart storage, and a super family-friendly layout. It’s one of those SUVs that just makes life easier, especially for families with two kids or those with older kids who can really enjoy the space, comfort, and convenience features.
I was so excited (maybe even a little nervous??) to hear about the 2026 redesign. Early whispers suggested it would address some family-friendly updates, particularly in the second and third rows. Now that I’ve spent time with the all-new 2026 Palisade, I’m ready to share what works, what doesn’t, and whether this new version lives up to the hype for families. There are some fantastic upgrades, but a few changes didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Hey there, I'm Kelly, the Car Mom. If you're new around here, welcome! I'm a mom of four, a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician CPST), and I review cars for moms and families.
If you’re cross-shopping, the Kia Telluride is the Palisade’s closest competitor, and it makes sense why. They share a lot under the hood but have totally different personalities inside. You can check out my full breakdown in Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade to see which one fits your family best.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Highlights
The 2026 Palisade has great upgrades for families. If you’re a family with multiple car seats, these are the features you’ll want to know about first:
Four sets of lower anchors: two in the second row and now both outboard seats in the third row
Five tether anchors: Two in the second row, three in the third row (previously only four)
Car seat tilt on each side: Makes accessing the third row easier (but it’s powered, which isn’t my favorite)
Calligraphy trim price: MSRP starts around $58,000, which is steep but includes all the tech and luxury features
Upcoming hybrid option: Promises 30+ MPG and 300+ horsepower, giving families fuel efficiency without sacrificing power
Exterior upgrades: Bold, futuristic design with sharp body lines and a standout front grille that makes the Palisade look modern and sleek
Interior changes: Simplified design feels less luxurious than the outgoing model, with fewer storage options
Pedestrian Warning Sign: Alerts you to cars or people when backing out, a small feature that could prevent accidents
Relaxation Mode: Seats fully recline for a luxury vibe, but heads up, it’s unsafe to drive with it activated.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s New Exterior
The new 2026 Palisade exterior looks pretty good!
Hyundai leaned into a boxier, more squared-off design, which is right on trend and what I’m personally loving right now. It feels futuristic. The front grill is bold, the body lines are sharper, and the overall shape gives it a more commanding presence on the road compared to previous models.
It still drives like a typical Palisade: comfortable, stable, and easy to maneuver for a midsize SUV.
Overall, the Palisade looks premium and well put together. It has a strong presence on the road while still keeping that clean, family-friendly look.
Upcoming Hybrid Option
One of the most exciting updates on the horizon is the upcoming Palisade hybrid option! It’s not available yet, but based on what we know, it could be a real game-changer for families in the midsize SUV market.
The hybrid promises over 30 miles per gallon while still delivering more than 300 horsepower, which is a rare combination in this segment. I’m especially excited because it gives families a chance to save on fuel without sacrificing power or versatility. I cannot wait!
What’s New On The Inside of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade? Kelly’s Hot Take!
Honestly, the interior was a letdown compared to the outgoing model. Hyundai went more minimal, and they removed a lot of the pretty design details and smart storage I loved.
Design and controls
The door panels and dash are very simple with less contrast and no wood accents
The shifter is now on the steering column and hits my knee
The main screen sits farther back and is curved toward the driver, which makes it feel smaller and harder to see for the passenger
Storage
The large open area between the cup holders is gone
The new narrow ledge does not hold everyday items well
The center console is smaller, and the purse-bridge style space underneath is tight
What still works
Seats feel great: Nappa leather, heated, ventilated, and massaging
Climate controls are pulled out and easy to use
Built-in dash cam is a win
Separate sunroofs for first and rear rows, suede headliner, and a digital rearview camera mirror
I miss the thoughtful storage and the more elevated interior design from the previous model.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Car Seat Setup
Here’s what you get for car seat setup:
Second Row (Captain’s Chairs)
Each seat has its own lower anchors
Each seat has its own tether anchor
Third Row
Lower anchors on both outboard seats
Tether anchors in all three seating positions
This setup gives families plenty of flexibility for installing forward-facing seats or boosters and makes it easier to safely secure multiple car seats without tricky workarounds.
I’ve always appreciated how spacious the Palisade’s second row feels. When I tested the Joie Baseless infant car seat, I had great clearance and lots of room to move around.
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Car Seat Tilt: Why It’s Not As Handy in the Palisade
Hyundai added the car seat tilt, which allows you to access the third row without removing a car seat. This is my FAVORITE family-friendly feature, but here is something to note when it comes to the Palisade
Since the Palisade is only available with captain’s chairs (at this time), car seat tilt doesn’t add much. There’s already a walkway between the two seats, so you don’t really need the tilt feature to reach the third row. It’s much more helpful on a bench seat setup.
It’s powered instead of manual. You have to hold the button while the seat slowly moves forward, and it takes a long time.
Kids can press the button while you’re driving. It’s not ideal when a seat starts moving unexpectedly.
2026 Hyundai Palisade’s Second Row
The second row is something to write home about. The legroom is some of the best in its class. I’m six feet tall, and I’m super comfortable sitting back here, even with the front seat set for another tall adult. The captain’s chairs are wide, supportive, and honestly make the second row feel like a mini limousine.
Here’s what stands out:
Excellent legroom. Plenty of space for adults or teens, even behind a tall driver.
Comfort features. Heated and ventilated seats, sunshades, and ceiling vents keep everyone comfortable.
Premium touches. Each seat has its own sunroof, leather back pockets, and beautifully finished trim that matches the front row.
Smart tech. USB-C ports are built into the seatbacks for easy phone charging, which is so much better than having cords hanging from the floor.
Hyundai also added a new Relaxation Mode that lets the seats fully recline. It sounds great in theory, but it’s not safe to use while driving. The owner’s manual explains that the seat belt can’t stay in the right position if you’re reclined, so it won’t protect you in a crash. It’s fine for parked comfort, but not something you should use on the road.
Third Row Upgrades I’m Excited About
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade technically has three seats in the third row, but let’s be honest, it’s really a six-passenger SUV. The middle seat is so small it’s only realistic for a small child or maybe an American Girl doll.
Hyundai markets this as a seven-passenger SUV, but in reality, it’s much more comfortable as a six-passenger.
That said, the third row still has some impressive updates that make it more usable and comfortable than before.
What’s new and improved:
Better car seat setup: Hyundai added lower anchors and a tether anchor to the passenger-side seat, so you can now install a forward-facing seat on either side. That’s a big win for flexibility.
Booster seat compatibility: The new anchors make it easier to use boosters with LATCH, which keeps them from sliding around or becoming projectiles when not in use.
Comfort upgrades: The third row has ceiling vents, its own charging ports, cup holders, and even heated seats. It feels more premium, especially for older kids.
Adjustable legroom: Both the second and third rows are now on tracks, so you can slide them to balance legroom between passengers. It’s rare to see a third row with that kind of flexibility.
But here’s what still needs work:
The middle seat: It’s not usable. It’s too narrow for adults and doesn’t work well for car seats.
Reduced cargo space: Trunk space is smaller than before, and when you slide the third row back for more legroom, it cuts into storage even more.
Hyundai made some great improvements for families who use the third row often, especially with car seats or older kids, but the layout still feels like a compromise. This is a great six-passenger SUV, just not a true seven-seater.
2026 Hyundai Palisade New Pedestrian Warning Sign
Another new upgrade I’m actually really excited about is the new pedestrian warning sign. If you’re backing out of a parking spot or navigating a busy street, it lets you know when a car, or even a person, is coming. It’s a small feature, but honestly, it could save a lot of stress and prevent accidents.
I love seeing Hyundai think about the real-world stuff families deal with, and I hope more SUVs start adding this.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Trunk and Cargo Space
Cargo space in the 2026 Palisade is slightly reduced compared to the outgoing model, especially when the third row is up. That said, Hyundai added some smart features to make the space more versatile. The third-row seats now slide forward from the trunk, giving you extra room when you don’t have passengers back there.
The 2026 Palisade is Great for Families with 2 Kids.
Though it’s not a perfect car, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade still ranks as one of my top recommendations for families with 2 kids in car seats or with older children. Safety, space, and the improvements in the car-seat-friendly features are what I love most.
That said, the interior redesign is disappointing, and I miss the thoughtful storage, the beautiful trim, and the visibility of the older infotainment system.
If you’re a fan of the outgoing Palisade, this new model may feel like a total shift. The exterior is sharp, the tech is modern, and the car seat upgrades are impressive, but the interior simplicity and some of the new features make it feel like a compromise.
At the end of the day, the 2026 Palisade is still a great pick for families who want space, comfort, and practicality in one package. I just wish Hyundai had kept a little more of that “wow” factor that I loved inside. If you can look past the simpler interior, you’ll still get an SUV that checks almost every box for family life.
Have you driven the 2026 Palisade, or are you thinking about upgrading? I want to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below, and check out my other reviews for family-friendly cars, car seat tips, and SUV comparisons.