2026 Hyundai Palisade Preview: Squarer Design Revealed

Key Highlights

• The 2026 Hyundai Palisade features a squarer shape, larger footprint, and updated design elements inspired by the Ioniq 9 EV.

• Two-tone leather upholstery, high-quality materials, and an elegant dashboard design with modern features.

• High-definition digital displays, a slick infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and extensive safety tech, including Level 2 ADAS.

• A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 277 hp and 422 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

• The 2026 Palisade is likely to arrive in the UAE by the first half of 2026, with prices starting from AED 140,000-150,000.

The first-generation Palisade debuted in 2020, alongside its Kia Telluride sibling. Hyundai has now revealed the second-generation model in South Korea. The 2026 Palisade will feature a new platform and powertrain, offering numerous updates inside and out.

It promises to deliver a more premium version of Hyundai's flagship SUV. While it's still a while before it reaches the UAE, the 2026 Palisade has already sparked significant interest. What’s all the excitement about?

Exterior

The most noticeable difference between the current Palisade and its successor is the new 2026 model's squarer shape, giving it a larger and more imposing presence. The design also seems to draw some inspiration from the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 9 EV.

The 2026 Palisade features a bold, chiseled body with a larger footprint, measuring over 5 meters in length, 1.8 meters in height, and a 2.97-meter wheelbase. Alloy wheels up to 21 inches enhance its confident look. The upright front and slightly angular rear are complemented by a raked windscreen and sloped roofline, adding to its stylish appearance.

Other notable details include satin roof rails that blend into the D-pillars, sleek LED lights, and rectangular fenders. The rectangular LED headlights, DRLs, taillights, and front grille perfectly align with the SUV's strong yet refined design.

Interior

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade boasts a refined and upscale interior, particularly in the top-tier Calligraphy variant, which features a two-tone design with cozy caramel leather upholstery. Piano black and metallic accents add elegance, and the overall plastic quality is generally impressive.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade features a high dashboard that gracefully slopes down on the passenger side. Stylish elliptical AC vents and circular door handles enhance its appeal. The large, plush two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel adds to the premium feel, and most touchpoints exude quality.

Unlike many modern vehicles, the Palisade retains physical buttons for the infotainment system and HVAC controls, with touch-sensitive buttons for the latter. The wide center console includes cupholders, a wireless charger, USB ports, and a storage compartment. The shift-by-wire gear selector may look unconventional but is easy to operate.

Comfortable, well-sized seats provide ample comfort, especially in the 7-seater configuration. The Korean market also offers a 9-seater version, where the center armrest doubles as an additional seat when lifted. There are plenty of storage pockets across all three rows, plus a spacious boot, especially when the third-row seats are folded down.

Rear seat passengers can enjoy added comfort with dedicated AC vents, cupholders, USB charging ports, and possibly window shades. The split-folding rear seats provide flexibility for carrying larger items, while the panoramic sunroof enhances the cabin's airy and spacious feel.

Features

Hyundai is renowned for equipping its new cars with a wealth of features, and the flagship Palisade is no exception. It comes with a hands-free tailgate, automatic LED headlights, surround-view cameras, multi-zone climate control, LED ambient lighting, powered and climate-controlled front seats with memory, and a premium Bose sound system.

The Korea-spec 2026 Palisade features a high-definition digital driver’s display and an advanced touchscreen infotainment system, likely supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety technology is expected to be comprehensive, with Level 2 ADAS including adaptive cruise control, emergency braking with collision detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Standard equipment will include multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX anchors, and parking sensors. Depending on the market, a head-up display may also be offered.

Powertrain and performance

In the Korean market, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is equipped with a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing approximately 277 hp and 422 Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which can be controlled via steering-mounted paddle shifters. The vehicle will primarily feature a front-wheel-drive layout, with an all-wheel-drive option available in select markets.

Expected launch

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is expected to debut in the UAE in the first half of 2026, with the entry-level FWD variant likely priced between AED 140,000-150,000. In the meantime, explore the Hyundai Santa Fe and read a detailed review of the Hyundai Creta here.

Verdict

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade brings a bold new design, premium features, and advanced technology to Hyundai's flagship SUV lineup. With a squarer, more imposing shape, a luxurious interior, and powerful new powertrain options, it promises to be a standout model in the midsize SUV segment. Its expected launch in the UAE in 2026 is highly anticipated, offering a premium, high-tech, and comfortable option for those seeking versatility, performance, and modern convenience in their vehicles.

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