2026 Hyundai Palisade Review

The headline story for the new model year  is the introduction of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid in Avondale. This sophisticated system combines a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors integrated into a six-speed automatic transmission. The result is an estimated 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque—representing the most powerful Palisade ever while targeting highway fuel economy exceeding 30 MPG.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid in Avondale targets an impressive 620-mile driving range, reducing the frequency of fuel stops during long Arizona road trips.

A favorite with consumers, Hyundai continues to offer the 3.5-liter V6 engine. It produces 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, slightly down from the previous generation but engineered for improved efficiency and refinement. 

Towing capacity remains robust with the V6 engine rated for up to 5,000 pounds, while the hybrid system can handle 4,000 pounds—sufficient for most recreational trailers, boats, or utility needs. The auto-leveling rear suspension automatically adjusts to maintain consistent ride height when carrying heavy loads, ensuring stable handling and optimal headlight aim regardless of cargo configuration.

The 2026 Palisade in Avondale AZ embraces a dramatically bolder aesthetic that commands attention on Arizona roads. Hyundai has completely reimagined the SUV's proportions, stretching the wheelbase by 2.7 inches and adding 2.5 inches to the overall length while maintaining the vehicle's commanding presence. The front fascia features Hyundai's signature vertical design theme, now expressed through an innovative stack of illuminated rectangular daytime running lights that create a striking visual signature both day and night.

The new multi-slate grille dominates the front end, flanked by sophisticated four-tier lighting elements that utilize powerful LED technology. When the lights are off, these panels display an elegant painted silver finish, creating a premium appearance that rivals luxury competitors. The overall design draws inspiration from modern luxury SUVs while maintaining Hyundai's distinctive character, with boxier lines and enhanced proportions that give the Palisade a more substantial road presence.

The side profile reveals refined details including raised roof rails and available 21-inch wheels that enhance the authentic SUV character. Hyundai has shortened the front overhang by 1.6 inches, shifting the proportions rearward for a more balanced stance. The rear design mirrors the front's sophisticated lighting theme with vertically stacked taillights arranged in six rectangular clusters, creating a cohesive design language throughout the vehicle.

Step inside the 2026 Palisade in Avondale AZ and you'll immediately notice Hyundai's "Premium Living Space" design philosophy at work. The interior represents a complete transformation from the previous generation, with soft, rounded shapes throughout the cabin designed to create a relaxing oasis for busy families. Designers eliminated harsh 90-degree angles and created a more organic, welcoming environment that feels more like a luxury lounge than a traditional SUV interior.

A beam-style dashboard design wears a protective brow that shades the dual 12.3-inch displays—one serving as the digital instrument cluster and the other as the central infotainment touchscreen. Following the successful design from the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the center console is separated from the dashboard, creating valuable storage space for purses, backpacks, or other personal items within easy reach of the driver.

Seating comfort reaches new heights with available premium Nappa leather upholstery and Ergo-motion driver's seat with massage functionality. The front seats offer available ventilation—a crucial feature for Arizona's intense summers. Second-row passengers can also enjoy ventilated seating, ensuring everyone stays comfortable regardless of the outside temperature. Innovative motorized second-row seats can be adjusted for optimal comfort and easy third-row access.

The third row, historically a weak point in many three-row SUVs, receives significant attention in the 2026 Palisade. Hyundai has improved space considerably, with even six-foot passengers finding reasonable comfort. The third row includes its own USB ports, cupholders, and dedicated ceiling-mounted air vents to ensure passengers don't feel forgotten in the back.

For Arizona buyers, the 2026 Palisade's climate control capabilities represent one of its most important features. The SUV comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control that allows front passengers to set individual temperature preferences. Higher trim levels add rear HVAC controls, ensuring passengers in all three rows can maintain their preferred comfort level even during those scorching summer drives across the Valley.

Available ventilated front seats utilize advanced cooling technology that actively circulates air through perforated leather surfaces. Unlike basic ventilated seats that simply blow cabin air, the Palisade's system works in conjunction with the air conditioning to provide genuinely cool airflow that can make the difference between comfort and misery during Arizona summers. Second-row captain's chairs also offer ventilation, meaning families can keep cool throughout the cabin.

The climate control system includes smart features that work seamlessly with Hyundai's BlueLink connected services. Through the smartphone app, owners can remotely start the vehicle and pre-cool the cabin before stepping outside—an essential feature when your SUV has been parked in the Arizona sun all day. Extremely advanced, the system can automatically adjust settings based on exterior temperature sensors and sun load detection.

Third-row Hyundai Palisade passengers benefit from dedicated air vents and individual climate controls, a feature often overlooked in competing vehicles. This attention to detail ensures that every passenger enjoys consistent temperature control, regardless of seating position. The system's efficiency is enhanced by improved insulation and window treatments that help maintain cabin temperature even in extreme heat.

The 2026 Palisade in Avondale embraces cutting-edge technology while maintaining user-friendly interfaces that don't overwhelm drivers and passengers. The standard 12.3-inch curved display seamlessly integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment system, providing crystal-clear graphics and intuitive navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration without the need for cables.

Hyundai's Digital Key 2.0 Premium allows owners to unlock and start their Palisade using their smartphone or compatible smartwatch. This feature proves particularly valuable for Arizona families, allowing them to share access with family members or service providers without exchanging physical keys. The technology integrates with Hyundai Pay, enabling contactless payment for parking and fuel directly through the vehicle.

The available 14-speaker Bose premium audio system transforms the cabin into a concert hall, while the 15-watt wireless charging pad includes an integrated cooling fan to prevent overheating—a terrific idea for Arizona's extreme temperatures. A two-camera security system automatically records events ranging from panic stops to bumps while parked, with footage viewable on the center screen or retrievable via the included MicroSD card.

Advanced safety technology goes beyond basic collision avoidance with features like Advanced Rear Occupant Alert, which uses a cabin-mounted camera to detect movement in rear seats. If children or pets are accidentally left behind, the system will honk the horn and send alerts to the owner's smartphone—potentially life-saving technology in Arizona's extreme heat.

For Arizona families who venture beyond paved roads, the 2026 Palisade XRT Pro is an awesome off-road adventurer. Unlike the previous XRT appearance-focused approach, the XRT Pro adds genuine functional improvements that enhance capability on trails leading to Arizona's spectacular outdoor destinations.

The Palisade XRT Pro in Avondale AZ claims an additional inch of ground clearance, along with improved approach, departure, and breakover angles. Specialized all-terrain tires provide enhanced grip on varied surfaces while maintaining on-road comfort. 

Dedicated driving modes for Mud, Sand, and Snow conditions automatically adjusts throttle response, transmission behavior, and stability systems for optimal performance. Hill descent control provides confident handling on steep grades, particularly valuable when exploring Arizona's mountainous regions.

Interior features include unique dark trim elements, synthetic leather upholstery designed for durability, and XRT Pro badging that distinguishes this variant from standard models. Despite enhanced capability, Palisade XRT Pro models maintain all the comfort and convenience features expected in a premium family SUV, including heated and ventilated seats, premium audio, and advanced climate control.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid in Avondale represents a significant evolution in three-row SUV design, combining premium luxury features with the practical capability Arizona families demand. Its advanced climate control systems, including ventilated seating throughout the cabin and remote pre-cooling capabilities, address the unique challenges of desert living while maintaining the comfort and convenience expected in a flagship SUV.

For Arizona buyers specifically, the Palisade's focus on climate comfort, remote connectivity, and all-weather capability creates a vehicle perfectly suited to the Southwest lifestyle. The Palisade hybrid powertrain's exceptional range reduces fuel stops during long desert drives, while the comprehensive safety suite provides peace of mind for families exploring everything from urban environments to remote outdoor destinations. 

When the 2026 Palisade arrives at Earnhardt Hyundai in Avondale this summer, it promises to set a new standard for what Arizona families can expect from their three-row SUV. Schedule a test drive and find out which trim level matches your family’s needs.