2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Review -- Is Spending More Worth It?

Friend of the site Robin Warner has a video review of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid for your perusal.

Go ahead and click below to see if the Palisade Hybrid is worth the extra money over the ICE model.

Views on Vehicles focuses on new car reviews and news, presented by Robin Warner, a perennial car nut. The reason for the channel's focus becomes crystal clear when you look at Robin's experience. He spent five years of his adult life as an engineer: four years in traction and stability control calibration, and little over a year in vehicle dynamics. He also spent 15 years of his adult life as an editor at various magazines, including stints at Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Autoweek.

The TTAC Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from all corners of the car world, including culture, dealerships, collections, modified builds and more.

For those who would rather read words than watch video, a transcript, cleaned up by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.

[Image: Robin Warner/YouTube screenshot]

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Transcript:

This is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. It introduces a new powertrain for the second generation of Hyundai’s three-row crossover SUV, the brand’s largest offering.

Regular viewers will notice right away that I’m not on my usual route or even in my usual state. I’m a guest of Hyundai in Texas to try out this new hybrid powertrain, and I’m not alone. Riding with me is Larry Printz, an experienced automotive journalist and a good friend. Larry, you drove this SUV first. What do you think so far?

Larry:

It lives up to its name. It’s an enclosure meant for safety—an enclosure for up to eight people. You don’t see iron railings or anything like that, but it does have all the safety features you’d expect. And these seats are really comfortable. If you’re schlepping kids, parents, or whoever, this is a great space to do it in.

To get the most comfortable seats, you do need the top Calligraphy trim, which is what we’re driving. That’s the highest of four trims: SE, SEL Premium, Limited, and Calligraphy.

Larry:

And you’ll need to sign a fairly large check to afford it.

Fair enough. Calligraphy seems like an appropriate name.

This is a slightly different kind of review. I recently drove the V6-powered Palisade and liked it quite a bit. This review focuses mainly on the powertrain, since that’s what’s new here. The question is simple: does the new hybrid powertrain make the Palisade better?

Pricing and Trim Overview

The base price for the Palisade Hybrid SE with front-wheel drive isn’t much higher than the standard internal combustion version. All four trims are available with all-wheel drive. If you opt for the top Calligraphy trim, the price increases significantly. Our test vehicle also includes optional carpeted floor mats, and I’ll put the final price on screen.

Now let’s pull over and take a closer look at the exterior, interior, and what’s under the hood.

Walkaround

If you’ve seen my V6 Palisade review, this will look very familiar. It’s essentially the same vehicle with a different powertrain. In profile, the Hybrid has identical dimensions to the V6 version. This one is finished in Galaxy Maroon, which looks nearly black in shade but reveals a deep red-purple hue in direct sunlight.

The Calligraphy trim rides on 21-inch wheels, with matching tire sizes front and rear. At the back, the only obvious difference is the “Hybrid” badge. The HTRAC badge indicates all-wheel drive.

Cargo and Seating

In the cargo area, the Calligraphy trim includes a control panel that allows you to power-fold the seats, move them fore and aft, or fold everything down at once. It’s convenient and well executed.

Accessing the third row from the passenger side is simple. With the push of a button, the second-row seat moves forward and tilts to provide access. The third row can seat three, though the low seat cushions make it better suited for kids. The second row, by contrast, offers ample adult space and features a relaxation mode that reclines the seat and raises the cushion for a lounge-like position.

Once seated, legroom and headroom are generous, even with the panoramic roof. Knee angle stays under 90 degrees, and overall comfort is excellent.

Front Seats and Cabin Features

Up front, the Calligraphy trim includes leather-wrapped door panels, two-position memory seats, and extensive power seat adjustments. The front seats also feature a relaxation mode, complete with extendable thigh support. Napa leather upholstery and Calligraphy embossing complete the look.

The steering wheel has a thick leather rim with cruise controls on the left and media controls on the right. The gear selector and start/stop button are mounted on the steering column. During much of our drive, the engine remained off, with the vehicle operating in EV mode—even in warm conditions.

The cabin features twin 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, along with a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror. Climate controls, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel are located below the screen.

There are three USB-C ports up front, including one 100-watt data port. A UV-C sanitizing tray beneath the dashboard uses ultraviolet light to disinfect small items like smartphones. A wireless charging pad and cupholders round out the center console.

Powertrain and Driving Impressions

The Palisade Hybrid uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine producing 258 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with two electric motors housed within a six-speed automatic transmission.

One motor functions primarily as a starter-generator, while the second, more powerful motor can drive the vehicle on electric power alone. Combined system output is 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. This setup is identical for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions, with a mechanical AWD system.

Larry:

This is a family hauler, so sportiness isn’t really the point. What matters is solid power, comfort, and refinement—and it delivers that.

The hybrid system feels more refined than earlier Hyundai hybrids. Engine transitions are smooth and quiet, and acceleration is noticeably quicker than the V6, thanks to the added torque. Even in Eco mode, throttle response is strong. In Sport mode, kickdown is more aggressive, and the vehicle pulls confidently.

Electric torque plays a big role here. Unlike a gas engine, which builds power gradually, electric motors deliver it instantly. That immediacy makes the Palisade feel more responsive and refined.

Fuel Economy

Efficiency is the other major benefit of the hybrid system. During our drive, we saw around 26 mpg with a heavier right foot. The EPA combined rating for the Calligraphy AWD is 29 mpg, significantly better than the V6. Front-wheel drive versions improve on that even further.

Larry:

For a vehicle this size, those numbers are impressive. This is a very large SUV, and efficiency in the high 20s or low 30s is notable.

The hybrid system is largely invisible in day-to-day driving. Most drivers wouldn’t even realize they’re in a hybrid—other than noticing fewer trips to the gas station.

Acceleration Test

From a standstill, there is a brief delay as the engine restarts, which is typical for hybrids. Once moving, acceleration is strong and well-controlled. The six-speed automatic shifts quickly, and overall performance is better than expected for a vehicle of this size.

This isn’t a performance SUV, but it has more than enough power for merging and passing.

Ride and Comfort

The Palisade Hybrid uses the same chassis as the non-hybrid version, with front struts and a rear multi-link suspension. Ride quality is excellent, with a comfortable balance between compliance and control.

Road and wind noise are well suppressed, even on rough pavement. Hyundai’s attention to cabin insulation is evident, particularly up front.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Palisade Hybrid is a strong addition to the segment. Hyundai has significantly improved its hybrid system, delivering more power, better efficiency, and a refined driving experience. The only real downside is cost, though the fuel savings may offset that over time.

The 1.6 kWh lithium-ion battery provides ample electric assist, enhancing both performance and efficiency.

Larry:

It’s very competitive in this segment, and from a styling perspective, it stands out.

I agree. The design is more attractive than the previous generation, and the interior is full of thoughtful details—heated third-row seats, power-folding rows, and clever features like the UV sanitizing tray.

This is a well-rounded three-row crossover that should absolutely be on your shortlist if you’re shopping in this segment.

I’m Robin Warner. Thanks for watching.