The 2026 Hyundai Palisade AWD Calligraphy SUV

What is a Palisade? The Palisade is a midsize SUV built in the Ulsan, Korea, assembly plant and sold in North America by Hyundai. The 2026 Palisade is a midsize 3 row SUV that seats up to 8 passengers. It is the largest gas powered SUV offered by Hyundai, and is designed as a family hauler and road trip vehicle.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a completely redesigned top of the line SUV that emphasizes luxury and modern features. The Calligraphy trim adds premium elements like Nappa leather seats, a 14 speaker Bose audio system, 3 zone climate control and various comfort and technology upgrades, such as heated and ventilated seats, a heads up display, and built-in front and rear dash cams.

Some of the key features on the new 2026 Hyundai Palisade AWD Calligraphy SUV are:

Engine: The new 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers 2 power train options with different horsepower and torque figures. The standard 3.5 liter V6 gas engine produces 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the new hybrid version combines a 2.5 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder gas engine with electric motors, for a combined output of 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, and both are paired with an 8 speed automatic transmission.

Drivetrain: All wheel drive (AWD) is standard equipment on the Calligraphy Edition.

Exterior: Features a redesigned, more muscular and boxy exterior, a unique front end with a full width light bar, and a set of 21″ inch black alloy wheels.

Interior: Includes Nappa leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats with a relaxation seat mode for the driver, and heated and ventilated second row seats. The third row features split bench seating and power recline and fold down switches.

Technology: Comes with a navigation system, a Bose premium audio system, and built in dash cams with expandable data storage.

Comfort: Features include a 3 zone climate control, a heated steering wheel and a dual pane glass sunroof.

Safety: Includes Hyundai’s latest advanced driver assist systems, such as automated lane changes, a blind spot monitor and lane departure warning.

Size: The Palisade is in the midsize segment, and due to its 3 row layout and redesign, it now offers a roomier cabin. The 2026 model is slightly longer than the previous generation and provides more passenger and cargo space.

Seating: It is available with a second row bench seat for up to 8 passengers, or dual captain’s chairs in certain trims, which reduces the seating capacity to 7.

Classification: It is classified as a midsize SUV, not a full size SUV.

What to know: The 2026 Palisades model represents a full redesign from the previous generation. The Calligraphy Edition is the most luxurious of the Palisade’s 7 trims, plus a hybrid version of the Palisade is also available.

The seven trims for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade are the: SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, SEL Premium, XRT Pro, Limited, and Calligraphy. There are also hybrid versions of the SEL, SEL Premium, Limited and Calligraphy models. Here is a quick break down of the trims.

SE: The base model with essential features.

SEL: Includes upgrades like a hands free liftgate and heated front seats.

SEL Convenience: Adds more comfort and convenience features, like a power sunroof and second row captain’s chairs.

SEL Premium: Comes with premium amenities like an upgraded audio system and a power tilt and slide sunroof.

XRT Pro: Features rugged, all terrain style, cosmetic upgrades.

Limited: Offers premium features such as a blind spot view monitor and unique wheels.

Calligraphy: This is the top tier trim, which includes luxury appointments like a front relaxation seat with massage, and power reclining second and third row seats.

Prices: The base window sticker price for a 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE is $39,435 for the SE trim with front wheel drive (FWD). The SEL Premium FWD starts at $45,300, while the XRT Pro starts at $49,870, and AWD is included. The upscale Limited Edition starts at $49,770 in FWD, and the top of the line trim model is the Calligraphy, and it starts at $55,065 in FWD, and at $56,060 with AWD. These prices are all plus the delivery fee, taxes, title and license fees, plus any options, minus rebates and discounts.

To showcase this new 2026 model, this week Hyundai sent me a 2026 Palisade SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this Calligraphy AWD edition is $56,060. The only extra cost option on the test SUV is the carpeted floor mats for $245. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), including the $1,495 delivery charge is: $57,800.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to $65,025. At just 25 bucks over $65 Grand, you get a highly optioned, luxury themed, family oriented SUV that gets 18 MPG city, 24 MPG highway and a nice round 20 MPG in overall everyday combined driving.

That’s pretty good for an extremely nice midsize SUV with this level of upscale luxury features, all at a great price. For $65,000, you get 95% of the German brand SUV’s, for nearly $20,000 less. This makes the 2026 Hyundai Palisade AWD Calligraphy Edition a best buy winner in the entire midsize luxury SUV class at this price point.

Here is a quick list of the premium features and luxury appointments that are on a 2026 Hyundai Palisade AWD Calligraphy SUV:

Elevated interior: The highest Calligraphy trim offers a luxurious interior with superb materials and attention to detail, which automotive reviewers have described as, WOW, and with one of the best interiors available in this SUV class.

Advanced climate control: A 3 zone automatic climate control allows for independent temperature settings for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers.

Convenience features: The Calligraphy trim includes family friendly features such as an in-car intercom, Passenger Talk, and a Quiet Mode to mute rear speakers, plus a UV-C sanitizer in the center console.

Premium audio: A 14 speaker premium Bose audio system is standard equipment on the Calligraphy trim.

Advanced safety:

Standard safety suite: The Hyundai SmartSense suite of safety and driver assist features are standard, including automated emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and safe exit warning.

Top safety ratings: The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, positioning it as one of the safest 3 row SUVs for 2026.

Integrated dashcam: The Calligraphy trim includes a front and rear facing dashcam that records and saves footage 24/7.

Value and warranty:

Competitive pricing: The Calligraphy trim offers premium features at a price point that undercuts many luxury competitors.

Industry leading warranty: Hyundai’s 10 year / 100,000 mile powertrain warranty provides superior coverage compared to many rivals, offering a greater peace of mind.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is considered a best buy SUV due to its combination of premium features, advanced safety, and value driven pricing, which are often found in more expensive luxury vehicles. Key features include a spacious and luxurious interior, with high end materials, a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assist technologies, like the SmartSense suite and a dashcam, enhanced convenience options, like the in car intercoms, and a strong and long lasting 10 year and 100,000 mile factory warranty. The Palisade Calligraphy stands out in a very crowded field of midsize SUV’s, and should be on your top 5 to consider list. It is an excellent SUV in all respects.

So, call, click or visit your local Hyundai dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new and updated 2026 Hyundai Palisade AWD Calligraphy SUV. And remember that the base price for a new Palisade starts at only $39,435.

For the 2026 models Hyundai’s primary global vision and guiding principle is, Progress for Humanity, and the all new 2026 Hyundai Palisade SUV is promoted directly with the description and unique taglines of – Bigger, Better, Further and Elevating What’s Next.

The key to life is to learn something new every day, and by reading my Bottom Line review, I hope you did just that, learned about something new and exciting. So, be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Drive safely, have a great day, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net