Has Hyundai’s New Flagship Earned Its Time in the Spotlight? Full 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Review

2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD in Robust Emerald

We were invited by Hyundai out to Sonoma in California to test out their latest flagship vehicle, the all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade in the top Calligraphy trim. The thing that stood out to me the most: value! Typically, that word carries a negative connotation in the automotive world, like a Texan saying "bless your heart." However, this $57,000 luxury three-row crossover could easily be priced at $80,000 and still have me thinking it is a good bargain.

Highs

✅ Classy, squared-off design with real presence on the road

✅ Supremely quiet cabin with luxury-tier comfort and space

✅ Tons of tech, including 360 cameras, relaxation seats, and a UV-cleaning console

✅ Power everything: seats, tailgate, third row, you name it

Lows

👎 New 3.5L V6 is fine... but still feels a bit underpowered for the size

👎 Frequently-used buttons are oddly placed and hard to reach

👎 Power seat folding is slow and clunky when you're in a rush

👎 Materials could be softer in a few cabin areas

First Impressions: Bold, Boxy, & Big 

The Palisade has always been a solid choice in the midsize SUV segment, but let’s be honest, it’s lived in the shadow of its Kia sibling, the Telluride, since their introduction almost a decade ago. Not anymore! The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD is here to step out and shine, bringing bold new styling, upgraded comfort, and real premium vibes, all while keeping the price in check.

Hyundai didn’t just facelift the Palisade; they redesigned it with attitude. The 2nd-generation Palisade rocks a new square-jawed design, a wider stance, and a premium light signature front and rear. From the satin C-pillar to the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels wrapped in quiet Pirelli Scorpion tires, it looks every bit the luxury ride it’s gunning to be.

Under the Hood: Slightly Smaller, Still Strong

Gone is the 3.8L V6. In its place, a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 making 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough for a 5,000-pound tow rating, especially with the new factory-integrated hitch, a Hyundai first. Power is routed through an 8-speed auto to all four wheels via HTRAC AWD.

Performance is smooth and reliable, though not groundbreaking. Many reviewers (myself included) noted it could use just a touch more grunt, especially loaded up with people and cargo. A more powerful hybrid is coming, but for now, the V6 gets the job done, even if it doesn’t thrill.

Ride and Handling: Comfort First

This Palisade is tuned for smoothness, not sport. And it nails that mission. With its load-leveling rear suspension, double-paned glass, and solid insulation throughout, the Calligraphy quietly glides over bumps and carves through curves without ever feeling barge-like. Steering is light, body roll is minimal, and overall ride quality is premium.

It even handled a short off-road section without breaking a sweat, credit to the AWD system and 21-inch tires. No, it’s not a rock crawler, but it’s more than capable of getting you to the campsite or hauling your trailer with confidence.

Interior: Premium Without Pretension

Step inside and you’re met with brown Nappa leather, backlit IONIQ-style door pulls, twin 12.3-inch displays, and a cabin design that feels more Scandinavian furniture than family SUV. It’s genuinely upscale without trying too hard. It is interesting how Hyundai so elegantly pulls off a soft and curvaceous interior on a vehicle with such a boxy exterior style.

The seats are a highlight: heated, ventilated, and equipped with driver's seat Ergo Motion massage and relaxation mode in all four captain’s chairs. The third row even power slides and reclines, a rare luxury in this class. Tri-zone climate control, 100W USB-C ports galore, built-in sunshades, and a fixed rear glass roof add even more creature comforts.

Cabin tech is impressive: wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a UV-cleaning center console, full 360º cameras, HUD, built-in dash cams front and rear, and a rearview camera mirror are all here. Some buttons (like hill descent and camera toggles) are awkwardly placed, but otherwise, it’s intuitive and feature-rich.

Final Verdict: Quietly Confident Luxury

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD isn’t simply a reinterpretation of the first generation it is replacing. Instead, it take the brand's flagship in a bold new design direction while it delivers quiet, confident luxury in a spacious, tech-packed package. It’s not the fastest SUV in its class, but it might be the most comfortable and serene.

And with a sub-$60K price tag, a long warranty, and real-world usability, it offers an excellent alternative to more expensive luxury brands.

It’s the kind of SUV that doesn’t need to shout to be noticed; it simply does everything well. If you value comfort, tech, and presence over outright speed, this might be your perfect daily driver.

Would you rather watch this review? Check out our YouTube channel GT: Garage Talk for more reviews, laughs, and family-tested car content.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD – Key Specs

• 3.5L GDI DOHC V6 Engine

  • 287 Horsepower

  • 260 lb-ft of Torque

    • Outgoing V6: 3.8L

      • 291 Horsepower

      • 262 lb-ft of Torque

• 8-speed Automatic Transmission

• HTRAC Active, On-Demand All Wheel Drive

• Four Drive Modes:

  • Eco

  • Normal

  • Sport

  • My Drive

• Three Terrain Modes:

  • Mud

  • Snow

  • Sand

• Hill Descent Control

• 21-inch Multi-spoke Alloy Wheels

• 265/45R21 Pirelli Scorpion MS Tires

• Premium Nappa Leather Seats

• 8-way Power Driver's Seat with 4-way Lumbar & Ergo-Motion

• 8-way Power Front Passenger Seat

• Heated & Ventilated Front Seats

• Heated, Leather-wrapped, Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel

• Power Sliding Second Row Captain’s Chairs with Electric Cargo Area Releases & Relaxation Mode

• Heated & Ventilated Second Row Seats

• 60/40 Split-folding Power Third Row Bench Seat

• Heated Outboard Rear Seats

• Three-zone Automatic Climate Control

• 12.3-inch Color Driver Information Center

• 12.3-inch Color Infotainment System

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto

• 360º Camera System

• 19.1 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind the Rear Seats

• 46.3 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind the Second Row of Seats

• 86.7 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind the Front Seats

• Qi Wireless Charger

• 14-speaker Bose Premium Audio System with Centerpoint and SoundTrue Enhanced Technology

• Hyundai Safety/SmartSense:

  • Blind-spot Collision Warning

  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist

  • Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist

  • Parking Distance Warning - Forward, Reverse, & Side

  • Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist - Reverse

  • Advanced Rear Occupant Alert (radar type)

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection & Junction Turning

  • Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist 2

  • Driver Attention Warning

  • Forward Attention Warning

  • Safe Exit Assist with Rear Door Indicator

  • Highway Driving Assist II

  • Surround View Monitor

  • Blind-spot View Monitor

  • Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go & Curve Control

  • Smart Cruise Control 2 (w/ Emergency Stop)

  • Intelligent Speed Limit Assist

• Hands-Free Smart Liftgate

• Proximity Key with Push Button Start

• EPA Estimated Fuel Economy 18/24/20 (city/hwy/cmb)

• Regular Unleaded Fuel with a 19-gallon fuel Tank

• Warranty:

  • 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty

  • 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty

  • 7-year/Unlimited-mile Anti-Perforation Warranty

  • 5-year/Unlimited-mile Roadside Assistance

• Exterior Color: Robust Emerald

• Interior Color: Brown

• Starting MSRP: $40,430 (FWD SE)

• Price as tested: $57,555 (Includes Destination)