Is the 2026 Palisade XRT Pro Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know

2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro

Looking for a three-row SUV that can fit the family and handle a trail? The 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro wants to be your answer. This off-road-focused trim brings rugged styling, trail-ready features, and a whole new personality to Hyundai’s flagship SUV.

But does the capability match the aggressive looks? I recently had the opportunity to hit the trail in California, thanks to Hyundai, and put this new XRT Pro to the test.

Highs

✅ All-new rugged styling with real off-road upgrades

✅ 8.4 inches of ground clearance and terrain modes for mild off-roading

✅ Spacious, family-friendly cabin with legit comfort features

✅ 3.5L V6 with improved horsepower & torque over the outgoing model

Lows

👎 Cameras shut off at low speeds; too cautious for real-world off-road use

👎 No factory skid plates or underbody protection

👎 Vent controls and drive buttons are oddly placed for trail use

👎 New V6 still isn’t a powerhouse; hybrid might be the better play

First Impressions

The 2026 Palisade XRT Pro doesn’t just look tougher; it is tougher. Hyundai redesigned the whole Palisade lineup with a longer wheelbase, boxier stance, and updated proportions, but the XRT Pro goes a step further. This model rides higher, features off-road bumpers for better approach and departure angles, comes equipped with the all-important red recovery points, 18-inch alloys wrapped in Continental Cross Contact all-terrains, and enough black cladding to prove to anyone that you are serious about venturing off the beaten path.

XRT is not new to Palisade; we tested a 2024 model, but this XRT Pro is a first for Hyundai. While XRT emphasized appearance over capability, Pro means the inverse. Hyundai wants its new XRT Pro line of vehicles to stand for capability first and foremost.

3.5L V6

Powertrain: A V6 That Stays Old School

While most other automakers are ditching cylinders, Hyundai doubled down on a tried-and-true V6. Under the hood is a new-for-Palisade 3.5L V6, not a carryover of their old 3.8L, producing 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It sends power to all four wheels through Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD and an 8-speed automatic (no overheating DCT here).

The outgoing 3.8L V6 was fine, but this new engine felt a touch more eager on our short trail test loop, though still not thrilling. Don't worry; Hyundai's got a 329-hp hybrid version coming soon, but we have yet to drive it. That might be the one to wait for; Hyundai expects to have them on dealer lots by the end of the year.

Off-Road Capability: XRT Pro Gets Dirty

The Palisade XRT Pro is Hyundai’s most off-road-ready SUV to date. It comes with terrain modes for sand, mud, and snow, plus hill descent control and an electronic limited-slip differential. On Hyundai’s curated course in California, the Palisade proved itself capable, though not hardcore.

This isn’t a rock crawler. It’s a soft-roader that can handle trails, campsites, and gravel roads with confidence. Just don’t expect underbody armor or crawl ratios. The extra ground clearance and improved approach/departure angles help, but serious off-roaders will want aftermarket support.

When asked, Hyundai did admit that underbody protection is not a standard feature of XRT Pro, but mentioned that they are still exploring the idea of making it a dealer add-on option.

Hyundai also showed off its new camera system for hitting the trail. At speeds below 6 mph, the forward ground view feature, exclusive to XRT Pro, uses the forward-facing camera and onboard computer to simulate an invisible hood, allowing the driver to better see what is in front of and potentially underneath the Palisade. I will say, this is a huge step in the right direction as the Santa Cruz XRT was previously the only XRT model in the lineup with anything more than the federally-mandated backup camera, but Hyundai still has some work to do. The lawyers need to allow the engineers more freedom to explore features like this and allow the cameras to stay on as long as the driver needs them. In my time behind the wheel, I was always going JUST too fast for the cameras to work, meaning they cut off right as I looked down at the screen.

One other new feature for XRT Pro is real-time pitch & roll, compass, and elevation displays. These are always fun for me to see quantifiably how much work the SUV and I are doing.

Interior: Flagship Comfort, No Sacrifices

Unlike the last-gen XRT, the XRT Pro doesn’t feel stripped down. Hyundai loaded this one up with premium features like ventilated seats, a digital gauge cluster with Hyundai's excellent Blind-View Monitors, tri-zone climate control, and a 14-speaker Bose system. There’s plenty of tech too: 360° cameras, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, 100W USB-C charging points, and clever storage throughout.

Second-row captain’s chairs slide for better third-row access (even with a car seat in place), and all three rows offer decent comfort. Cargo space is solid, though not class-leading, and power-folding second-row buttons in the trunk add convenience.

Driving Impressions: Built for the Road, Capable on the Trail

On gravel, the Palisade XRT Pro rides smoothly thanks to its unibody design. It's not floaty, but it’s forgiving; more crossover than truck. Steering is light (maybe too light off-road), and throttle tuning is smooth enough to manage tricky terrain.

We tackled steep grades, loose gravel, and some moderate articulation. The Palisade handled it all with confidence, but it’s clear Hyundai built this more for weekend warriors than hardcore trail junkies. Think more overlanding than tackling the slick rock of Moab.

With the redesigned Santa Fe XRT, the brand showed that they want to help their consumers make memories by opening up more possibilities due to the size and capabilities of their vehicles, and this Palisade just pushes that mission further.

Final Verdict: XRT Pro is the Real Deal (Mostly)

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro isn’t just about the look; it adds real capability to Hyundai’s already strong three-row SUV. With more clearance, improved off-road dimensions, and smart AWD tuning, it can go farther than most buyers would even dare to venture.

No, it won’t beat a 4Runner off-road. But it rides better, has a nicer interior, and gets the job done for 99% of buyers. Whether you're chasing sunsets or soccer practice, the Palisade XRT Pro gives you rugged versatility without compromising on comfort, which is the biggest selling point for me. I could not reconcile buying an XRT model of the last generation because I felt I would be giving up too many of the interior features I am looking for in my next vehicle. XRT Pro fixes that by blending capability with the most wanted luxuries in the trim lineup.

And with Hyundai’s long warranty and a price that undercuts many rivals with or without a third row, it’s a compelling package for adventurous families of all sizes. The XRT Pro proves you don’t need to sacrifice comfort or style to explore a little further off the beaten path.

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 XRT Pro – 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

• Front and Rear Recovery Points

• Four Drive Modes:

  • Eco

  • Normal

  • Sport

  • My Drive

• Three Terrain Modes:

  • Mud

  • Snow

  • Sand

• Hill Descent Control

• Electronic Limited Slip Differential

• Off-road Dimensions: (vs. All Other Trims)

  • Approach: 20.5º (18.6º)

  • Breakover: 18.3º (N/A)

  • Departure: 22.4º (21.1º)

  • 8.4 Inches of Ground Clearance (7.4)

  • 116.9 in Wheelbase

• 18-inch Dark Alloy Wheels

• 255/60R18 Continental Cross Contact Tires

• H-Tex® Leatherette Seats

• 8-way Power Driver's Seat with 2-way Lumbar

• 8-way Power Front Passenger Seat

• Heated & Ventilated Front Seats

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

• Sliding Second Row Captain’s Chairs with Electric Cargo Area Releases

• 60/40 Split-folding Third Row Bench Seat with Recline

• 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

  • 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 I

  • 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: Creamy White

• Interior Color: Black

• Starting MSRP: $40,430 (FWD SE)

• Price as tested: $50,865 (Includes Destination)