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Hyundai Palisade: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row family SUV known for its roomy interior, easygoing comfort, strong safety features, and premium feel without a luxury-brand badge. Recent versions seat seven or eight, and the redesigned 2026 lineup includes gas and hybrid models.
The Palisade has been Hyundai’s flagship three-row SUV since its 2020 debut. Its formula has stayed consistent: generous family space, useful technology, and an upscale cabin designed to make everyday driving easier. The 2023 refresh strengthened its technology and safety focus, while the 2026 redesign added more room, the first Palisade hybrid, and a genuinely more trail-capable XRT PRO.
Strengths
- Its three-row cabin is built for family use, with seating for seven or eight in 2026.
- The interior has consistently aimed for a premium feel without requiring a traditional luxury badge.
- Safety has been central from the start, and Hyundai expanded the standard driver-assistance equipment during the first generation.
- Technology is easy to access across the range, with smartphone integration standard from launch and a 12.3-inch navigation touchscreen standard since 2023.
- The 2026 hybrid is the efficiency-focused version, rated at 29–33 mpg in the city and 30–35 mpg on the highway.
- The 2026 XRT PRO adds real trail-focused equipment rather than relying on rugged-looking trim alone.
Who it's for
The Palisade fits families who regularly carry children, adults, or both and want three usable rows without moving to a traditional luxury brand. It also makes sense for road trips, school runs, and busy daily errands, especially for shoppers who value a comfortable, easy-to-use cabin over a sporty driving experience.
Hyundai Palisade lineup
The SE is the straightforward entry point, while the SEL family occupies the middle of the lineup for shoppers who want to move beyond the base model without jumping to the luxury-focused trims. SEL packaging varies by year, and SEL Premium became its own trim for 2025, so used shoppers should compare equipment carefully. The XRT started in 2023 as a darker, outdoors-themed model; for 2026, the XRT PRO adds meaningful trail hardware such as a lifted suspension, terrain modes, recovery hooks, and a rear limited-slip differential. Limited sits toward the upscale end, while Calligraphy has served as the luxury-focused flagship since 2021; the Night Edition added a darker take on that identity in 2024.
Hyundai Palisade generations
From 2020 to 2026, the Palisade spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2026, following the 1st Generation (2020-2025).
2nd Generation (2026-Present)
The Palisade was fully redesigned with a larger, boxier body and more room for passengers and cargo. This generation introduced a new 3.5-liter V6, the Palisade’s first hybrid powertrain, more safety equipment, and the trail-focused XRT PRO trim.
6 In Stock
2026New generation
Complete redesign with a roomier cabin, new gas V6, first Palisade hybrid, larger technology package, and XRT PRO trim.
1st Generation (2020-2025)
The original Palisade replaced the Santa Fe XL as Hyundai’s three-row flagship SUV, with standard V6 power and seating for seven or eight. A major 2023 refresh brought revised styling, a redesigned dashboard, and a larger standard touchscreen.
480 In Stock
2025Trim changes
SEL Premium became a standalone trim, replacing the former SEL Premium Package. XRT gained added parking and camera equipment.
2024Trim changes
Calligraphy Night Edition joined the lineup with dark exterior and interior trim and standard AWD.
2023Mid-cycle update
Major refresh with revised exterior styling, a redesigned dashboard, a 12.3-inch touchscreen across the lineup, more safety equipment, and the new XRT trim.
2022
More active-safety features became standard across the lineup, including blind-spot and rear cross-traffic intervention.
2021Trim changes
Calligraphy joined as the top trim. LED headlights became standard, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto reached models without navigation.
2020New generation
The all-new Palisade debuted as Hyundai’s three-row flagship SUV, replacing the Santa Fe XL.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Hyundai Palisade.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai Palisade a three-row SUV?
Yes. The Hyundai Palisade is a four-door, three-row SUV designed around passenger space, family comfort, and everyday usability.
Does the Hyundai Palisade seat seven or eight people?
It seats seven or eight, depending on the trim and second-row layout. In the redesigned lineup, the SE has a second-row bench and eight seats, while versions with second-row captain’s chairs seat seven.
Does the Hyundai Palisade come as a hybrid?
Yes, but only from the second generation onward. Palisades from 2020 through 2025 use a gas V6. The redesigned lineup adds a 329-hp turbo-hybrid alongside a 287-hp 3.5-liter V6.
Does the Hyundai Palisade have AWD?
Yes. Palisades are represented with front-wheel drive and AWD, though the exact combination depends on year and trim. The newer XRT PRO uses AWD as standard equipment.
What is the Hyundai Palisade known for?
The Palisade is known for a roomy, comfortable cabin, a usable third row, family-friendly technology, and broad driver-assistance equipment. Its main appeal is an upscale feel without moving to a traditional luxury brand.
Who is the Hyundai Palisade a good fit for?
It is a good fit for families that regularly need three rows, flexible seating for up to eight, and an easy-to-use cabin. Higher trims suit shoppers who also want leather, premium audio, and more comfort features.
How many generations of the Hyundai Palisade are there?
There are two. The first generation covers 2020 through 2025 and received a major refresh for 2023. The second generation begins with 2026, bringing a larger body, more room, a new gas V6, and the Palisade’s first hybrid.
Hyundai Palisade Reviews
What owners are saying about the Hyundai Palisade.
4.3
Hyundai Palisade
(1,480 reviews)
“This feels like a very safe vehicle. I feels like it is an adventure every time I get behind the wheel.”
“it is a great car but mastering the technology is daunting. owners handbook is not easy to read and not up to date. videos on youtube are much better.”
“I think that some features were left out of this car. There should be electronically folding mirrors and an ability for the car to passively lock. I think these features are missing for the price paid. I still find myself leaving the vehicle unlocked because this is a minor feature that should have definitely been included.”
“I would tell them to buy this ride! It has everything and perfect for families! My daughters love it and I'm so proud to drop them off”
“The vehicle is wonderfully constructed and has top-of-the-line features at a great price. The interior is well crafted with the driver and passengers in mind. The 2nd and 3rd row offer great space for all passengers.”
Sources
- hyundainews.com — Releases / 4513
- hyundainews.com — Releases / 4511
- hyundainews.com — Releases / 4428
- hyundainews.com — Models / Hyundai Palisade 2025 Palisade
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Palisade / Compare Specs
- hyundainews.com — Releases / 4427
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Palisade / Se
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Palisade / Limited
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Palisade / Sel
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Palisade / Sel Premium
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Palisade / Xrt
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Palisade / Calligraphy