The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Grows Up And Goes Premium

Six years ago, Hyundai came out with an excellent recipe for a three-row SUV. The Palisade was spacious, well-priced, had good tech, and rode well. Hyundai made various updates to the Palisade throughout its first generation, including the introduction of the XRT off-road trim and a high-end Palisade Calligraphy trim. They could have played it safe with the second generation, but as we saw with the Santa Fe, Hyundai enjoys pushing the boundaries. This time around, the Palisade has gotten bigger and bolder, although it does mimic a certain British SUV. Still, the 2026 Palisade’s updated design and more luxurious interior push it closer to Genesis than to Hyundai. Hyundai also introduced a hybrid version of the Palisade in late 2025, while retaining a smaller V6 engine compared to the previous generation.

Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy All-New New Look

One of the biggest changes to the second-generation Palisade Calligraphy is its new, blocky exterior. The blunt front end is dominated by a large grille segmented into five rectangles, along with stacked LED DRL lights that taper at the bottom. Smaller lights sit between the grille and the DRLs. Active grille shutters feature additional metallic accents, while the rest of the vehicle is adorned with various silver trim elements. This tester was painted in Galaxy Maroon Pearl and rode on 21-inch multi-spoke wheels. As the Calligraphy model, this Palisade featured body-colored wheel arches, whereas other trim levels use black wheel arch trim.
At the rear, “Palisade” is spelled out beneath the Hyundai logo, and the taillights echo the design of the headlights. Since this is an AWD vehicle, a small HTRAC logo is also present. The tailgate is power-operated, and the cargo area includes buttons to electrically fold and move both the second and third-row seats, even simultaneously. As mentioned, the exterior design does resemble a Range Rover, but it remains handsome and brash.

Inside The Palisade Calligraphy

Step inside, and the brown interior with black accents gives the cabin an upscale feel. Palisade Calligraphy models come with Nappa leather seats that are heated and ventilated in the front row. Drivers also get semi-massaging Ergo-Motion seats, which help on longer commutes. These seats feature a relaxation mode that positions them for maximum comfort. While that function may not be used often, it’s a welcome addition.

In front of the driver is a multifunction steering wheel featuring four dots representing the letter “H,” along with paddle shifters. Hyundai places its column-mounted shifter far enough from the driver to make it easy to use without contacting your leg, though the placement of the start button requires reaching around the steering wheel to activate it. All controls and handles feel high-quality. Ahead of the driver are dual 12.3-inch displays. While the driver’s display offers limited customization, the infotainment screen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Calligraphy models also feature a large head-up display that is bright and useful when keeping your eyes on the road.

One of the interior design themes is ovals, which appear throughout the cabin. The main oval on the dashboard houses buttons and switches along the sides for drive modes, the 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and quick-access functions such as navigation and media. Below that are two climate control knobs, along with haptic buttons for climate settings, heated and ventilated seats, and the heated steering wheel. This model also included a built-in dash cam and a digital rearview mirror.

The floating center console houses a wireless charger, cupholders, three USB-C ports, and a UVC light cleaner used to disinfect items stored inside. While the front row has a sunroof, rear passengers benefit from a panoramic sunroof. The second-row captain’s chairs are heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable, with retractable sunshades adding an extra touch of luxury. There is ample space for second-row occupants, along with USB-C ports integrated into the backs of the front seats. Seat and climate controls are mounted on the roof, which may be slightly challenging for younger passengers to reach. A power outlet is located on the rear of the center console.

Access to the third row is provided by a button on the second-row seats that electrically moves them forward. The three-passenger third row is also power-operated, though it is better suited for children or shorter trips. The egg-shaped key fob offers features such as remote start and a Smart Park function that can move the Palisade forward and backward. A 14-speaker Bose sound system delivers excellent audio with strong bass and crisp treble. With its expansive glass area and generous space, the Palisade is thoroughly impressive. It offers excellent technology for its price point, but its interior design truly sits at the top of its class.

Palisade Calligraphy Power And Performance

Under the hood of the new Palisade Calligraphy is a smaller 3.5-liter V6 producing 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine is both smaller and less powerful than the first-generation V6. Both the previous- and current-generation Palisade use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Because this vehicle is also roughly 300 pounds heavier than its predecessor, the 0–60 mph sprint stretches to a slightly lethargic 8.0 seconds.

The driving experience is more sedate than before, though it is also more comfortable and quieter. Overall driving dynamics lean toward relaxation rather than sportiness, especially for the driver, thanks to the Ergo-Motion massaging seat. There are four drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and a customizable mode. I primarily drove in Normal, as Eco felt too sluggish and Sport noticeably hurt fuel economy. The V6’s modest performance and 20 mpg fuel economy naturally point toward the hybrid alternative. That turbo-four hybrid produces more power while delivering over 10 mpg better efficiency, though it does cost a few thousand dollars more.

A Value In The Luxury SUV Segment?

As for pricing, a base 2026 Palisade SE FWD starts at $41,000, while this top-spec Palisade Calligraphy AWD comes in at $58,000. If a V6 is more appealing than the hybrid, the recommended trim is the $47,000 SEL Premium, which includes heated and ventilated seats along with a 360-degree camera. For more power and better fuel economy, the $49,000 SEL Premium hybrid offers similar equipment. Among all the trims and powertrain options, my pick would be the hybrid in SEL Premium form. Hyundai did an excellent job with the first-generation Palisade and has successfully moved it further upmarket with the second generation.