Hyundai and Kia have a habit of surprising us with design changes when they introduce new-generation models. That's no different with the new Hyundai Palisade, as this large SUV is a striking departure from its predecessor. The flagship of Hyundai's petrol-powered lineup, it has a more boxy look and sits on 21-inch wheels that are likely to be difficult to clean due to the intricate spoke design.
The split lights at the ends of the 2026 Palisade remind us of the pixelated theme used in Hyundai's electric lineup, including the new Ioniq 9. The large rectangles at the front are likely daytime running lights. Between these lights and the large grille are four rectangles that are likely the car's main lights (high and low beams). A narrow LED strip also runs along the top of the grille.
Hyundai says the front end is slightly shorter than before and the wheelbase has been increased, up from 2900mm on the previous model, without giving exact figures. The glass area in the cabin remains generous, and the dual-pane sunroof is likely to be retained on higher-end models. At the rear, the design is cleaner, with the exhaust hidden under the bumper and the wipers tucked under a roof spoiler. Unlike many Hyundais, the taillights, which look a lot like daytime running lights, don't extend over the boot lid. The HTRAC badge has been removed, but all-wheel drive will likely be available for the second-generation Palisade.
Hyundai Palisade 2026 interior design
The cabin has been completely redesigned. Two 12.3-inch screens are located on the dashboard, while a variety of physical buttons are still available. Separate controls for the climate control system, buttons and rotary switches for the multimedia system and shortcuts for some functions are clearly visible. The gearshift has also been moved from the center console to the steering column. The large area between the front seats is designed to be multifunctional, with 100W USB-C charging ports, cup holders and a wireless charging pad. This area can be raised to create a third seat, so that the new Palisade can carry up to nine people. The images show that the South Korean version allows drivers of the nine-seater model to use special bus lanes. The new Palisade removes Hyundai's "H" logo from the steering wheel, replacing it with four dots that represent the letter "H" in Morse code. The steering wheel is similar to the smaller Santa Fe. Elsewhere, the circular door handles are reminiscent of the Chevrolet HHR, and there's soft ambient lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Technical specifications
Technical details haven't been released yet, but reports suggest Hyundai will finally offer a hybrid system for the Palisade. Full details are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
