The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is now available in Australia, but the new-generation large SUV is initially being offered only in a single flagship variant priced significantly higher than the model range it replaces ($66,800-$81,719 before on-road costs).
Priced from $89,900 plus on-roads, the all-new Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid is powered by a new dual-motor petrol-electric system based around a turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engine, which offers greater performance than the outgoing 3.8-litre petrol V6 – and better fuel economy than the previous 2.2-litre turbo-diesel.
The new hybrid powertrain sends 245kW of power and 460Nm of torque to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, returns combined fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km and offers a 2000kg braked towing capacity.
However, those wanting Hyundai’s new hybrid flagship SUV will pay $8181 more than the previous-generation diesel-powered Palisade Calligraphy range-topper, unless they wait for cheaper variants to arrive on sale.
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While the diesel and V6 petrol engines are believed to have been axed, official certification documents reveal there could be more affordable variants of the Palisade available down the track, including both hybrid and non-hybrid versions of the 2.5-litre engine and front-wheel drive model grades.
However, only owners of hybrid variants will benefit from vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capabilities – allowing the vehicle to charge or power household electric devices and tools – while a new Stay Mode uses the car’s hybrid battery to power the infotainment and climate control systems when the engine is off.
The new Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid comes as standard in an eight-seat configuration, but buyers wanting captain’s chairs in the second row can opt for a seven-seat layout for an additional $1000.
With the ability to tilt backwards by 16 degrees, the heated and powered second-row Relaxation Comfort Seats can also tilt forward to allow passengers to easily access the third row.
Third-row occupants also benefit from powered seats with outboard heating and reclining functions, while also having the ability to slide forwards or backwards to maximise legroom or luggage space. Auto-folding head restraints are also standard.
Up at the front of the Palisade is a double-widescreen display consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment hub, while the driver also gains a 12-inch head-up display.
As the flagship variant, the Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid features a 14-speaker Bose premium sound system.
There’s also a wireless charging pad for smartphones up front, and a total of six 100-Watt USB-C ports – and one charging/data USB-C port – throughout the cabin.
For an additional $295, buyers can choose from dark charcoal, brown, dark navy, and light grey interior colour options, while premium exterior paint costs $750 more.
Along with eight airbags, Hyundai’s Smartsense safety suite gains a driver monitoring camera, and an updated version of the company’s semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist.
The new Palisade adopts a bolder design, including a futuristic front-end with daytime running lights, plus tail-lights that echo the ‘stacked’ headlight look up front.
A set of machine-finished 21-inch alloy wheels is standard.
As with all Hyundai models, the Palisade comes standard with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, and the ability to extend that to seven years if the vehicle is exclusively serviced at Hyundai dealerships.
The Korean automaker also provides an eight-year/160,000km warranty for the hybrid battery.
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