2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD Test Drive Review
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD is a new version of Hyundai's popular three-row SUV, made for people who want comfort for everyday use but also enjoy a more adventurous style. It builds on the Palisade's reputation for big space, smooth ride, and family-friendly features. The XRT PRO adds a stronger look and better all-wheel-drive performance, making it more confident on different types of roads. This model is perfect for those who love weekend trips, changing weather, and staying active, without losing the premium feel you expect from a modern large SUV.
Hyundai sees the Palisade XRT PRO AWD as a good choice between luxury models and typical off-road vehicles. Instead of being focused on extreme off-road conditions, it is made for real-life situations. This means it works well for daily driving, long trips on the highway, and light outdoor activities. Small design changes and useful improvements show its capability, while the overall design stays friendly for both families and busy professionals. As the competition in the three-row SUV market gets tougher, buyers are looking for more than just room inside. They want a car that can handle different weather, has smart technology, and feels built to last for an active lifestyle. The 2026 Palisade XRT PRO AWD tries to meet these needs by combining a tough-looking style with the smooth driving experience that the Palisade is known for.
Exterior Design and Styling
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD has a more eye-catching look than the regular model, but it still keeps the smooth and stylish feel that the Palisade is known for. Hyundai made small but meaningful changes to the design, showing strength and confidence instead of going over the top. This makes the SUV look good for going on trips and also works well for everyday driving and more formal situations.
At the front, the grille is more bold, which gives the car a stronger look on the road. Darker trim and a deeper front bumper add some contrast and make the car look more rugged. The lights are still clean and modern, so the Palisade stays up-to-date and feels fancy even with its tough look. On the sides, the XRT PRO version has special wheels and tiny badges that show it has all-wheel drive. The wheel areas have extra coverings that make the car look adventurous and also protect it when driving on rough roads. The roof rails are included as standard, which makes the car look ready for outdoor activities and gives more space for carrying gear.
At the back, the design stays balanced and thoughtful. Dark accents and a simple tailgate keep the look consistent, and the overall shape gives a sense of width and stability. The Palisade’s square but elegant shape is still there, which helps it look powerful and also gives a lot of room inside.
Interior Design and Comfort
Step inside the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD, and you're greeted with a feeling of space, calm, and smart design. Even though the car looks tough on the outside, the inside feels cozy and refined. It’s great for families, long road trips, and everyday driving. Hyundai has done a good job of making the inside both strong and high quality, so it looks welcoming and can handle regular use.
The dashboard is simple and up-to-date, with buttons and switches that are easy to reach and see. The surfaces feel soft and well-made, giving the cabin a nice, polished look. Some small details, like the stitching and dark accents, show off the XRT PRO’s adventurous style. The design stays clean and uncluttered, which helps keep the driver focused and makes the cabin feel more open and airy. The seats are a big plus for the Palisade XRT PRO AWD. The front seats offer good support for long drives, with soft padding and a shape that fits your body well. The second row gives plenty of room for legs and head, so both and kids can sit comfortably. The third row is still useful for daily use, giving enough space for longer trips rather than just short ones.
The car also does a good job of keeping noise out. Sounds from the road and outside aren’t too loud, so you can have clear conversations and enjoy your music even when driving at high speeds. This quiet environment adds to the car’s relaxed feel, making it a great choice for long trips. Storage and practicality are also important. There are many little spaces, cup holders, and pockets in the cabin for keeping your things organized. When it comes to carrying things in the back, the Palisade XRT PRO AWD has flexible options. The seats fold down easily, making it simple to fit bigger items like luggage, gear, or supplies for daily runs.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD focuses on technology that makes driving more convenient, safer, and enjoyable. Instead of overwhelming the driver with complicated systems, Hyundai uses features that are easy to use and really helpful in everyday driving situations. This makes the Palisade feel up-to-date while still being simple to live with.
At the heart of the cabin is a large infotainment screen that acts as the main control center for navigation, entertainment, and car settings. The interface is clean and easy to use, with menus that make it simple to find what you need. The touch screen works well, and the system responds quickly, which helps avoid frustration during regular use or long trips. The digital dashboard also improves the driving experience. The screen in front of the driver shows important information in a clear and customizable way. It displays details like speed, navigation directions, and alerts from safety systems, which are easy to read without taking too much attention. This helps drivers stay informed and feel more confident and calm behind the wheel.
Connectivity is another strong point of the Palisade XRT PRO AWD. It connects easily with smartphones, letting drivers make calls, send messages, and play music without being distracted. There are also several charging outlets around the cabin, so everyone can keep their devices charged, which is especially useful for families and long road trips. The sound system improves the comfort inside the car, giving clear and consistent audio quality from all seating positions. Whether listening to music, podcasts, or voice guidance, the system works well, adding to the overall sense of comfort and quality inside the cabin.
In addition, Hyundai includes technology that makes driving more convenient than just for entertainment. Features like voice control, helpful navigation, and the ability to customize car settings allow drivers to personalize their experience. These features work together smoothly, helping to keep the Palisade as a user-friendly and well-equipped SUV.
Powertrain and AWD Capability
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD is built to offer reliable performance that works well in many different driving situations. Instead of focusing on making the vehicle too powerful, Hyundai focuses on delivering smooth power, dependable performance, and a feeling of confidence when driving. This makes the Palisade XRT PRO AWD feel balanced and easy to handle, which is especially useful for a three-row SUV that’s meant for everyday use.
Inside the car, the powertrain gives strong and steady acceleration for driving in city traffic and on highways. The throttle response is well-controlled, letting the car start smoothly from a stop and keep a steady speed during long trips. The transmission works quietly in the background, shifting smoothly to help keep the ride comfortable and fuel-efficient, rather than focusing on making the car go faster. The all-wheel-drive system is one of the key features of the XRT PRO trim. It automatically sends power to both the front and rear wheels depending on the road conditions, helping to improve traction when the road gets slick or bumpy. In rainy weather, light snow, or on gravel roads, the system adds a noticeable level of stability, helping the driver feel more in control without needing to make constant adjustments.
The car also has different driving modes that help it adapt to various environments and driving styles. These modes let the driver change how the car responds to the throttle and how much grip it has, making the SUV feel composed during regular commutes and more confident during trips to the countryside or in changing weather. While the Palisade XRT PRO AWD isn’t made for serious off-road driving, it handles situations that most drivers face on a regular basis. It can easily deal with uneven roads, dirt paths, and gentle hills, making it a good choice for weekend trips and outdoor adventures. The suspension setup works well with the AWD system, offering a comfortable ride while still giving the driver enough control to manage less predictable surfaces.
Test Drive Experience
When you get behind the wheel of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD, you feel like it's calm, in control, and perfect for daily use. Even though it's a big vehicle with a tough-looking design, it’s actually very easy to drive. You quickly get a sense of confidence as you start to move around. Hyundai made this car with comfort in mind, whether you're a seasoned SUV driver or someone switching from a smaller car.
In the city, the Palisade XRT PRO AWD moves through traffic smoothly. The steering is light enough for tight turns and parking, but still firm enough to feel stable when you're going faster. You have great visibility from the driver's seat because of the high seating position and good mirrors. These things help make daily driving less stressful, especially when you're stuck in busy city traffic. On the highway, the Palisade really shines as a long drive vehicle. The ride stays smooth and steady, even when the road isn't perfect. There's not much wind or road noise coming into the cabin, so it feels quiet and comfortable. When you need to merge or pass another car, the engine responds smoothly without any sudden or uncomfortable jumps in power.
The suspension is set up to balance comfort and control well. It absorbs bumps, rough patches, and uneven roads, keeping everyone inside the car comfortable, even in the back seats. At the same time, the car feels stable when going around corners, without too much movement from side to side, which makes it feel more secure. If you drive on less predictable roads like gravel or uneven paths, the all-wheel-drive system gives you extra confidence. It keeps the car steady and moving forward smoothly without any problems. While it's not built for extreme off-road conditions, it's still powerful enough for trips to the countryside, campgrounds, and other places with changing weather or road conditions.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety is a top priority in the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD, making it a reliable option for families and everyday drivers. Hyundai adds a wide range of driver assistance technologies to help the driver stay safe without taking over the driving. These tools work together to keep the driver aware, reduce tiredness, and help avoid common driving problems.
Most of these safety tools work quietly in the background, offering help without being too noticeable. They keep an eye on the traffic around the car, letting the driver know about possible dangers, especially in crowded city areas or on highways. The alerts are clear and happen at the right time, helping the driver stay calm and ready to act if needed. On highways, special features make driving less stressful by helping the car stay in its lane and keep a steady speed. These tools take some of the pressure off the driver, especially during long drives, by making gentle adjustments and keeping a steady pace. This leads to a smoother, more controlled drive that helps the driver stay focused, whether it's in heavy traffic or on a long trip.
Parking and moving slowly around the car is also easier with smart safety tools. Sensors and cameras give better views around the vehicle, which is helpful because the Palisade is a big car. These features help drivers handle tight spots, crowded parking lots, and busy neighborhood streets with more confidence. The car's structure is also built to protect the people inside in case of a crash. It has a strong body frame that works with modern safety belts and carefully designed areas that bend during a collision. This makes the SUV a solid choice for keeping everyone safe.
Ownership Experience and Practicality
Living with the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD shows why it’s a great all-around and reliable SUV. It’s not just about the striking look and how it handles on the road—it’s also built to fit easily into daily life. Hyundai focuses on making the Palisade easy to own, which makes it a smart choice for families, busy professionals, and drivers who need one car that can do many jobs.
One of the best things about the Palisade is how simple it is to use every day. The inside is laid out in a way that’s easy to understand, and the controls are straightforward to use. Features like big doors that open wide and a comfortable seat height make it easy for people of all ages to get in and out. These little touches really help, especially when you’re running errands or traveling a lot.
Even though it’s a big three-row SUV, the Palisade XRT PRO AWD is designed to use fuel efficiently. This helps keep running costs in check while still offering good performance. Whether you’re driving to work or going on a long trip, you won’t have to worry too much about stopping frequently for gas. The Palisade also makes owning a car easier in the long run. Hyundai is known for making dependable cars that are built to last. Regular maintenance is simple, and the way the car is designed means it can handle daily use without needing extra work. This gives owners peace of mind over time.
In terms of space, the Palisade is very practical. With all the seats in place, there’s enough room for groceries, luggage, or sports gear. When you fold down the back seats, you get a large, flat area in the back for even more storage. This extra space is especially useful for families, road trips, and outdoor adventures.
How It Compares to Rivals
When compared to other three-row SUVs in its category, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD holds its own by offering a good mix of comfort, technology, and versatility. The competition includes cars from both well-known and newer brands, each with their own strengths in certain areas. What makes the Palisade stand out is its balanced approach — it's a vehicle that can handle daily driving well while also giving drivers confidence on different kinds of roads.
One big plus of the Palisade XRT PRO AWD is how comfortable it is to ride. Many other cars focus on making the handling sportier or the performance more aggressive, which can make the ride less comfortable for long trips. The Palisade, on the other hand, is smoother and more balanced, which makes it a great choice for families or anyone who drives a lot on highways or rough roads. This focus on comfort helps passengers feel relaxed during long drives, whether it's for work or a weekend outing.
The interior space and design also help the Palisade stand out. While some competitors offer enough room in the first and second rows, they might not give enough space for the third row. The Palisade's cabin is designed with thoughtful space for all seating positions, ensuring everyone, whether or child, can travel without feeling crowded. The car also has practical storage options and makes it easy to load and unload cargo, which makes it useful for everyday use.
In terms of technology, the Palisade is also competitive. While other cars may offer similar features, Hyundai makes sure these features are easy to use and work well together. The infotainment system is simple to operate, fast, and organized, which helps keep drivers focused and satisfied. Along with safety and convenience features that help with driving, the Palisade offers a modern, easy-to-use digital experience. While some other SUVs go for fancy designs or extreme off-road abilities, the Palisade XRT PRO AWD keeps things more practical. Its all-wheel-drive system gives better traction when needed but doesn’t try to match the off-road skills of vehicles made for tough terrain. Instead, it performs well in everyday conditions like wet roads, light gravel, or gentle hills — the kinds of situations most drivers face regularly.
Who Should Buy the 2026 Palisade XRT PRO AWD?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO AWD is a great option for people and families looking for a versatile SUV that offers plenty of space, comfort, and everyday use. Its design and features make it especially appealing to those who want a car that is both practical and refined. Families will like the Palisade XRT PRO AWD because it has lots of room for passengers in three rows. This means everyone, whether a grown-up or a kid, can ride comfortably, whether it's for a quick trip or a long road trip. Plus, the car has useful storage options and enough cargo space to carry everything from sports equipment to groceries, making daily tasks easier and more efficient.
Drivers who deal with tough weather or rough roads will find the all-wheel-drive system really helpful. Even though it’s not built for serious off-road driving, it still gives extra confidence in wet, snowy, or gravel conditions — situations many people face. This makes the SUV a good choice for those who live in places with changing seasons or drive on rural roads. The Palisade XRT PRO AWD also fits well for people who like technology and safety features. It has a range of driver assistance tools and an easy-to-use infotainment system that helps make driving smoother and more informed. These features help reduce stress during long trips or busy commutes, leading to a more enjoyable driving experience.
For those who enjoy weekend getaways — like visiting parks, beaches, or the countryside — the Palisade’s comfortable ride and strong, stylish look give a sense of being ready for the adventure without the need for more extreme off-road vehicles. Its balanced performance works well in cities, on highways, and for outdoor trips. Additionally, those who like getting good value for their money in a full-size SUV will find that the Palisade XRT PRO AWD includes a lot of features without needing extra upgrades or expensive packages. This mix of comfort, ability, and smart design makes it a great choice for buyers who want a reliable car that can handle different kinds of lives.
