2026 Palisade Trim Comparisons

What's actually new for 2026

This isn't a refresh — it's a full redesign, the first ground-up Palisade since the nameplate launched. The styling is squarer and more upright, which sounds like a small thing until you're loading a stroller or a third row of kids and realize the door openings and headroom are genuinely bigger. The biggest mechanical news is the new XRT Pro, Hyundai's first off-road-focused Palisade: standard HTRAC all-wheel drive with an electronic limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires, an extra inch of ground clearance, front and rear recovery hooks, and a tow hitch built in rather than bolted on later. Hyundai also introduced a separate Palisade Hybrid lineup alongside the gas trims this year — a different powertrain, different pricing, and a different set of trim names, covered elsewhere and not part of this guide. On the gas side, every trim keeps the same 287-hp V6, so the climb up the trim ladder is genuinely about comfort and equipment, not power.

Seven trims, one engine

Every gas Palisade — from the $38,935 SE to the $54,060 Calligraphy — runs the identical 3.5-liter V6 making 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard on every trim except the XRT Pro, which comes AWD-only with the electronic limited-slip differential as part of its off-road mission; HTRAC all-wheel drive is a roughly $2,000 option on the other six trims.

• SE — from $38,935. The full V6, three rows, and the complete SmartSense Safety Suite at the entry price — the only trim with a 2nd-row bench for eight-passenger seating.
• SEL — from $41,440. Adds a power driver's seat, leatherette trim, 2nd-row captain's chairs, a hands-free smart liftgate, and heated front seats.
• SEL Convenience — from $42,870. Adds a power sunroof, a power passenger seat, Digital Key 2 Premium, and Bose 14-speaker premium audio.
• SEL Premium — from $44,800. Adds a Surround View Monitor, heated and ventilated front and 2nd-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and memory settings.
• XRT Pro — $49,370, AWD only. Hyundai's first off-road Palisade: all-terrain tires, extra clearance, recovery hooks, a standard tow hitch, and a built-in dashcam.
• Limited — from $49,270. Leather seating, 20-inch wheels, a dual-panel sunroof, a Head-Up Display, and heated seats in all three rows.
• Calligraphy — from $54,060. Nappa leather, 21-inch wheels, relaxation seating front and 2nd row, and the flagship cabin.

All seven prices exclude the $1,495 destination charge and any taxes, tag, or dealer fees — the pricing & leasing guide walks through what a Polk County purchase actually adds on top.

Space that works for a Central Florida family

Every gas Palisade carries the same interior and cargo dimensions regardless of trim: 86.7 cubic feet behind the front seats, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 19.1 cubic feet behind the third — enough for a Publix run without folding anything down, or the whole family's gear for a weekend up at one of Polk County's lakes. Three-zone automatic climate control with second-row vents and controls is standard from the SE up, which matters in a Florida summer more than most options on the sheet. Towing runs 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes across the gas lineup, which covers a fair number of the boats that get trailered to Lake Hollingsworth or down to the Kissimmee chain on a Saturday morning.

What Lakeland drivers say about it

Lakeland Hyundai's Google reviews run heavy with Palisade buyers, and a few of the comments capture the appeal better than a spec sheet does. Chantelle K. wrote about a 2026 Palisade purchase with her family: "My family and I had a great experience purchasing our 2026 Palisade at the Lakeland Hyundai store. I'm beyond satisfied with the service I received and my new car. Carlos M, our sales associate, got us a great deal and was pleasant and professional throughout." Elaine L., on her third purchase from the store, put it simply: "We didn't feel any pressure during the process. I highly recommend going to Lakeland Hyundai and asking for Carlos. My Palisade is beautiful." Carlos Maysonet, Tom Wolf, Johan Llanes, and Shaun Dotting — the staff named most often in Palisade reviews — all appear on the dealership's current sales roster.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any issues with the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?

Nothing has been flagged specific to this all-new generation. The 2026 Palisade is a ground-up redesign — a different platform, body, and interior than the previous generation — so issues reported on older Palisades don't necessarily carry forward. As with any new model year, the fullest picture comes after a year or two of ownership data.

Which Palisade trim offers the best value?

The SE and SEL get every buyer the full V6, three rows, and the complete safety suite without paying for leather or a sunroof. The XRT Pro is the pick for anyone who tows or wants extra ground clearance. The Limited and Calligraphy lean into leather, wheels, and cabin tech for buyers who want the top of the range.

What's the difference between the Palisade Limited and Calligraphy?

Both get leather seating, heated seats in all three rows, and a Head-Up Display. The Calligraphy adds Nappa leather, 21-inch wheels (versus 20-inch on Limited), front and 2nd-row relaxation seat modes, an Ergo-Motion driver's seat with leg-cushion extension, and a full-display digital rearview mirror — roughly a $4,790 step up. The Limited and Calligraphy guides break down the full list.

Is the Palisade a three-row SUV?

Yes, standard on every gas trim — eight-passenger seating on the SE (the only trim with a 2nd-row bench), seven-passenger captain's-chair seating on every trim above it.

Where can I see the 2026 Palisade in Lakeland?

Lakeland Hyundai keeps the lineup on the lot at 1500 West Memorial Blvd; current Palisade inventory is posted here, and the sales team can pull a specific trim or color if it's not sitting on the lot that day.

The bottom line

The 2026 Palisade doesn't ask a Lakeland family to pay more for the engine, the safety tech, or the three rows — those come standard at $38,935. What the trim ladder sells is comfort and capability, and Lakeland Hyundai's Guest Promise of transparent pricing means finding out what that actually costs shouldn't take all afternoon.