By Kimatni D. Rawlins
It’s not an anomaly that half of the members in my sizable family own either a Kia or a Hyundai auto. They were enthused by the clever design ethos, value pricing, and extended warranties. Conversely, both Korean automakers have always aligned themselves with diverse consumer markets. For example, have you seen Hyundai’s “Okay Hyundai” commercials featuring Lil Jon, created to appeal to Black auto buyers, both male and female?
Of course, the maturation of a brand’s product line is the blueprint for keeping auto buyers interested and driven. In that respect, Hyundai has introduced a 2026 iteration of its ultra-popular Palisade, and Kia matches it for the 2027 model year, dubbed the Telluride. Both are full-size SUVs imagined for active families who desire space, technology, fuel efficiency, and tech-savvy innovations.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD
I spent joyful moments in Austin, TX, touring the outskirts of town behind the wheel of an all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy. Fresh off the press from its introduction of the all-gasoline model this summer, Hyundai wasted no time showing off the extended-range hybrid version. Expect up to 35 MPG when planning a family road trip while showcasing your Palisade Hybrid’s updated amenities to fellow travelers.
The three-row Palisade is grander in every aspect than its highly touted predecessor and represents Hyundai’s flagship SUV. It provides passengers with more comfort, a longer driving range of up to 630 miles for the hybrid, and features premier upgrades to the infotainment system, materials, and finishes, as well as the advanced safety systems. Specifically speaking, the Palisade is one of the chief reasons why Hyundai is on pace for five years of sales success, highlighting a pivotal moment for the Korean automaker, as this year marks the 40th anniversary of the first Hyundai sold in the United States.
My upscale, 6-passenger SUV was silky smooth on the road and felt perfectly powered by the 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid engine, which was synergetically balanced by HTRAC AWD. The hybrid powertrain pairs with a paddle-shifting SHIFTRONIC 6-speed automatic transmission. Collectively, the gas and electric motors of the Palisade Hybrid produce 329-horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, which translates well to the pavement.
Hyundai states that the styling and layout of the dashboard, as well as other details, were inspired by the ergonomics of contemporary home furniture. Furthermore, the cabin was pleasantly entertaining. A 14-speaker Bose premium audio system, WiFi hotspot, 12-inch head-up display, and wireless phone charging amplify the technology amenities. A front and rear integrated dashcam system is also at your disposal for safety measures. The new Terrain Modes mechanism is available on all trims and incorporates Mud, Sand, and Snow settings depending on weather and road conditions.
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