2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Review
Introduction
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is a premium trim of the popular full-size SUV, designed to offer a blend of luxury, space, and advanced technology. Positioned as a top contender in the family SUV segment, the Palisade competes with notable rivals such as the Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, and Honda Pilot. With its upscale features and spacious interior, the Palisade Calligraphy aims to attract buyers seeking both comfort and functionality.
What’s New
- Enhanced exterior styling with updated front grille and LED lighting.
- New interior materials and finishes for a more luxurious feel.
- Updated infotainment system with larger touchscreen options.
- Improved driver assistance features including enhanced adaptive cruise control.
- New color options for both exterior and interior.
What We Think
The updates for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy enhance its appeal in a competitive market. The refined exterior design and upgraded interior materials elevate its luxury status, making it a strong contender against rivals. Strengths include its spacious cabin, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features. However, some may find the engine performance slightly underwhelming compared to competitors that offer more powerful options. Overall, the Palisade Calligraphy remains a compelling choice for families seeking a well-rounded SUV.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth shifts. The Palisade features an all-wheel-drive system as an option, enhancing traction in various driving conditions. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 7.0 seconds, which is competitive for its class. Estimated fuel economy figures stand at 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, making it efficient for a full-size SUV.
Engine Options
The sole engine option for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is the 3.8-liter V6. This engine provides a balanced mix of power and efficiency:
- 3.8-liter V6:
- Horsepower: 291 hp
- Torque: 262 lb-ft
- Fuel Economy: 19 city / 26 highway mpg
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The Palisade Calligraphy comes equipped with an array of standard and optional safety systems designed to enhance driver confidence:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Cruise Control with Stop & Go capability
- Available Highway Driving Assist for semi-autonomous driving features
Interior, Cargo Space, and Dimensions
The interior of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is designed with comfort and luxury in mind:
- Passenger Space:
- First Row Legroom: 41.4 inches
- Second Row Legroom: 38.4 inches
- Third Row Legroom: 33.5 inches
- Behind Third Row: 18 cubic feet
- Behind Second Row: 45.8 cubic feet
- Behind First Row: 86.4 cubic feet
- Infotainment System:
- Larger touchscreen options up to 12.3 inches.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
- Bose premium audio system available.
- Navigation system with real-time traffic updates.
- Head-Up Display (HUD) for essential driving information.
- Surround-view camera system for enhanced visibility.
- Palisade SE: Starting at $35,000 – Base model with essential features.
- Palisade SEL: Starting at $39,000 – Adds more convenience features.
- Palisade Limited: Starting at $45,000 – Luxury features including leather upholstery.
- Palisade Calligraphy: Starting at $50,000 – Premium trim with exclusive design elements and advanced technology.
- Sleek exterior design with upscale finishes.
- Spacious interior with ample passenger room.
- User-friendly infotainment system with modern connectivity options.
- A comprehensive suite of safety features.
Compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer, the Palisade offers competitive cargo space but excels in passenger comfort across all three rows.
Technology and Infotainment
The technology suite in the Palisade Calligraphy is impressive:
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is available in several trims, with the Calligraphy being the top-tier option:
Pros and Cons
- Pros: