2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy stands as a premium offering in the full-size SUV segment, combining luxury, practicality, and advanced technology. As the top-tier trim of the Palisade lineup, it aims to compete with established rivals such as the Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, and Toyota Highlander. With its spacious interior and robust feature set, the Palisade Calligraphy is designed to cater to families and individuals seeking comfort and versatility.
What’s New
- Updated exterior styling with a more refined front grille and LED lighting elements.
- Enhanced interior materials for a more luxurious feel.
- Introduction of new technology features, including an upgraded infotainment system.
- Improved sound insulation for a quieter cabin experience.
- New safety features added to the standard suite.
What We Think
The updates for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy enhance its appeal in a competitive market. The refined exterior design and luxurious interior materials elevate its status among rivals. Strengths include ample passenger space, advanced technology integration, and a comprehensive safety suite. However, some may find the engine performance slightly underwhelming compared to competitors like the Ford Explorer. Overall, the Palisade Calligraphy remains a strong contender in the full-size SUV category.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2026 Palisade Calligraphy is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to either the front wheels or an optional all-wheel-drive system. The SUV accelerates from 0-60 mph in approximately 7.5 seconds, showcasing respectable performance for its class. Estimated fuel economy figures stand at 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive models, while all-wheel-drive variants achieve slightly lower numbers.
Engine Options
The Palisade Calligraphy offers a single engine option:
- 3.8-liter V6:
- Horsepower: 291 hp
- Torque: 262 lb-ft
- Fuel Economy: Up to 19/26 mpg (city/highway)
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy comes equipped with an extensive array of safety features:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Optional Highway Driving Assist for hands-free driving on compatible roads
Interior, Cargo Space, and Dimensions
The interior of the Palisade Calligraphy is designed for comfort and convenience:
- 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:
- 12-inch touchscreen display with navigation capabilities.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
- Premium audio system with multiple speakers for enhanced sound quality.
- Head-Up Display (HUD) for essential driving information.
- Surround-view monitor for improved visibility during parking.
- 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 $46,000 – Luxury features included.
- Palisade Calligraphy: Starting at $50,000 – Top-tier trim with premium amenities.
- Spacious interior with ample legroom across all three rows.
- User-friendly infotainment system with modern connectivity options.
- A comprehensive suite of safety features as standard.
- Sleek exterior design that stands out in its class.
- Lack of a more powerful engine option compared to some competitors.
- Cargo space behind third row could be larger.
- Slightly higher starting price than some rivals in the segment.
Technology and Infotainment
The technology suite in the Palisade Calligraphy is robust:
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is available in several trims:
Pros and Cons
- Pros: