Car review: Hyundai Palisade

Posted 17 August, 2026 Mark Borlace

Hyundai’s new Palisade is a tour de force of technology, bold design, luxury feel, and refined drive at a price that should have some of the premium brands sweating.

Price

Initially, the Palisade was launched in the top spec Calligraphy, but now there’s a base model available that costs $18,000 less than the high-end option. The cheaper option is also available as an eight-seat or seven-seat configuration, with a choice of eight exterior colours and four interior trims.

We tested the Calligraphy, and it’s a strong contender for a very specific buyer. If you’re one of the rare parents who needs a genuinely large family SUV for growing teenagers and extra luggage – and have the budget for a $100,000 vehicle – then the Palisade is a solid choice.

The first impression is that the Palisade combines luxury and modern design with plush finishes. The twist-action gear selector is mounted on the steering column which also houses the engine start button, freeing up centre console space. Drivers can start the car with the key, via a biometric fingerprint recognition button in the console or from their phone.

There aren’t too many SUVs under $100,000 that are genuinely big enough to accommodate adults in the third row, but passenger space is where the Palisade excels.

Inside

The Palisade is an eight-seater in standard trim, but for a premium of $1000, you lose one of the middle-row seats for a pair of luxurious captain’s chairs.

Even with all rows occupied, there’s plenty of space in the luggage bay because the full-size spare tyre has been slung underneath the vehicle. There are also two 100W USB-C outlets for each row, and tri-zone climate control ensures all occupants remain comfortable. You’ll also find a 240-volt (max 3.6kW) power outlet in the cargo area to charge devices and power household-type appliances.

On the road

The Palisade’s 2.5-litre turbo engine has a small capacity. However, when integrated into the hybrid system’s six-speed transmission – which houses two electric motors and a larger 54kW motor for driving and regenerative braking – it delivers EV-like acceleration and power.

The Aussie Hyundai design team has again done a great job of getting the ride and handling package right for Australian conditions. The quietness in the cabin is achieved using tyres with internal sound deadening, thicker interior carpeting, added soundproofing of the engine bay and acoustic laminated glass.

A combination of hybrid regeneration and a traditional braking system means the brake pedal has a slightly different feel that you need to get used to. And, although the Palisade has all-wheel drive capability with a 187mm ground clearance, it’s really a mud, snow, and sand car only.

Who does it suit?

The Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is a genuine premium large SUV, and given the tech, features, and refinement, anyone in the market for a seven- or eight-seat SUV needs the Calligraphy on their shopping list.