A new Palisade is on the horizon, and we've already seen it a few times. Hyundai has reportedly prepared its unveiling for sometime next year, and it should start arriving at dealers nationwide for the 2026 model year.
In the meantime, the testing and fine-tuning phase continues, with the Korean brand testing it in different environments worldwide. The model is expected to copy the looks of the smaller Santa Fe, up to a point, and for now, the exterior remains under wraps, with the fake cladding and thick camouflage preventing us from seeing its design traits.
Compared to the outgoing Hyundai Palisade, the new one has a boxier appearance, and it seems that it has a longer wheelbase, which translates to a more spacious interior. The new infotainment system and digital gauge cluster sit behind a single glass pane. Spy shots have also revealed the new steering wheel and other aspects, yet the cockpit was under wraps just like the exterior.
It's been reported that the company's flagship crossover uses a different platform. However, we don't know anything about it for now. Rumor has it that the powertrain family will comprise a different V6, perhaps one with a 3.5-liter displacement. This turbocharged lump might join a partially electrified 2.5L unit. Front-wheel drive will likely be standard, whereas all-wheel drive should be an option.
Photo: SH Proshots
Now, while Hyundai keeps testing and fine-tuning the all-new Palisade, the model has unofficially lost its camouflage a few times so far. The latest encounter with the naked model came from vburlapp on Instagram. The digital illustration was shared on social media a few days ago, and from what we can tell, it tries to stay true to the real thing, albeit with a heavy dose of uncertainty, as no one who is not directly involved in its development knows what it looks like.
In this instance, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade has a straight roofline ending with a discreet spoiler above the angular tailgate. It also features new taillights, and we can see the muscular profile defined by the fat wheel arches. The model has beefy side skirts and hidden door handles, and from what we can see, it is an interesting proposal, so we can only hope that the real one looks at least similar to this rendering.
We should find out if that's indeed the case or not in less than a year. By then, the outgoing one should be in the 2025 model year, with a few insignificant updates and perhaps a special edition sending it off. Its cousin from Kia, the Telluride, should join it around the same time, as there is no reason to believe this model won't get a replacement. So, are you excited about the new Hyundai Palisade?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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