Great vehicle, but drivetrain lag and slow low-gear hurtsresponse
I genuinely like my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid HTRAC from Hyundai Motor Company. It is exceptionally quiet, very comfortable, and impressively smooth for a three-row SUV. The ride quality feels premium, the cabin materials in the Calligraphy trim are excellent, all three rows are truly usable, and the technology and camera systems are strong. Overall, it delivers a refined, luxury-leaning driving experience and very good everyday comfort for family and long trips. This is our third Palisade and so far it's been the best for travels on the highway.
My biggest concern is the drivetrain. Throttle response is slow when quick power is needed, especially during merges or sudden acceleration, and the transmission sometimes hesitates and hunts for the right gear at low speeds. The hybrid power transitions can also be felt more than expected. In addition, the driver eye-monitoring system is overly intrusive and should offer a proper, permanent way to disable it.
Other notable drawbacks include a very serious parts-supply issue (I waited over a month for a replacement Pirelli tire after a puncture), an inefficient center console with missed storage and layout opportunities, occasional infotainment lag, overly sensitive driver-assist alerts, real-world fuel economy that does not always meet expectations, and limited availability of trim-specific parts and accessories. The Palisade is an excellent, quiet, and comfortable vehicle, but improving drivetrain responsiveness, interior space usage, driver-monitoring controls, and parts availability would significantly improve the ownership experience.
Verified Owner
