We Love It Despite the New-Gen Growing Pains!
Our 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid: We Love It Despite the New-Gen Growing Pains!
Hyundai nailed the design decisions with this all-new second-generation Palisade—it's bold, premium, and feels like a true step up. We absolutely love this vehicle and wouldn't hesitate to buy it again.
As with most major redesigns, it's not perfect. We went in expecting some teething issues (it's a completely fresh model with a longer wheelbase, updated styling, and the new hybrid powertrain), and we've encountered a few. Thankfully, Hyundai's excellent warranty has us covered, so these haven't been deal-breakers at all. We've noted plenty of minor cons in our daily use, but they don't change our minds—we're still thrilled with the purchase!
That said, I have to admit one change really disappoints me: the climate control system. Our previous Hyundai (a 2016 Genesis) had an amazing setup that quickly and effectively cleared out nasty fast-food odors and kept the cabin fresh. This new one just doesn't perform the same way. I suspect most people never noticed how much effort Hyundai put into that feature before—it probably flew under the radar. It's my biggest gripe so far, and it's the only thing that truly bugs me.
Everything else? Outstanding. The drive is phenomenal—this is one of the quietest rides I've ever experienced, even surpassing my old Genesis. The cabin is serene, with excellent noise insulation that makes highway trips feel luxurious.
The interior design is brilliant: so much glass that it feels like an open-concept home on wheels, flooding the space with light and openness. There's generous room everywhere, especially in the third row—which I've always hated in other SUVs because they're cramped. Not here! The third-row seats recline and even slide back a few inches for extra legroom, making it genuinely comfortable for adults or growing kids. This Palisade was clearly built like a rolling family room, where everyone feels pampered and at ease.
Bottom line: The pros far outweigh the cons. Hyundai has created a spacious, quiet, premium three-row hybrid that's perfect for families. We're loving every mile, and the minor issues feel like small trade-offs for everything they've improved. Highly recommended!
Verified Owner
