2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy is a terrific SUV. It's loaded with features and technology. If you are looking for a quiet and smooth driving vehicle, this is the one for you. When I am driving it on the interstate it's so smooth and quiet that if you aren't careful you'll be driving 85-90 without even realizing it because you don't feel the speed. The shifts are so smooth that unless you get into the gas you'll barely feel them. Power is smooth and linear, but don't expect it to handle like a sports car. This is a 5000 lb vehicle, but it stays fairly composed on winding roads. I love on a ridge with switchbacks and tons of major curves and it handles them just fine. I've never had difficulty passing anything on the road or interstate, but a rocket it's not. I will say that it's better than V6 and much another.
The exterior is sharp and sophisticated, but that's my opinion. Design elements work for me and flow nicely. The interior is great with lots of storage and door pockets that hold bigger water bottles than 16 or 20 ounce bottles. The floating center console has a storage cubby under it for a purse or a small bag. The cup holders are nice size and convenient to reach. There is a phone charger in the console, and 2 USB C charger ports for up to 100 watts, but that is split between how many devices are plugged in The cup holders in the 2nd and 3rd doors have a slot to slide your phone in them. The second row also has a roof control panel for controlling the heated and ventilated seats as well as the temperature for that zone. There's a large panoramic roof over the second row, and the air vents are in the roof and can swivel, turn, or close to your preference. There are two USB C chargers in the front seats for those in the second row up to 100 watts. There is even a drawer that pops out of the center console for the people in the 2nd row.
There's also retractable sun shades for the 2nd row windows. Also I'm the back of the console is a regular 120V plug for use.
The front and second row captains charges are very comfortable, and have tons of adjustments by buttons. The front row will last back and lounge like you're in a space shift including calf support, but only when you are parked. The front driver's seat also has their ergo-motion massage that will work even when you driving. You can set the intensity and the area you want with a push of a button.
I have the AWD because I live on the ridge, which affects the MPH. Currently I average about 26 MPH and a range of about 475 miles with a 17.7 gallon tank. I must say, I'm a little disappointed by it. If it's like my Santa Fe it will get better as I put more mileage on it.
The infotainment system is terrific, large, and easy to read. The sound system by Bose sounds great and has good bass and clarity. There are also buttons and knobs, and a separate capacitive touch screen for climate and seat controls. You can even switch to the back to control that one including those seats too.
There is a switch panel in the back that has one button control to lay down or raise all seats, or 2nd or 3rd row seats only. The area behind the 3rd isn't huge, but it's adequate. The 3rd row seats are heated and power sliding out reclining. The 3rd row will be okay for adults in a pinch or short trips, but better for children. The 2nd row seats will move fore and aft to give more legroom for 3rd row or more for the 2nd
The HUD system is great and displays a lot of information so you can keep your eyes on the road more. The driver's aid systems are not intrusive, but the lane keeping assistance tends to ping pong in the lane just enough to bother me. The adaptive cruise works well, but it feels like it waits too long to slow down when it comes on a stoppage or major slowdown.
All in all I love my Palisade and would recommend to anyone that has a lot of boxes to check. It's not perfect, but it's really good and nearly luxury quality.
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Verified Owner
