Doing great, could do better
I absolutely love my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid AWD. It's a beautiful vehicle, inside and out, and the Robust Emerald Green color is simply stunning. The interior is luxurious, the ride is smooth and quiet, the hybrid powertrain is impressive, and the technology makes driving a real pleasure. Hyundai has done an outstanding job creating a vehicle that competes with luxury brands costing considerably more.
But here's where I struggle. This vehicle is so close to being exceptional that its shortcomings are even more frustrating.
My biggest disappointment is the lane assistance system. For a vehicle this sophisticated, the lane-centering performance is surprisingly weak and inconsistent. I expected a system that confidently and smoothly helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane. Instead, it often feels like the technology isn't living up to the capabilities of the rest of the vehicle.
There are also little opportunities to improve the software, customization, and overall integration of the technology. Nothing that ruins the experience, but enough to make me wonder why Hyundai didn't go just a little further.
I genuinely enjoy driving this Palisade and would absolutely recommend it. However, when a manufacturer gets so many things right, the things it doesn't get right become much more noticeable.
Four stars for an outstanding SUV. The fifth star is waiting for Hyundai to make its technology as exceptional as the vehicle itself.
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