2026 Hyundai Palisade UK: Features and Technologies

Exterior Design and Styling

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade presents a redesigned exterior featuring a more robust and angular aesthetic compared to the previous generation. It includes a larger front grille with a distinctive pattern and slimmer LED headlights tailored for improved illumination and a more modern appearance. The body lines are sharper, contributing to a muscular stance typical of premium large SUVs. UK models come with specifications adapted for right-hand drive, including mirror placements and lighting compliance that meet local regulations. Wheel options range from 18-inch to 20-inch alloys, depending on the trim, and the vehicle incorporates aerodynamic elements to reduce drag and enhance fuel efficiency.

Interior Layout and Materials

The cabin of the 2026 Palisade is aimed at spaciousness and comfort, featuring three-row seating that accommodates up to seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration. Materials have been upgraded to include more soft-touch surfaces, with higher trims providing options such as Nappa leather seats and real wood trim accents. Ambient lighting is now adjustable, offering varied colour schemes to suit driver preferences. The dashboard follows a minimalist approach, housing a digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen positioned within easy reach. Ventilation and heating systems are configured to optimise climate control across all seating rows, appropriate for the varied climate of the UK.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Hyundai equips the Palisade with an updated infotainment system featuring a 12.3-inch central touchscreen in higher trims, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The software interface is tailored for the UK market, incorporating detailed UK road mapping, points of interest, and real-time traffic updates through connected services when available. Voice command capabilities support British English. Multiple USB ports and wireless charging pads support device connectivity and convenience. Bluetooth integration allows for hands-free communication and audio streaming.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety is a significant aspect of the 2026 Palisade’s offering. It includes a comprehensive array of driver assistance technologies under Hyundai’s SmartSense package. Key safety features available on UK models encompass forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality suited to motorway driving conditions common in the UK. A head-up display and a 360-degree camera system assist in urban environments and parking. ISOFIX child seat anchors on the second-row seats further support family safety needs.

Powertrain Options and Efficiency

The 2026 Palisade introduces updated powertrains that focus on balancing performance with emissions and fuel efficiency, critical for UK buyers considering taxation and environmental zones. Standard engines include a 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine delivering adequate power for large loads and motorway cruising. Additionally, Hyundai offers a hybrid variant combining a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery, enhancing fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions. This hybrid setup is designed to support UK government targets for lower emissions SUVs. Both petrol and hybrid models are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive options, with front-wheel drive available on base variants. Official fuel consumption figures vary, with hybrid models typically providing lower economy costs in mixed driving conditions.

Practicality and Usability

The Palisade’s interior configuration emphasises versatility, suitable for UK families and those requiring additional passenger or cargo space. The third row is designed for adult passengers on shorter trips and can be folded flat to extend cargo capacity when not in use. The second row offers sliding and reclining functions to ease access and optimise comfort. Rear doors open wide to assist loading child seats and bulky items. The boot space ranges from approximately 600 litres behind the second row to over 2000 litres with both rear rows folded. Additional practical features include multiple storage compartments, rear-seat USB charging points, and optional roof rails for external load carrying.

Adaptations for UK Driving

The 2026 Palisade includes adaptations for UK conditions, including right-hand drive layouts fully compliant with UK regulations on lighting and safety. Suspension tuning considers typical UK road surfaces to balance ride comfort with handling stability. The inclusion of engine start/stop systems and energy recovery in hybrid models contributes to environmental considerations, especially relevant for urban areas with emissions restrictions.

Typical Costs in United Kingdom (2026)

When considering a large SUV such as the Hyundai Palisade in the UK, typical price ranges for 2026 models are as follows: - Basic option: Approximately £38,000 to £42,000 – typically equipped with essential petrol engines and standard equipment suitable for individuals seeking room and safety without advanced features. - Standard option: Around £42,000 to £48,000 – usually includes more advanced safety technology, larger infotainment screens, and optional hybrid powertrains. - Premium option: Typically from £48,000 to £55,000 – features higher-quality interior materials, full hybrid powertrain choices, advanced driver assistance suites, and additional comfort upgrades.

These ranges reflect manufacturer’s suggested retail prices before taxes, vehicle excise duty, and any local fees applicable in the UK.

Summary

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade for the UK market features a significant redesign focused on enhanced styling, improved interior quality, and updated technologies. Its range of powertrains, including hybrid options, addresses evolving environmental priorities. Safety systems are comprehensive, aligning with UK regulatory standards. Overall, the vehicle caters to families and drivers requiring a sizeable, well-equipped SUV suitable for British roads and climate conditions.