The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is one of the newest models to debut by Hyundai Motors & Investments Ghana Limited. It arrives with a clear goal to reshape what families and drivers expect from a full-size SUV. This is not just an upgraded version of the old Palisade. It is a step forward in design, performance, convenience, and safety.
The new Palisade comes in two trims tailored to different needs. The Special Edition offers eight seats and covers the essentials of comfort, performance, and safety. It is well-suited for larger families who want a reliable SUV with modern features but without the need for full luxury finishes.
For those looking for a luxurious experience, the Calligraphy trim provides with such an optimal choice, offering seven seats, higher-quality materials, and exclusive interior finishes.
The CALLIGRAPHY Trim announces its presence with an exterior that radiates confidence and sophistication. The front fascia has been completely redesigned, featuring a large rectangular grille that dominates the view. A unique horizontal light band runs across this grille, while stacked vertical LED daytime running lights create a distinctive signature that emphasizes the SUV’s impressive width.
The grille integrates active airflow shutters that boost aerodynamic efficiency, proving that form and function can coexist beautifully. The front overhang has been reduced while the hood extends longer, creating a sportier and more sculpted appearance that moves away from the traditional boxy SUV look.
Both trims share the same engine and fundamental performance features, ensuring no compromise on power regardless of choice.
In terms of length, the 2026 model is longer than its 2024 predecessor. This increase serves a dual purpose. It enhances the vehicle’s visual stance while creating more room inside for passengers and luggage. The large 21-inch wheels fill out muscular wheel arches, reinforcing the Palisade’s rugged yet upscale character.
At the rear, the design philosophy continues with a squared-off greenhouse and wide vertical taillights that look like the front lighting arrangement. A high-mounted stop light spans the width of the back, improving visibility for vehicles behind while adding a premium aesthetic. These design elements work together to establish an unmistakable identity on the road.
Backing all of these features is Hyundai’s 100,000 km or 5-year manufacturer warranty. This commitment reinforces the Palisade’s value, offering owners peace of mind that their investment is protected.
Interior Redefined
When you step inside the Palisade, you’ll find seating across three rows. The first row stands out as particularly spacious, with a dashboard featuring rounded edges inspired by mid-century modern furniture. This design choice creates a premium atmosphere that feels both contemporary and timeless.
The thoughtful touches continue beyond aesthetics. Hyundai has paid close attention to how drivers and passengers actually spend time in the cabin, turning comfort into a central part of the Palisade’s identity.
The Ergo Motion Driver Seat supports optimal posture and includes stretching functions to reduce driving fatigue on long trips. Both front seats offer heating and ventilation to maintain comfort in any weather.
The 2026 Palisade offers high-performance massage functions in both the second and third rows. These seats work from the back to the calves, actively reducing fatigue and creating a more restful ride for all passengers.
Remote folding seats provide ultimate versatility, allowing you to slide, recline, and fully flatten the second and third row power seats from a distance. This feature makes configuring the interior for passengers or cargo very convenient. Speaking of cargo, the Palisade offers huge luggage space for all your family adventures.
Of course, comfort only matters if the drive itself delivers. That’s where Hyundai shifts focus from relaxation inside to power and precision on the road.
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Power and Control
Under the hood sits a 2.5 Turbo GDI engine delivering 281 horsepower and maximum torque of 43 kgf.m. The acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour takes 7.9 seconds, while a 72-liter tank capacity allows for extended journeys between fill-ups. The powertrain achieves an ideal balance between performance and efficiency.
Electronically controlled dampers actively adjust the suspension to deliver a smoother and more stable ride regardless of road conditions. The system adapts in real-time, absorbing bumps and maintaining composure whether you’re cruising on highways or navigating rougher terrain.
Drivers can select from multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, and Smart, with the digital cluster providing real-time updates on the selected mode. Additional drive modes for specific conditions include Auto, Mud, Sand, and Snow, allowing you to optimize performance based on your environment.
The steering wheel features grip detection technology that directly senses the driver’s hold, enabling greater control and precision. This system works seamlessly with other driver assistance features to maintain awareness of driver engagement.
An expanded head-up display projects critical information directly into your line of sight, while adaptive lighting adjusts to enhance driver visibility in various conditions. These technologies work together to keep you informed and focused on the road ahead.
Convenience Features
Aside from power and performance, what truly shapes daily driving is how seamlessly the vehicle fits into routine life, and that’s where Hyundai adds its next layer of innovation.
One of such innovations is the Walk Away Lock. This feature adds security by automatically locking the vehicle when you walk away with the key. Digital Key 2.0 allows for unlocking, starting, and securing the vehicle using a smartphone. Wireless charging eliminates cable clutter, while a UV sterilization compartment provides a safe, germ-free space for phones, keys, and other small items.
Moreover, convenience doesn’t stop at these features. Once you settle in for a long drive, it’s the sounds you hear and the sights you see that complete the experience.
The Bose Premium Sound System of the Palisade delivers immersive, high-quality audio through 14 speakers with an external amplifier, surround effects, and low-sound compensation. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the premium drive experience extends to your ears.
Vision technology provides clear views in all directions. An automatic rear camera cleaning system, a first in its class, ensures you always have a clear view behind you. The dedicated camera allows you to see clearly even when cargo blocks the rear window.
Smarter Visibility
Hyundai equips the Palisade with technology designed to help drivers see more with ease. Advanced vision systems give a clear view of both the road ahead and obstacles behind, even when cargo blocks the rear window. For the first time in its class, the SUV introduces an automatic rear camera cleaning system, ensuring visibility is never compromised.
Safety First
Hyundai’s SmartSense system transforms the Palisade into a guardian on wheels by combining multiple technologies to keep drivers and passengers safe. A dedicated rear camera ensures constant visibility, while the Surround View Monitor helps judge distances with clear markers, making tight maneuvers easier.
Visibility is one piece of the puzzle, but protection requires more. That’s why Hyundai layers the Palisade with an extensive set of safety systems designed to anticipate risks and act before they become problems.
The Safe Exit Warning alerts passengers if another vehicle is approaching from the side, preventing accidents when opening doors. The Highway Driving Assist 2 builds on this by maintaining safe distances on highways, automatically adjusting speed, and even making lane changes when the driver signals.
The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, on the other hand, detects potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists and intervenes with braking or steering adjustments, whereas, the Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist monitors adjacent lanes, warning of approaching vehicles and automatically braking if necessary.
Another useful feature is the Lane Keeping Assist, which ensures the vehicle does not drift unintentionally, while Parking Collision Avoidance Assist provides alerts and automatic braking when reversing toward obstacles.
To add physical protection, every passenger across all three rows benefits from pretensioner seat belts. The Palisade has a total of 10 airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and side airbags for the second row, offering comprehensive coverage in the event of a collision.
Final Impression
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade feels less like a simple refresh and more like a well-planned upgrade from its predecessor. It combines bold styling with the kind of everyday practicality, all while layering in advanced safety and comfort features. The spacious cabin and flexible seating make long drives easier, and behind the wheel, the balance of power and stability makes it just as enjoyable to drive as it is to ride in.
With two trims to choose from, buyers can decide between the capable and spacious Special Edition or the more refined Calligraphy, depending on what fits their lifestyle. In either case, the Palisade shows that an SUV doesn’t have to be ordinary; it can stand out, perform with confidence, and offer comfort that everyone on board will notice.
