2026 Hyundai Palisade: Luxury and Ruggedness Combined

5th February 2026 Sam Gomez

Now in its second generation, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade has had a bit of a makeover, but it is still the all-powerful Oz, and it still kicks arse wherever it goes. Yet it does so in a ferocious and fabulous way.

In fact, the 2026 Palisade was just crowned 2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by a group of professional who drive these kind of cars all day long.

Some quick facts: mileage is about 18 city / 24 highway, which is about average for the class. You’ll get a 3.5-liter V6 offering 287 horses, but your will need all that power because this beast drives like a big boy. And make sure you have a dedicated place to park this gentle giant.

This is a nice and roomy SUV, even though it’s considered a midsized. There is plenty of room for 4 Bears and maybe an otter. There is a third row of seats, which other reviewers say has plenty of room for your kale-eating relatives; perhaps your midsized pets or your teenage children will be fine back there.

You will get a max of just under 87 cubic feet of cargo space if you fold both rows of seats down, which is a little less than what other vehicles in the class offer, but that is still impressive. Assuming you don’t go nuts with the luggage, liquor and portable disco equipment, you should be fine.

I tested the hybrid version, specifically the Hybrid Calligraphy All-Wheel Drive trim, seen here. Very nice indeed, and it will average about 29 mpg. Again, for those of you who are carbon-footprint conscious but still love the convenience of filling up at the pump in less than five minutes, a hybrid is the best the way to go. No need to remember to charge it overnight.

The new Hyundai Ioniq 9 is almost an identical twin of the Palisade, only completely electric.

Of note is that you can now get an integrated Dash Cam to record anything that happens all around your vehicle. Honestly, anymore, you never know when that will be necessary. Honestly.

Valentines Day is just around the corner. For the man in your life, perhaps you can get him something other than flowers. Maybe you could prepare him a nice meal. Or – how about paying one of his bills? Nothing says lovin’ like paying that monthly expenditure that really is draining the bank account.

For those of you who are still out and about, how about calling your buddies – Now! – and planning to get-together?Don’t stay at home and watch World’s Dumbest Criminals all by yourself on Valentines Day. Book a table at a nice restaurant, or barbeque something for your friends. Get creative. Don’t lament what you don’t have. Celebrate what you do have.

We all have so much for which to be thankful. We here at Bear World are thankful for you! Go out and spread the love on Valentines Day.

Just trying to do it without spreading the pathogens, please.