Is New or Old Best? 2026 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2025 Hyundai Palisade

It’s no secret that the Hyundai Palisade has quickly become one of the most popular family three-row SUVs, attracting many buyers each year with value, luxury, and practicality. But it’s also no secret that when Hyundai redesigns a model, it’s often unrecognizable from the previous generation. Which is why we wanted to put the new and old models head-to-head today in this comparison, to see which Palisade is the best for you and your family. So, who should your pick be in a 2026 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2025 Hyundai Palisade Comparison? That’s what we’re going to find out today!

Exterior Design

So, starting with the exterior designs, you can easily see Hyundai intended to make a significant change between the old and new Palisade generations. While some generational elements remain, the new Palisade takes on a much wider stance, bolder grille, and squared-off design theme. That being said, they have blingy elements that are unlocked when you spring for a Calligraphy trim, shown here on both.

Starting with the headlights, both models feature projector full-LED arrangements, with a unique waterfall design. The newest Palisade elevates the lighting experience further with headlight and taillight animations.

Moving to the wheels, you’ll find 20 or 21-inch wheels in the 2025 and 2026 models, respectively, representing a one-inch change in maximum sizing. That’s slightly under the 5% threshold required to score a point, and we’ll discuss ride quality later. 

The Palisade had a growth spurt for 2026, meaning this new model is 2.5-inches longer than the outgoing generation. We know you’re curious to explore interior space differences, which we will be doing later in this comparison. 

Lengths: 2025 Palisade: 196.7-inches | 2026 Palisade: 199.2-inches

In the back, the newest Palisade now offers full LED rear lighting over the partial LED setup on the 2025 model. Features-wise, they mostly match each other with spoilers and the ability to tow up to 5,000 lbs. But, the new Palisade hides its rear wiper now to keep it from being weathered as much.

Towing: 2025 Palisade: 5,000 lbs. | 2026 Palisade: 5,000 lbs.

Headed to the mirrors, both have heating, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Auto Dimming, plus Hyundai listened to its customers and the new generation finally has power folding as well. 

And, as you’d expect, these two have all the standard Active Safety Features, including the premium goodies like Highway Drive Assist 2.0 and the Smart Park function as equipped.

Finally, the new Palisade also includes an integrated front/rear dashcam for peace of mind while driving.

That concludes the outside, so now let’s move on to the luxurious interiors.

Interior Design

To enter the vehicles, both models have smart entry, remote start, and digital key on these top trims, despite their different fob designs.

Aside from their stark color differences, each offers a luxurious experience inside their cabins. For the seats, both generations have full Nappa leather seating with 12-ways of adjustment. But the new Palisade offers even more comfort with a Relaxation Seat on this top model, which has a leg cushion that pops out to allow for epic naps in the carpool line. Heating, ventilation, memory, and massage for the driver are all included on Palisade’s both new and old.

Climbing inside, we can talk about the broad item of cabin quality, which we will divide into solidity and material selection. Both cabins are solid and feel very well put together. But, for materials, the 2026 Palisade steps it up over the already way-nicer-than-average 2025 model, adding even more leatherette and realistic faux wood trim. Details like suede headliners could almost trick you into thinking it is a Genesis product.

After start-up, you will be greeted by fully digital 12.3-inch displays, which are accompanied by customizable graphics and advanced head-up displays. Both also have the very convenient blind spot camera system.

The steering wheels have differing designs between generations, but will both be leather-wrapped, heated, and manually adjusting, with rain-sensing wipers. 

Storage and Technology

Now the next major subject to evaluate is interior storage, looking at both the center console and the multi-use cubbies elsewhere. Starting with the consoles, both would be able to fit over a dozen of our donuts used to measure console volume, and the space doesn’t stop there. Moving forward, both Palisades offer lots of versatile spaces, including center pass-throughs and either a passenger shelf or customizable cupholders, depending on the generation. We’ll call this category even.

However, the new Palisade now includes a UV-sterilization tray in the console, which can sanitize devices after a long day at work.

To attain all that space, both use electronic shifters, but the new one is now on the steering column. In reverse, they display 360-degree camera systems with the slick 3D spin ability. 

For the climate controls, we have 3-zone systems with plenty of knobs and buttons.

Now, let’s address the audio systems, where the older generation has the advantage here. While the 2026 Palisade has 2 additional speakers, the 2025’s Harmon Kardon system seemed to have better overall sound quality and depth than the new Bose system.

2026 Palisade: 14-speaker Bose Surround Audio

2025 Palisade: 12-speaker Harmon Kardon Audio

Headed to the screens, both give you a 12.3-inch main screen, but that’s where the differences end. Hyundai finally updated the new Palisade to their ccNC system, which introduces the convenience of Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, using built-in functions like Navigation are easier because the system performance is much better.

Up above, both include auto-dimming rearview mirrors, HomeLink garage door openers, and the rear camera ability. Both also have large pano sunroofs, divided into 2 panels, and surrounded by a suede headliner on these top models.

Rear Seats and Cargo

The rear seats and cargo areas are arguably even more important for these two models, so let’s dive into the details. Starting with rear seat space, both leg and headroom figures are under the 5% difference needed to score a point, despite the newer Palisade’s growth spurt. 

2026 Palisade: 43.0-inches of legroom | 40.0-inches of headroom

2025 Palisade: Legroom: 42.4-inches | Headroom: 40.1-inches

These luxurious models also share a lot when it comes to features. Both have climate vents, 2 USB ports, and household outlets. Additionally, the reclining, sliding, heated, and ventilated captain’s chairs on each have sunshades to keep cool on long road trips. But the 2026 Palisade takes things even further, with full power-adjusting captain’s chairs that allow for even more comfort on the road.

It also has a storage drawer that pulls out from under the center console for the kiddos to store snacks there.

Entering the third row, the new Palisade’s seats slide forward without tilting the seatback, which means a child seat no longer must be removed. Once back there, the space similarities continue, though, as both leg and headroom figures are too close to score a point.

Both Palisade third rows are some of the bests in the segment, with heated and power reclining seats, cupholders, vents, and USB connections. But the 2026 Palisade once again ups its predecessor by offering power sliding abilities for extra space customization.

2026 Palisade: Legroom: 32.1-inches (normal configuration) | Headroom: 37.7-inches

2025 Palisade: Legroom: 31.4-inches | Headroom: 37.8-inches

But are there any cargo differences? To enter, both have hands-free power tailgates as equipped. And, when it comes to space, the new Palisade’s length advantage finally makes a difference, but not as much as you’d think. Behind the third row, the new model is large enough in order to score a point but falls below the 5% threshold in all other configurations to make a difference.

2026 Palisade: Behind 3^rd Row: 19.1-cu.ft | 2^nd Row: 46.3-cu.ft | MAX: 86.7 cu. ft.

2025 Palisade: Behind 3^rd Row: 18.0-cu.ft | 2^nd Row: 45.8-cu.ft | MAX: 86.4-cu.ft

Amenities-wise, they once again match each other with outlets, power folding third rows, and spare tires on these V6 models.

Courtesy of the power second row, it’s only the Newer Palisade which allows all the seats to be folded back up from the cargo area with one press of the button.

But that’s it for the interiors, so now let’s take them out on the road and see how they stack up there!

Powertrains

Leading up to the Palisade’s redesign, many buyers were worried the V6 engine would be removed from this model, but that’s fortunately not the case! However, the new Palisade does have an updated 3.5L V-6 making 287 hp, which is slightly lower than the outgoing model’s 3.8L V-6 with 291 hp. Despite the changes, power delivery between the old and new models is negligibly different and not point worthy.

2026 Palisade: 3.5L V-6: 287 hp | 260 lb.ft

2025 Palisade: 3.8L V-6: 291 hp | 262 lb.ft

As far as the transmissions are concerned, both have 8-speed automatics with AWD systems as equipped. Performance is smooth in each, perfect for everyday use.

Test Drive and Fuel Economy

The Palisade has always been one of the best riding options in the segment, but does the new model continue that trait?? Well, the 2026 Palisade has ride quality that is far superior to many of its rivals, but… the one inch of additional wheel size is enough to put this point in favor of the previous generation, which eats up road imperfections with ease. 

Here at Car Confections, something we like to do is take sound level readings for all the models we test so that we can compare them. Unfortunately, we haven’t had the chance to have the newest Palisade back at home in KY yet, so we can’t officially score this. But signs initially point in favor of the new generation, which scored significantly lower than the 2025 model, in California. Here are the readings for your reference anyways.

2026 Palisade: 52.8 dB @ 55 MPH

2025 Palisade: 55.6 dB @ 55 MPH

Finally, when it comes to fuel economy, neither of these V-6 powered options perform very well here. The older Palisade rates slightly better at 21 MPG combined, but this difference is not enough to score a point.

However, we do want to mention that Hyundai will be offering a hybrid Palisade in the near future, but it is not available currently.

2026 Palisade AWD: 18/24/20 MPG

2025 Palisade AWD: 19/24/21 MPG

While we won’t be covering reliability and resale for a product from the same company, it is important to note a warranty change for Hyundai this year. For all 2026 models, Hyundai is dropping their Complimentary Maintenance Program, which means the older Palisade is the only one with this money-saving program.

Both: Warranty: Basic Warranty: 5yr/60k mi | Powertrain: 10yr/100k mi | 2025 MODEL ONLY Comp Main: 3yr/36k mi

Price Assessment

Now let’s break down the cost of these two and evaluate how much value each model is delivering. 

As the trend tends to be with redesigned models, the 2026 Palisade pricing rises across the board. Formerly one of the cheaper options in the segment, the new Palisade Calligraphy is almost touching $60,000, joining several of its competitors. 

2025 Palisade (Calligraphy AWD): $53,000 | Options: +$245 | Destination: $1,495 | Total: $54,740

2026 Palisade (Calligraphy AWD): $56,060 | Options: +$0 | Destination: $1,495 | Total: $57,555

The older Palisade is less expensive, by about $3,085 for the generation swap.

2026 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2025 Hyundai Palisade Pick!

So, there you have it! Who is your winner? Here are a couple of things to consider when picking each one for your driveway:

2026 Palisade: 

• More advanced exterior lighting
• Extra features throughout
• Newer, Smoother technology

2025 Palisade: 

• Slightly better ride quality
• Less Expensive
• Complimentary Maintenance

Now we want to know your opinions, so make sure to head to the comment section and let us know which one you would pick!

Thanks for joining us for another Car Confections Comparison! We’ll catch you next time as we sample the latest automotive delicacies!