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Hyundai Motor Middle East and Africa Regional Headquarters today unveiled the all-new Hyundai Palisade 2026, a revolutionary three-row SUV that redefines the premium driving experience.
With a bold new design, a sophisticated and spacious interior, and groundbreaking hybrid technology, the Palisade is engineered to meet the diverse needs of families and adventurers across the region.
“The launch of the all-new Palisade in the Middle East and Africa marks a significant milestone for Hyundai,” said Mr. Bryan Park, President of Hyundai Motor Middle East and Africa Regional Headquarters.
“We have listened to our customers and engineered a vehicle that exceeds expectations in every dimension. From its commanding presence and luxurious comfort to its advanced safety features and hybrid powertrain, the Palisade is a testament to our commitment to delivering the future of mobility to the region. We are confident that it will set a new benchmark in the premium SUV segment," he added.
Bold and Prestigious Design
The all-new Hyundai Palisade 2026 presents a commanding and prestigious aura, befitting a flagship SUV. Its design is characterised by a powerful, upright stance and a wider, more stable appearance.
The front is dominated by a bold grille with active airflow shutters, flanked by distinctive vertical LED daytime running lights and a horizontal centre positioning light that accentuates its width.
The elevated hood and more upright A-pillar contribute to a strong and confident side profile. Despite its bold presence, the PALISADE achieves a remarkable 0.31 Cd, one of the lowest in its class, thanks to meticulous aerodynamic design.
The vehicle’s larger dimensions, including a longer wheelbase and rear cabin, create a substantial and premium silhouette, while large alloy wheels of up to 21 inches fill the wheel openings, reinforcing its commanding road presence.
The rear design is equally impressive, with a prominent high-mounted stop lamp and a vertical rear lamp signature that harmonises with the front, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look.
Advanced and Efficient Performance
The Palisade offers a choice of two new advanced powertrains, both engineered for a premium and comfortable driving experience, and they are:
The Standard Powertrain
It's a newly developed 3.5-litre V6 direct-injected engine, producing an estimated 277 hp and 252 Nm of torque.
This powerful engine is paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission and is available in both two-wheel and HTRAC® all-wheel-drive configurations.
Turbocharged Hybrid Powertrain
For the first time, the PALISADE is also available with a groundbreaking 2.5-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain.
This innovative system combines a 329 hp turbocharged engine with two electric motors; the hybrid powertrain not only provides impressive performance but also targets an estimated driving range up to 1107 kilometres, setting a new standard for efficiency in the full-size SUV segment.
The PALISADE’s HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system with new terrain modes (Mud, Sand, and Snow) ensures confident and capable performance in all conditions.
Driver Assistance and Safety Features
Hyundai’s commitment to safety is evident in the all-new Palisade, which is equipped with a comprehensive suite of SmartSense active and passive safety technologies. The vehicle’s rigid structure, which makes strategic use of Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS), provides a protective cocoon for all occupants.
Key safety features and techs include:
- 10 standard airbags, including:
- Full-length side curtain airbag extending to the third row
- New seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters for third-row passengers
- Integrated dual dash camera
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2
- Emergency Braking Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Safe Exit Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control
- Lane Following Assist 2
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
Unparalleled Luxury and Convenience
The interior of the all-new PALISADE is a sanctuary of luxury, space, and advanced technology. The expanded dimensions and longer wheelbase provide generous room for up to 8 passengers, with easier ingress and egress.
The horizontal dashboard layout, soft-touch materials, and sophisticated finishes create a refined and elegant ambience. The centrepiece of the high-tech cockpit is a panoramic curved display featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch navigation screen.
For ultimate comfort, the vehicle offers innovative reclining seats in both the first and second rows, featuring enhanced recline angles and extended thigh support. The second-row seats are equipped with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation functions, while the third-row seats offer power folding, sliding, and reclining capabilities, maximising versatility and comfort for all occupants.
Hyundai has also perfected the finer details that make a daily difference, including:
- 100W USB-C ports in every row
- A 15W wireless charging pad with an integrated cooling fan
- A premium Bose® surround sound system with 14 speakers
- A UV-C sterilisation compartment within the centre console
The advanced technology experience is further enhanced with smart features such as:
- Digital Key 2.0, allowing the use of smartphones or smartwatches to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle
- Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates, ensuring the vehicle’s systems stay continuously up-to-date
- Fingerprint Authentication Module (FPM), enabling personalised user experiences with added privacy and security through custom fingerprint profiles for driver or user modes
For the first time, the Palisade introduces the “Hyundai Stay” mode, enabling climate control and infotainment system use while the hybrid or electric vehicle is parked—without needing to start the engine—by leveraging the high-voltage battery. This enhances convenience during short stops, similar to features available in fully electric vehicles.
The Ultimate Luxury: Calligraphy Trim
The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade lineup features the premium Calligraphy trim, representing the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication within the model range. This top-tier variant delivers exceptional refinement and advanced features through the use of high-quality materials, enhanced comfort amenities, and exclusive design details that set it apart from other trims.
The Calligraphy trim stands out with its elevated level of detail, including:
- Luxurious reclining seats for the driver and front passenger with advanced support adjustments
- Reclining second-row seats (available in the 7-seat configuration)
- Exclusive interior colour palettes that express a unique personality
- Premium leather surfaces that elegantly dress the cabin
- Distinctive 21-inch alloy wheels
- Signature "Calligraphy" badges highlighting its elite status
The Calligraphy trim exemplifies Hyundai’s commitment to delivering a world-class luxury driving experience, competing with the finest global brands and catering to the discerning tastes of customers in the Middle East and Africa who seek exclusivity and sophistication in every detail.
Enhanced Connectivity with Bluelink Technology
The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade is equipped with Hyundai’s advanced Bluelink system, recently launched in Middle Eastern markets to provide a new level of smart connectivity and convenience for customers.
Bluelink transforms the Palisade into a fully connected smart vehicle, allowing owners to stay connected and control their vehicle remotely—whether inside the car or miles away.
Using the Bluelink smartphone app, users can:
- Start the vehicle remotely
- Precondition the climate control system
- Lock or unlock doors
- Locate the vehicle in crowded parking lots
The system also offers advanced features such as:
- Vehicle status monitoring and maintenance alerts
- Automatic collision notifications
- Emergency assistance support
Hyundai reaffirms its dedication to delivering cutting-edge digital technology to customers in the region. The 2026 Palisade is now available at Hyundai showrooms across the Middle East. For the latest local and global reports and news, visit the Motory Car News section.
-Image rights reserved to Hyundai Middle East and Africa
