Hyundai Motor America revealed the all-new 2026 Palisade XRT PRO at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. This global introduction of Hyundai's first XRT PRO model means that Palisade is ready no matter where your next family adventure takes you.
"The 2026 Palisade XRT PRO is for people doing it all-raising families, chasing goals, showing up every day," said Olabisi Boyle, SVP, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. "We built this SUV by putting people first - thinking about real lives, real needs. It's got space for your crew, capability when the road gets rough, and the kind of comfort, style, and efficiency that proves luxury doesn't have to come with a luxury price. We wanted to deliver a vehicle where affordability can meet lifestyle-no matter where off-road you want to go."
All-new off-road-focused XRT PRO model
The entire 2026 Palisade model line is bigger, better, and more capable than ever, but for those who enjoy venturing even further off the beaten path, Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO has got the goods. This rugged model is the first Hyundai to wear the XRT PRO nameplate, signifying its significantly upgraded off-road capabilities beyond prior XRT models. Explicitly designed for U.S. consumers, XRT PRO includes more off-road-minded hardware- and software-level enhancements than any previous Hyundai model. XRT PRO even looks the part, thanks to a uniquely muscular front end that incorporates a bold lower grille design bookended by prominent canyon red recovery hooks and a beefier lower fascia.
New, powerful, and efficient internal-combustion powertrain
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO boasts a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 making up to an estimated 287 horsepower and up to 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The naturally aspirated, direct-injected engine is coupled to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission with a multi-plate torque converter. This standard ICE powertrain is available exclusively with HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on XRT PRO. This V6 powertrain is targeting a robust 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity, giving active families the flexibility to haul a variety of weekend toys.
HTRAC® with Tow Mode, Terrain modes add confidence, capability
The 2026 Palisade model range is available with Hyundai's HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive system with Tow Mode. This three-row SUV also includes a factory-installed, fascia-concealed OEM tow hitch on XRT PRO, Limited and Calligraphy trims - another Hyundai first. Tow Mode optimizes the powertrain's performance parameters for confident and efficient towing, holding lower gears longer and reducing shift frequency while towing heavier loads.
For 2026, a new terrain mode controller includes Mud, Sand, and Snow settings to give drivers extra confidence and capability in adverse terrain and weather conditions. Additionally, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO benefits from a model-exclusive rear electronic limited-slip differential for increased responsiveness and traction on difficult terrain.
The 2026 Palisade will be built in Ulsan, South Korea.
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