I drove the Hyundai Palisade for a week — and it’s the most affordable 3-row SUV I’ve tested this year

Three-row SUVs are a major reason we see fewer minivans on the market today. They offer nearly the same passenger and towing capacities, but they look much better. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade fits that criteria perfectly, starting at an attractive $39,435 for the base SE trim.

That price climbs to $51,610 for the rugged XRT PRO trim I tested, which includes the extra conveniences I’ve come to rely on — like 360-degree cameras, all-wheel drive, and Bose premium audio. Price is where the Palisade really stands out, it’s more affordable than the $57,255 Kia Carnival I tested last year and significantly cheaper than its all-electric sibling, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, which starts at $58,955 for the base trim.

To put it plainly, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade gets you all the utility of a minivan without the soccer mom or dad stigma — all while costing thousands less than its closest competitors.

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2026 Hyundai Palisade: Specifications

2026 Hyundai Palisade: Testing summary

Since the Palisade is an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle, it’s not known for its fuel economy. In my week of testing, I drove a total of 115.5 miles and averaged 16.7 mpg. That's shy of the 19.4 mpg I achieved in the comparably sized Genesis GV80, and nowhere near the 36.9 mpg mark I reached with the Kia Carnival — which benefits from a hybrid system.

At the same time, I should point out the 3 mi/kWh average I got out of the Hyundai Ioniq 9. It’s the perfect example of all-gas versus all-electric power, as that average would essentially provide 330 miles of range. In contrast, the calculation based on my average fuel economy with the Palisade would result in only about 317 miles of range.

This is important because it exposes the significant savings disparity between filling up the Palisade with gas and charging the Ioniq 9. If I take the average cost of gasoline near me ($3.02 per gallon), a full tank comes out to $57.38 — whereas the Ioniq 9 costs just $25.37 for a full charge. When you project those figures over six years of driving 1,000 miles a month, the difference is staggering.

2026 Hyundai Palisade: What I Like

Powerful drivetrain

For a people mover, the Palisade XRT PRO has the power to make driving a breeze. Its 3.8L V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission deliver 287 hp, allowing it to fly from a complete stop to cruising speed with ease. Even better, it handles challenging weather conditions — like the snowstorm that rolled through my area — effortlessly thanks to its all-wheel-drive system. Despite its size, I never found it challenging to drive.

Sporty meets sophisticated interior

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Sitting in the driver’s seat, I’m astounded by the amount of room available, which makes long-distance drives feel like less of a chore. The H-Tex leatherette seats are breathable and offer ample space, while the darker shade adds a sophisticated touch that makes the cabin feel very inviting.

I also love how Hyundai adds just the right amount of ambient lighting throughout the cabin without being as overpowering as some Genesis vehicles. The colors are customizable, but I prefer setting it to red to better match the sportier nature of the XRT PRO.

First-class captain’s chairs

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While the base SE trim offers seating for up to eight passengers, the XRT PRO trades the second-row bench for two captain’s chairs — which are arguably even more comfortable than the front seats. They make you feel like a first-class passenger, thanks to their ability to recline deeply and their dedicated armrests.

And while the third-row bench isn’t quite as spacious, it can still seat three people, giving the XRT PRO a total capacity of seven passengers.

Tons of utility for the price

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Since the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the most affordable mid-size 3-row SUV I’ve tested all year, it’s a major plus that it offers so much utility. While the trunk can easily stow a week’s worth of groceries — or even my JackRabbit OG2 Pro e-bike upright — folding down the third-row bench seat opens up even more room for larger packages.

If that’s still not enough, I can also fold down the second-row captain’s chairs to create a massive amount of flat cargo space.

2026 Hyundai Palisade: What I Don't Like

Poor fuel economy

While the Palisade delivers the power I crave to reach cruising speed with ease, that performance comes at the expense of fuel economy. As I pointed out earlier, the 16.7 mpg average I achieved is disappointing for a mid-size SUV.

Efficiency might be slightly better in the SE trim since it’s a lighter, front-wheel-drive vehicle, but the XRT PRO clearly isn't designed for those looking to minimize their gas consumption. In fact, my observed mileage puts it right in the same territory as much larger, full-size SUVs like the Infiniti QX80 and Chevrolet Tahoe — which is a tough pill to swallow for a vehicle in this class.

2026 Hyundai Palisade: Verdict

Ultimately, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO is a prime example of balancing family utility with rugged performance. It more than suffices as a people mover, especially with the second-row captain’s chairs — but it also holds up remarkably well in inclement weather.

However, despite its utility, that V6 power makes compromises at the pump. The 16.7 mpg average I achieved is a sobering reminder that owners must be mindful of long-term running costs.

Of course, the lower starting price is a huge draw for anyone looking to minimize their initial investment in a three-row SUV. But for those willing to pay more upfront, the Ioniq 9’s all-electric drivetrain offers significantly larger savings in the long run.

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