Exploring the 2026 Palisade Hybrid's Family-Focused Features
October 31 2025,
The redesigned 2026 Palisade Hybrid addresses what matters most to families in New Brunswick: room for everyone, efficiency for long drives, safety you can count on, and comfort that lasts. This three-row SUV combines a powerful hybrid powertrain with features designed for real-world family life—from built-in dash cameras to seating for up to eight passengers. Families in Woodstock who travel frequently for sports, activities, or visits across the province will find the Palisade Hybrid delivers the space and range they need.
With an estimated 900+ kilometres of driving range and targeting 7.0 L/100 km combined fuel economy, the Palisade Hybrid reduces fuel stops while providing the capability to handle New Brunswick roads year-round.
Powertrain: Hybrid Efficiency with Family-Ready Power
The 2026 Palisade Hybrid equips a 2.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid engine producing 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission and Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel drive system as standard. The hybrid setup delivers strong acceleration for highway merging while targeting 7.0 L/100 km combined fuel economy.
The estimated 900+ kilometre range handles trips from Woodstock to Fredericton, Saint John, or Moncton without frequent refuelling. Families who regularly drive to hockey tournaments, dance competitions, or weekend getaways will appreciate the extended range. The hybrid system operates quietly, with laminated windshield and front side glass reducing road noise for passengers in all three rows.
Towing capacity reaches 1,814 kg (4,000 lbs), providing enough capability for small campers, boat trailers, or utility trailers. The available factory-integrated tow hitch on Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims includes Tow Mode, which optimizes powertrain performance for confident towing.
Seating and Interior Space: Room for Growing Families
The Palisade Hybrid offers flexible seating configurations to fit different family needs. Standard 8-passenger seating arranges in a 2-3-3 layout, maximizing capacity for larger families or carpools. The Luxury trim provides optional 7-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs in a 2-2-3 configuration, creating easier third-row access and more comfort for middle-row passengers.
Third-row seats include 4-way power adjustment and available heating on higher trims, making the back row comfortable for teenagers or adults on longer drives. Second-row seats feature 60/40 split-folding with forward and back movement, plus one-touch folding for quick third-row access. When cargo space matters more than passengers, both rows fold to accommodate sports equipment, camping gear, or supplies for family projects.
The Preferred Trend trim includes leatherette seating surfaces, heated front and second-row seats, and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with haptic feedback. Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims upgrade to leather or Nappa leather quilted surfaces, with available ventilated first and second-row seats. The Ultimate Calligraphy adds Relaxation Mode for first and second-row seats, offering multiple recline positions for maximum comfort during rest stops.
Seating Highlights by Trim:
- Preferred Trend: 8-passenger (2-3-3), leatherette, heated front and second-row seats, 8-way power driver/passenger seats
- Luxury: 7- or 8-passenger, leather surfaces, ventilated front seats, 4-way power third-row seats, heated third-row seats
- Ultimate Calligraphy: 7-passenger with captain's chairs, Nappa leather quilted seating, Relaxation Mode (first and second row), ergo-motion driver's seat
Technology: Dual Displays and Built-In Cameras
The 2026 Palisade Hybrid includes dual 12.3-inch displays as standard equipment. The digital gauge cluster provides clear driver information, while the touchscreen infotainment system features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system integrates Bluelink Connected Car Services, allowing remote start, vehicle status checks, and over-the-air software updates.
A standout feature for families is the built-in dual-channel dash camera recorder, which continuously records front and rear views. This system provides valuable documentation in case of accidents or incidents, offering peace of mind during daily drives and long trips. The digital rearview mirror complements the dash cameras, displaying a wide-angle rear camera view for improved visibility when the third row is occupied or cargo blocks the conventional mirror.
Ultimate Calligraphy models add a head-up display that projects key driving information onto the windshield, keeping driver attention forward. The 14-speaker Bose premium audio system on Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims delivers clear sound throughout all three rows. Passenger Talk 2.0 allows front-seat occupants to communicate with rear passengers through the audio system without raising voices.
Additional convenience features include seven USB-C ports distributed across all three rows (3-2-2 layout), two 12V power outlets, and an available 115V interior power outlet on the Ultimate Calligraphy. The UV-C sterilization tray on the flagship trim sanitizes phones and small items during drives.
Safety: Comprehensive Protection for Every Seat
The Palisade Hybrid equips Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite with features designed to protect all occupants. Standard equipment includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with detection for cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and junction turning scenarios. The system also adds junction crossing detection and lane-change side detection on Ultimate Calligraphy models.
Adaptive Cruise Control 2 with stop-and-go capability maintains set speeds and distances on highways and in traffic. Lane Following Assist 2 helps keep the vehicle centred in its lane, while Driver Attention Warning monitors for signs of drowsiness or distraction. The Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims upgrade to Highway Driving Assist 2, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane centring for semi-autonomous highway driving.
Parking assistance comes standard with front and rear Parking Distance Warning. Luxury models add Surround View Monitor and Blind View Monitor, displaying camera feeds in the gauge cluster. The Ultimate Calligraphy includes Remote Smart Parking Assist 1, allowing the driver to move the vehicle into or out of tight parking spaces using the key fob from outside the vehicle.
The Palisade Hybrid includes ten airbags throughout the cabin, covering front, side, curtain, and centre positions. Third-row seatbelts feature pre-tensioners and load limiters—a significant safety upgrade that protects rear passengers in collisions. Rear Occupant Alert monitors for movement in the rear seats after parking, preventing children or pets from being left behind.
Comparing Palisade Hybrid Trims
|
Trim |
Seating |
Key Features |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Preferred Trend |
8-passenger |
20" alloy wheels, leatherette seating, dual 12.3" displays, 8-speaker audio, HTRAC AWD |
$53,699 (V6) |
|
Luxury |
7- or 8-passenger |
Leather seating, ventilated front seats, power third-row seats, heated third-row seats, 14-speaker Bose audio, Surround View Monitor, factory-integrated tow hitch |
$60,499 (Hybrid) |
|
Ultimate Calligraphy |
7-passenger |
Nappa leather quilted seating, Relaxation Mode, 21" alloy wheels, dual-pane sunroof, head-up display, built-in dash cameras, digital rearview mirror, Remote Smart Parking Assist |
$65,699 (Hybrid) |
Built for New Brunswick Family Life
The 2026 Palisade Hybrid serves families who need space, efficiency, and capability without compromise. The three-row layout accommodates everyone for school runs, extracurricular activities, and weekend adventures. The extended driving range reduces fuel stops during trips to sports tournaments in Fredericton or family visits to Saint John. Standard all-wheel drive handles Maritime winter conditions, while the quiet hybrid powertrain keeps conversations clear and passengers comfortable.
Built-in dash cameras, advanced safety systems, and flexible seating configurations address practical family priorities. Families who value efficiency alongside space will find the Palisade Hybrid delivers both—targeting 7.0 L/100 km combined while seating up to eight passengers. The available towing capability adds versatility for families with campers, boats, or utility trailers.
Your New Palisade Hybrid is Waiting
The 2026 Palisade Hybrid combines hybrid efficiency with three-row versatility for families in New Brunswick. Experience the spacious cabin, advanced safety features, and extended driving range in person. Contact our sales team at Thomas Hyundai in Woodstock to schedule your test drive and explore how the Palisade Hybrid fits your family's needs.
