Hyundai Palisade Forum

Does anyone driving a 2026 Palisade have hip pain and leg pain?

• 2026 Palisade, Santa Fe and IONIQ 5 recognized for delivering where it matters most to families, from safety to everyday usability
• Versatile lineup spans all-electric innovation and three-row SUV versatility to meet diverse family needs

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 10, 2026 – Hyundai continues to stand out with family buyers, with three models, Palisade, Santa Fe and IONIQ 5, named to Kelley Blue Book’s 2026 Best Family Cars list, an annual recognition of vehicles that deliver for families. Evaluated against factors such as safety, reliability, efficiency and overall value, the recognition underscores Hyundai’s focus on building vehicles around what families prioritize every day, from peace of mind to real-world usability. The three Hyundai models represent a quarter of the vehicles recognized by KBB as the best for families.

Hyundai models recognized on Kelley Blue Book’s 2026 Best Family Cars list

“At Hyundai, families do not have to choose between flexibility, technology and efficiency,” said Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. “Whether it is the ease of managing a full day in a three-row SUV or the quiet simplicity of driving an all-electric IONIQ 5, our vehicles are designed to support the way families move through real life, without compromise.”

Vehicles Designed for Family Life
Recognized for delivering on the everyday needs of families, Palisade, Santa Fe and IONIQ 5 each bring a unique combination of space, comfort, safety and flexibility. From Palisade’s spacious three-row interior and thoughtfully designed storage to Santa Fe’s versatile layout that adapts between passenger and cargo needs, and IONIQ 5’s open, tech-forward cabin that makes daily driving easier, each vehicle is designed to simplify family life. Together, they reflect Hyundai’s focus on creating vehicles that support everything from daily routines to longer road trips with confidence and ease.

Let's take a trip back to 1986. You're walking onto a car lot, and there it is. The brand new Hyundai Excel. It cost less than five grand. It was cheap, it was basic, and let's be honest - it felt like a disposable car. Back then, nobody looked at that little hatchback and thought, "One day, these guys are going to build a full-size luxury SUV that makes the Germans sweat." But that's exactly what happened.

This is the story of how Hyundai went from the absolute bottom of the barrel to building the phenomenal Palisade Calligraphy. It's a journey that no other automaker has ever pulled off in quite the same way. Grab a cup of coffee, because we're going to dive deep into how they did it.

The Excel Era: A Humble and Bumpy Start

In the 1980s, Americans wanted cheap transportation. The Excel delivered exactly that. It sold like crazy at first because you simply couldn't beat the price. But then the build quality issues started showing up. It wasn't long before late night comedians were using the brand as a punchline. For a lot of folks, driving a Hyundai meant you just couldn't afford anything else. They were entry level cars through and through, powered by a little four cylinder engine that protested loudly whenever you stepped on the gas.

By the time the 90s rolled around, Hyundai was really struggling. They gave us the Scoupe and the early Elantra, but the reputation for poor reliability was a dark cloud hanging over their heads. They needed a miracle, or they were going to pack up and leave the US market entirely.

The Warranty That Changed Everything

Their solution wasn't just a new car - it was a massive promise. In 1998, they dropped an absolute bomb on the automotive industry. They introduced the 10 year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. That was a huge deal. They put their money where their mouth was. If the cars were as bad as people joked, that warranty would have bankrupted the entire company. But it didn't. It forced their engineers to build rock solid engines and transmissions that wouldn't fall apart at the seams.

That warranty got people back into the showrooms. It said, "We know we messed up in the past, but we're serious about the future. Give us a chance." And Americans did.

Finding Their Footing and Setting the Pace

Slowly but surely, things got much better. We started seeing the first generation Santa Fe and the heavily redesigned Sonata. They weren't just cheap anymore; they were actually genuinely good. They offered a peppy V6 engine and all wheel drive at a price that made Honda and Toyota buyers take a second look.

Then came the Tiburon, a sporty little coupe that actually looked fantastic. Hyundai was proving they could build cars that people wanted to buy, not just cars they had to buy. The interiors stopped feeling like cheap plastic and started feeling well equipped and comfortable.

But before they completely disrupted the market, they decided to dip their toes into the luxury end of the pool. In the early 2000s, they gave us the XG300, which was later updated to the XG350. These were truly luxurious cars for their time. While they weren't quite on the level of the Hyundai Genesis that would arrive later, the XG series was a massive leap forward. You were getting frameless windows, heated leather seats, premium audio, and a buttery smooth 3.5 liter V6 engine for way less cash than an Acura or a Lexus. It was their very first credible lunge at the premium segment, and it laid the absolute groundwork for everything that came next.

Then, the real shocker came with the 2011 Sonata. Do you remember when that car dropped? It completely shattered the mid-size segment. While the competition was building boring, vanilla sedans, Hyundai delivered a swoopy, aggressively styled masterpiece that looked like it cost twice as much as it actually did. It didn't just sell well - it forced every other automaker to go back to the drawing board and completely rethink their boring designs. That was the moment we all realized Hyundai wasn't just playing catch up anymore. They were setting the pace.

Aiming Higher: The Push for Premium

Moving into the late 2000s and early 2010s, Hyundai decided they didn't just want to compete with the Accord and the Camry. They wanted to go toe to toe with Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus. Enter the Genesis sedan and the Equus.

These cars had rear wheel drive and a big V8 engine under the hood. It was a huge flex. They proved Hyundai could build a genuine personal luxury vehicle that rode beautifully and looked the part. They packed them with top shelf materials and features that cost thousands more on a German car. It was such a massive success that Genesis eventually spun off into its own standalone luxury brand: Genesis

The Modern Masterpiece: Palisade Calligraphy

Fast forward to today. Look at the current Hyundai lineup, and specifically, look at the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy. It's a three row family hauler that feels like a private jet on wheels. It's the ultimate proof of how far this brand has evolved.

When you walk up to a Palisade Calligraphy, it has a massive road presence. You've got that bold grille, the unique lighting signature, and massive wheels. Open the door, and you're greeted by quilted Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and open pore wood trim. The tech is out of this world, with massive screens, blind spot cameras that pop up right in the gauge cluster, and highway driving assist that feels almost like magic.

The ride is buttery smooth, and the naturally aspirated 3.8 liter V6 delivers all the low end power you need to merge onto the highway with ease. It's incredibly quiet inside, even at seventy miles per hour. When you close the door, it shuts with a heavy, satisfying thud. There's absolutely nothing cheap about it. It out comforts vehicles that cost twenty grand more. And it's flat out gorgeous.

A Legacy Rewritten

It's hard to believe the exact same company that built the 1986 Excel is now building the Palisade Calligraphy. It took decades of hard work, massive investments in design and engineering, and a stubborn refusal to give up.

They didn't just change their cars - they changed our minds. They transformed from a bargain basement compromise into a brand that people aspire to own. The Palisade Calligraphy isn't just a great Hyundai; it's a phenomenal vehicle, period. And as car guys and gals, we have to respect a comeback story that's this spectacular. The next time you see a Palisade rolling down the street, tip your hat. They've certainly earned it.

• Hyundai Palisade Hybrid and Kona recognized as Best Vehicles for Road Trips
• Hyundai IONIQ 9 wins Best Electric SUV for Road Trips and Camping
• Hyundai Tucson and Tucson Hybrid earn Best Vehicles for Camping

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 28, 2026 – Five Hyundai models were named to U.S. News & World Report’s inaugural 2026 Best Adventure Vehicles list. The Tucson and Tucson HEV earned Best Compact SUV for Camping honors, while Kona (Best Subcompact SUV) and Palisade HEV (Best Midsize Hybrid SUV) recognitions for Road Trips. The all-electric IONIQ 9 won in both categories thanks to its roomy cabin and convenience features. The 2026 Best Adventure Vehicles awards spotlights top picks for camping, road trips, and off-road exploration and highlights vehicles that deliver a strong mix of capability, cargo room, passenger comfort, fuel efficiency, adventure-ready features, and overall quality.

“As more consumers embrace outdoor recreation and family road trips, Hyundai has added a wide range of features and technologies to support those experiences,” said Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. “Our lineup is designed to deliver the safety, convenience, and comfort drivers need to make every adventure more enjoyable in a Hyundai.”

Hyundai’s larger SUVs—Palisade and IONIQ 9—elevate the premium three-row experience with bold design, advanced powertrains, and next-generation technology. Available with a hybrid powertrain option in the Palisade and the all-electric IONIQ 9, they offer a comfortable, spacious setting for road trips and camping adventures.

Kona offers a powertrain line-up reaching new levels of performance and efficiency as well as upgrades in connectivity and convenience features, including the latest generation Hyundai Bluelink® and available active and passive safety systems.

Tucson provides eco-focused powertrains and segment-leading technologies as well as an adventure-ready XRT Pro trim.

“Hyundai’s commitment to offering benchmark-setting interior space, efficient powertrains and loads of standard features clinched these wins,” said John Vincent, senior editor of vehicle testing at U.S. News. “All five winners offer huge cabins and travel-friendly features, the Tucson and Kona in particular, while the Palisade Hybrid, Tucson Hybrid and IONIQ 9 all blend room with high-tech efficiency.”

• Specially equipped dealer operated mobile service vehicles provide select maintenance and repairs at owner’s preferred locations across the U.S.
• Reduces service time and disruption compared to traditional service visits
• Expands service capacity while maintaining Hyundai service quality standards
• Delivered through participating Hyundai dealers in the mobile service program

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 26, 2026 – Participating Hyundai dealers are rolling out a mobile service program across the U.S. with support from Hyundai to enhance customer convenience and help address service capacity limitations from increased demand due to Hyundai’s sales growth. The mobile service vehicles will handle approved maintenance and routine repairs like oil changes, tire rotations, software updates, brake pad and rotor replacements, service campaigns and wash/detailing at customers’ homes or workplaces. After a successful dealer pilot demonstrating clear dealer and customer adoption, additional dealers nationwide will be targeted to expand the mobile service, with a goal of 150 active mobile units by the end of the year.

“The introduction of dealer operated mobile service extends the current myHyundaiCare experience beyond the traditional dealership visit,” said Michel Poirier, vice president, aftersales and customer experience, Hyundai Motor America. “Offering customers the ability to schedule maintenance at their homes or workplaces minimizes time loss and disruption, representing a convenience-driven service innovation. This modern, seamless approach aligns with contemporary customer expectations for efficient and accessible service experiences.”

Hyundai supports participating dealerships by offering guidance on upfitting mobile service vehicles with necessary equipment, software, and Dealer Management System (DMS) integrations. Mobile services use factory trained technicians and genuine Hyundai parts so that customers will receive the same standards of service they experience at a dealership service department. Mobile service appointments are scheduled directly with dealers by visiting a participating dealer’s online service page and looking for mobile service options. Hyundai will provide one-on-one coaching to dealer partners to help ensure success.

Hyundai dealers are making significant, long-term investments to expand capacity, improve service quality, and deliver a stronger more convenient ownership experience. Through the mobile service program, dealers will improve service retention by keeping routine maintenance in‑network and strengthen owner loyalty throughout the vehicle lifecycle.[1]

[1] Mobile service is provided by independently owned and operated Hyundai dealerships. Dealers are solely responsible for mobile service operations, including vehicles, personnel, scheduling, and service execution. Hyundai’s role is limited to program support.

It wasn't that long ago that buying a Hyundai meant you were strictly shopping on a budget. Today, things are vastly different. When the Palisade first hit the scene, it proved that you didn't need a luxury badge to get a genuine premium experience. Now, the heavily anticipated 2026 Hyundai Palisade has arrived, and it brings a massive trump card to the table: a potent, highly efficient new hybrid powertrain.

As someone who spends entirely too much time analyzing the three row SUV market, let's take a deep dive into where the new 2026 Palisade fits against its toughest competition. I want to be completely honest here. There are vehicles that handle better, and there are vehicles that carry more prestigious badges. But when it comes to delivering a first class family hauling experience, the Palisade makes a remarkably strong case for itself.

Let's break it down...

The Sibling Rivalry: Kia Telluride
We have to start with the Palisade's corporate twin. For this new generation, both SUVs get access to a phenomenal new 329 horsepower turbo hybrid engine that combines a 2.5 liter four cylinder with electric motors. But while they share the same bones, their personalities couldn't be more different.

The Telluride leans hard into a rugged, boxy, almost Range Rover inspired aesthetic. It wants to look tough. The Palisade, on the other hand, goes for pure elegance and sleek, futuristic lighting. Inside, the Palisade's cabin is a masterclass in modern luxury. It leans into a softer, more refined mid century modern vibe compared to the Telluride's bold, wide layout. If you want your SUV to look like it belongs at an upscale valet rather than a muddy trail, the Hyundai edges out its corporate cousin. It feels just a bit more plush and isolated from the outside world.

The Pragmatic Heavyweights: Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander
Honda and Toyota are the absolute defaults for millions of families. The Honda Pilot is a fantastic vehicle with a very refined ride and clever storage, but it doesn't offer a hybrid option at all. The Toyota Grand Highlander has a great hybrid system and offers tremendous space, making it a highly logical choice.

But cars aren't just logical purchases. Step out of a top trim Palisade Calligraphy and into a Grand Highlander, and the Toyota feels noticeably more utilitarian. The Japanese stalwarts give you durable plastics and sensible design. The 2026 Palisade gives you warm ambient lighting, massive integrated digital displays, incredibly soft seating, and features like a UV-C sanitizing tray and a digital rearview mirror. The Hyundai simply feels like a more special place to spend your daily commute.

The Driving Enthusiast's Choice: Mazda CX-90
Mazda built the CX-90 for people who actually love driving. It sits on a rear wheel drive biased platform and packs a remarkably smooth inline six engine. If you are carving up a canyon road, the Mazda is going to win. It is a fantastic piece of engineering.

But let's be honest, you're buying a large SUV to haul your family, not to set lap times. The CX-90's third row is famously cramped, and its cargo space is compromised by its sporty design. The 2026 Palisade offers massively more passenger room and cargo flexibility. Plus, with the new hybrid system pushing out around 339 lb-ft of torque, the Palisade is incredibly responsive when you need to merge onto the highway or pass a slow moving truck. The Hyundai prioritizes passenger comfort over sporty dynamics, which is exactly what a family hauler should do.

Punching Up: The Near Luxury Contenders
This is where the Palisade's value proposition shines the brightest. Let's look at the Buick Enclave and the Lincoln Aviator.

The Buick Enclave is a masterclass in quiet, wafty comfort. It's huge and serene. But a fully loaded 2026 Palisade offers a cabin that's just as quiet, with tech that feels a generation ahead of the Buick, all for significantly less money.

The Lincoln Aviator is a legitimate luxury powerhouse. With its standard twin turbo engine and gorgeous interior, it's a spectacular vehicle. But an Aviator can easily cost you $75,000 or more. A fully loaded Palisade Calligraphy gives you an interior that legitimately rivals the Lincoln, complete with premium audio, advanced highway driving assist tech, and a beautiful cabin layout, for tens of thousands of dollars less. Does the Aviator offer more power and badge prestige? Absolutely. But the Palisade gives you 90 percent of that high end luxury experience for a fraction of the cost.

When all is said and done...
Is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade perfect? No. The front end design is still going to be polarizing for some, and a few buyers will always prefer the rugged look of its Kia sibling. And yes, you still won't get the immediate brand prestige of a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW.

But once you shut the door, sink into those premium seats, and let the whisper quiet hybrid system whisk you away, you simply won't care. The 2026 Palisade takes everything that made the original great and elevates it with a brilliant new powertrain and an even more luxurious cabin. It's a masterclass in attainable luxury, and it remains one of the absolute smartest buys in the entire automotive landscape.

Trying to get an idea of how many people feel there is excessive wind noise on the driver's side.

Hyundai executives have been watching this community for years. They've also made improvements to their vehicles based upon what they've read here. They are listening to you.

This discussion will serve as a quick and easy way for Hyundai executives to gauge interest and help make decisions moving forward.

As a Palisade driver, you should state exactly what you'd like to see enhanced, added, and/or omitted from your Hyundai Palisade.

Any posts that don't stick to the subject matter will be moved elsewhere.

Hello everyone, We're currently developing a Center Console organizer for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and are looking for 2 US based owners to help us test the fit. Once confirmed, we'll produce the final version and send it to you as a gift! If you're interested, please Direct Message me or leave a comment below. Thank you all!

• IONIQ 5 SE named Best Value EV and Palisade SE earned Best Value Midsize SUV
• Veteran editorial team from leading automotive marketplace names its favorite value vehicles for 2026
• Kona SE and Elantra SE named finalists in Best Value New Cars list

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., April 7, 2026 – The Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Palisade SE trim models have received the 2026 Best Value New Car award by Cars.com. The IONIQ 5 SE was recognized as the Best Value EV, while the Palisade SE earned the title of Best Value Midsize SUV. These honors emphasize affordable, non-luxury, mass-market vehicles that offer essential features, including automatic transmission, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, brake assist, and lane departure warning. Cars.com based these selections on consumer survey results and editorial judgment.

For 2026, Cars.com also recognized Hyundai’s Kona SE and Elantra SE as finalists in the Best Value Subcompact SUV and Best Value Compact Car categories. The Best Value New Cars of 2026 by Cars.com list acknowledges exceptional vehicles in quality, innovation, and value as judged by Cars.com’s editorial team of car reviewers. The EPA’s annual fuel costs are also factored into the rankings for gas-powered vehicles.

Winning the Best Value EV and Best Value Midsize SUV awards highlights our commitment to offering customers the features they want at competitive prices,” said Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. “Hyundai delivers design, technology, efficiency, and value for buyers in today’s market.”

The IONIQ 5 SE continues to lead its segment, distinguished by its innovative design, strong performance, rapid charging capabilities, and practical usability. Buyers may select either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations, with real-world functionality enhanced by ultra-fast DC charging, reliable driving range, and a technologically advanced cabin environment. Furthermore, the IONIQ 5 includes seven standard SmartSense safety features: blind-spot collision warning, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, forward collision assist with pedestrian detection, rear occupant alert (door logic), intelligent speed limit assist and high beam assist. The SmartSense suite also offers optional safety and convenience technologies that assist drivers in anticipating road conditions and provide alerts to support the safety of both drivers and passengers.

The Palisade SE three-row SUV delivers bold design, a premium cabin, and significantly improved capabilities including a newly available hybrid powertrain. The interior design and roomy dimensions invite serenity and a sense of occasion. Eight passenger seating is standard for family adventures. The BlueLink® Connected Car System, over-the-air software updates and WIFI hotspot come standard on the SE trim as well as a suite of SmartSense safety features. It’s not just Palisade’s additional space, longer driving range and rugged ability that impresses; its infotainment, convenience, and advanced safety-system upgrades mean that this new model is more capable in every dimension.

“Hyundai’s presence on Cars.com’s 2026 Best Value New Cars list, including the Palisade SE and all-electric IONIQ 5 SE, highlights the brand’s commitment to delivering real-world affordability across different segments,” said Jenni Newman, Cars.com editor-in-chief. “Hyundai’s vehicles stand out from a crowded market with strong features, competitive pricing and attractive fuel efficiency options – demonstrating shoppers don’t have to compromise to get a well-rounded, high-value vehicle.”