I've helped countless customers navigate the world of three-row SUVs—and let me tell you, the all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade is setting a new standard. Redesigned from the ground up, it's bigger, bolder, and smarter, with a hybrid option that changes the game. But what really gets me excited? How it stacks up head-to-head against rivals like the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander (including the Grand Highlander), and Honda Pilot. I'll break it down category by category, showing exactly why the Palisade isn't just competitive—it's superior. Let's get into it.
Space and Comfort: Room for the Whole Crew, Without Compromise
In a segment where families demand versatility, the Palisade delivers class-leading passenger volume at 181 cubic feet, edging out the Honda Pilot (178 cubic feet) and Toyota Grand Highlander (176 cubic feet). It's 2.5 inches longer overall with a 2.7-inch longer wheelbase than its predecessor, translating to more legroom across all rows—43 inches in the second row and 32.1 inches in the third, beating the Kia Telluride's tighter 31.4 inches in the back. The Ford Explorer offers decent space but feels cramped in the third row compared to the Palisade's airy cabin, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L prioritizes luxury over practicality, with noticeably less cargo room behind the seats (18.5 cubic feet vs. Palisade's 18.8, expanding to 86.4 with seats folded).Inside, premium touches like Relaxation seats with extendable leg rests and a UV-C sterilization compartment make it a cut above. The Pilot has solid comfort, but lacks these thoughtful luxuries, while the Highlander's dated interior can't match the Palisade's modern, midcentury-inspired design with curved armrests and ample storage.
Power and Efficiency: Punchy Performance That Won't Drain Your Wallet
The base 3.5-liter V6 pumps out 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic for smooth, responsive acceleration—quicker than the Honda Pilot's 285-hp V6, which feels labored under load.
Towing maxes at 5,000 pounds, matching the Explorer and Pilot, but the real standout is the new hybrid: a turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder with electric motors delivering 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft, plus an estimated 34 mpg combined and a 619-mile range. That's a torque edge over the Toyota Highlander's hybrid (243 hp, 36 mpg but less pull) and far better than the Jeep's thirsty V6 (19 mpg city).The Explorer's optional hybrid hits 28 mpg but lacks the Palisade's power surge, and while the Telluride shares similar bones, the Palisade's hybrid arrives first with superior refinement. No more choosing between performance and efficiency—the Palisade gives you both.
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Safety and Technology: Cutting-Edge Protection and Connectivity
Standard SmartSense includes Highway Driving Assist II with automatic lane changes, blind-spot view monitors, and a built-in front/rear dash cam—features the Toyota Highlander lacks in base trims, and more advanced than the Explorer's often-glitchy system. With 10 airbags, infrared driver monitoring, and over-the-air updates, it earns top safety nods, surpassing the Pilot's suite in proactive alerts. The dual 12.3-inch curved displays support wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 14-speaker Bose system (topping the Telluride's 10 speakers), and 100-watt USB-C ports in all rows—tech that feels more intuitive than the Highlander's clunky interface.
Value and Ownership: Premium Perks at Everyday Prices
Starting at $38,935 (including destination), the Palisade undercuts loaded Pilots ($40,000+) and Grand Highlanders ($43,000+), while topping out at $59,775 for the hybrid Calligraphy—still less than a comparably equipped Explorer.
It's backed by a three-day money-back guarantee, ensuring confidence from day one.
And the warranty? Hyundai's unmatched 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage blows away Ford's three-year basic, Toyota's five-year, and Honda's, with the Telluride matching but no one else coming close.
Skip the Haggling with Express Buying at Homer Skelton Hyundai
At Homer Skelton Hyundai, we know traditional car buying can be a drag—starting at sticker price, endless back-and-forth, and walking away unsure if you scored a deal. That's why we've revolutionized the process with Express Buying: fast, simple, friendly, and fair. We research the Memphis-area market daily and price every vehicle upfront based on identical year, make, model, trim, and equipment. No negotiation, no pressure, just transparent low prices on high-quality inventory, plus the option to sell us your trade without buying from us. Every Palisade (and all our cars) is always on sale. It's hassle-free buying that puts the fun back in—because your time is valuable.
Ready to see how a 2026 Palisade compares? Test drive one today, and let's lock in that unbeatable deal. Questions? Hit me up—I'm here to make it easy.
