Hyundai Palisade 2026: A Refined Family SUV Set to Arrive in UAE

Abu Dhabi: The Hyundai Palisade has always been a desirable big SUV in the UAE market. After the global unveiling early this year, the Korean automaker is preparing to launch its 2026 model early next year. Positioned as Hyundai’s flagship three-row SUV, the Palisade caters to large families looking for comfort, space, and advanced tech, as well as a stylish exterior. The new model gets a sharper exterior design, a revamped interior, and more sophisticated safety systems. 

In the UAE, it will take on some of the well-established names, including Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, and Nissan Pathfinder. As the brand Hyundai starts to flex its muscle in the Emirates, and more buyers are aspiring for the brand, the Palisade offers a rare combination of practicality and value. The 2026 facelift is likely to attract a lot of customer interest. 

Exterior 

• Get a commanding road presence with a larger front grille
• Slim LED headlights and modern DRL signature
• Sharper body lines and a more curved body profile
• Stylish, multi-spoke alloy wheel designs up to 20 inches
• Superior aerodynamic design cues that improve efficiency
• All-new exterior colour options suitable for the UAE buyers' tastes

Interior

• A spacious and premium three-row cabin with quality upholstery 
• A huge central touchscreen with a user-friendly interface and improved software
• The digital instrument cluster comes with customizable layouts
• Super comfortable, ventilated and heated seats
• Silent cabin with enhanced sound insulation for a quieter ride
• Multiple USB-C charging ports and wireless phone charging

Safety

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection
• Blind-Spot View Monitor integrated into the instrument cluster
• Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control for ease of highway driving
• Parking ease with Surround View Monitor

Powertrain Options

Specification	Standard Powertrain	Turbocharged Hybrid Powertrain
Engine	3.5L V6 direct-injected	2.5L turbocharged inline-4 + 2 electric motors
Horsepower	277 hp	329 hp
Torque	252 Nm	Estimated 339 lb-ft (460 Nm approx.)
Transmission	8-speed automatic	6-speed automatic
Drivetrain	FWD / HTRAC® AWD	AWD
Estimated Driving Range	NA	Up to 1107 km
Additional Features	Available in 2WD and AWD; smooth performance	Advanced hybrid efficiency; new Stay Mode
AWD Terrain Modes	HTRAC® system with Mud, Sand, Snow modes	HTRAC® system with Mud, Sand, Snow modes

Conclusion

Hyundai has taken a big leap with the Palisade 2026 with the latest update. This three-row SUV gets a bold design, a premium cabin, and significantly improved capabilities. This arrival boosts the large SUV segment in the UAE, which already has pretty strong brands. What makes the Palisade a compelling choice in the segment is its practicality and space that families value, but now comes with a sharper look, more luxury and stylish touches, and advanced safety. 

While its rivals, like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander, are well established, Hyundai is making every effort with the facelift to give customers something extra special. And so it is not hard to see that the greater combination of design, tech, and value could give it an edge in the UAE. Pricing will be key when Hyundai reveals them, and then we can make a pretty solid guess at how it stacks against its rivals. However, if its global unveiling is of any indication, it certainly is a strong option for Emirati buyers seeking a spacious, feature-rich SUV without stepping into luxury-brand territory.