2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy review (video)

With so many choices and new product pushing through, there are many attributes to consider when choosing a large SUV in Australia. Space, features, comfort over long distances, price, dynamics, performance, efficiency – all are equally crucial for the segment to balance.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid arrives as Hyundai’s flagship family SUV and introduces hybrid power to the nameplate for the first time. It promises an EV-like driving experience thanks to its dual-motor hybrid system, alongside a luxurious interior, class-leading technology and a cavernous three-row cabin with a choice of seven or eight seats.

To see how well it performs in the real world, we wanted to spend some quality and lengthy time with this one. We put it through the ultimate Australian family test; a road trip on the spectacular Great Ocean Road. Our findings might help you choose your next large SUV.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: Specifications

Engine: 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder hybrid
Electrical: 1.65kWh battery, 2x electric motors
Output (combined): 245kW / 460Nm
Gearbox: Six-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 21×8.5, 265/45
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 2258kg
Power-to-weight: 9.21:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.8L/100km

Our consumption: 7.1L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 72L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 36.02kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.74 seconds*
0-100km/h: 7.65 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.08 seconds*
1/4 mile: 15.56 seconds at 151.9km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.682g*
100-0km/h braking: 41.21m in 3.25 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.025g*
Starting price: $89,828

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: How much does it cost?

The new Palisade Calligraphy launched in Australia in the second half of 2025 as a single flagship variant, priced from $89,828 (before on-road costs), with buyers able to choose between a standard 8-seat configuration or an optional 7-seat layout with captain’s chairs in the second row. Since then, a more affordable ‘Elite’ variant with 8-seat configuration has been released, and retails from $76,500.

It sits in the mainstream upper-large SUV segment. In terms of price, it sits above rivals such as the Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L ($82,850) – though, that is a less efficient 7-seat V6 – the Toyota Kluger Grande Hybrid ($85,135), and right near the Mazda CX-90 D50e Azami ($89,888). But the Palisade remains below luxury-badged SUVs that push well beyond six figures with similar equipment.

With the Calligraphy, buyers are essentially purchasing a fully loaded SUV from the outset, rather than adding numerous option packages. The only major choice comes down to seating configuration, and exterior and interior colour combinations.

Hyundai backs the Palisade with a 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, while servicing intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km. Ownership costs are competitive as Hyundai offers capped-price servicing for $1547 for 3 years, $2227 for 4 years, and $2630 for 5 years, provided servicing is completed within the authorised network.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: Interior & packaging

We stepped inside the Palisade Calligraphy in Adelaide, where our journey began. It quickly became clear that Hyundai has designed this SUV with families firmly in mind. The cabin is enormous, even when all three rows of seats are in use – something that can’t be said for many rivals where the third row often feels like you should only use it in rare events.

One of the standout features is the 8-seat configuration, which remains relatively rare in modern large SUVs. With three seats across the second and third rows, the Palisade can genuinely carry a full family plus friends without feeling cramped. Access to the third row is also impressively easy, thanks to multiple electric and manual release levers located at the second row and in the boot.

There is also a one-touch walk-in switch to access the third row, and the third row has power sliding and reclining adjustments. Meanwhile, there is also a second and third row seat controller in the boot so you don’t have to walk to the side doors. We filled every seat with a mix of kids and adults in our first drive from Adelaide to the coastal town of Goolwa, one hour away. There were no complaints about space.

Boot space is substantial even with all seats in use, offering 300 litres, then increasing to 712 litres when the third row is folded down. If you need even more room, dropping the second row expands the space to a massive 2081L using VDA measuring standards. Admirably, these dimensions are achieved with the use of a full-sized alloy spare wheel. Most other competitors offer space-saving spares or tyre repair kits.

Hyundai has packed the cabin with clever storage solutions. The relocation of the gear selector to the steering column frees up significant space beneath the centre console, creating a useful open storage area. There are also large door pockets, generous cupholders, a front passenger shelf along the dash, and a sizeable slide-out storage console for second-row passengers.

Comfort is another area where the Palisade excels. All three rows receive a comprehensive suite of amenities including adjustable backrests, air vents, six 100-watt USB-C charging ports, and cupholders. Heated seats are available across the rows, while side window blinds and dual sunroofs ensure passengers remain comfortable during long journeys.

We had the brown interior trim combo, which offered a refreshing change from the usual black or grey options. However, Hyundai uses the same shade of brown across much of the cabin. We wonder whether you’d get sick of it over time, being so stark.

Material quality feels genuinely premium throughout. Hyundai has leaned heavily into a futuristic design theme, with the dashboard featuring a sweeping indented shape and textured surfaces that resemble flowing organic forms. At night the cabin becomes particularly impressive, as soft ambient lighting glows from behind door armrests and along the dashboard to create a floating visual effect.

The front seats deserve special mention. They are exceptionally comfortable and offer a wide range of adjustments, including an electrically deployable footrest for relaxation when parked. However, there is a small metal design element integrated into the centre of the seatbacks that one of our slimmer occupants noticed pressing against their spine.

Technology is equally impressive. A large curved display integrates dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, running Hyundai’s intuitive interface. Of course, you get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Navigating the crisp menus is straightforward and quick to learn, which is essential in a vehicle packed with features.

A Bose premium 14-speaker sound system delivers powerful audio with deep bass, making long road trips far more enjoyable. Meanwhile, the available 360-degree camera views are extremely helpful when manoeuvring a vehicle of this size (5065mm long, 1980mm wide) in tight urban environments. It’s actually longer than a 300 Series LandCruiser and about the same width.

The feature list is endless. We couldn’t notice anything pressing left out. Some standout inclusions comprise of smart keys for remote starting, electric steering wheel adjustment, extendable front sun visors, Nappa leather seats, a UV-C LED sterilised console to clean items, a digital centre mirror, head-up display, tri-zone climate control with a second-row control panel, ventilated front and second row outboard seats, and suede pillars.

In terms of safety, Hyundai’s ‘SmartSense’ earns the Palisade ANCAP’s highest 5-star rating. You get all the latest tech, including blind-spot view monitors in the dash, driver attention warning and leading vehicle departure alert, forward collision avoidance assist with junction turning, lane following assist, remote parking assist and safe exit assist, to name a few.

Externally, the Palisade adopts a bold design language. Smooth, rounded-off sheet metal contours are paired with enormous vertical LED lighting units that emphasise the SUV’s width and height. The overall aesthetic is clearly influenced by American market tastes, where large SUVs often lean into their size rather than attempting to disguise it.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: Powertrain & handling

Powering this Korean-built beast is Hyundai’s next-generation 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol hybrid system, producing a combined 245kW and 460Nm. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. For such a large and heavy SUV (2258kg), performance is surprisingly strong. Even with eight passengers on board, the Palisade never feels underpowered.

There is lots of instant torque from the electric side, and then top-end power is boosted by that turbo. As we scaled up and down the hills formed by the Great Australian Bight’s picturesque landscape the hybrid system provided effortless acceleration whenever it was needed. The turbocharged engine works seamlessly with the electric motors to deliver smooth, consistent power. We timed 0-100km/h in 7.65 seconds.

The six-speed automatic transmission deserves praise, especially for not being a CVT like many other hybrid SUVs. Gear changes are direct and the gearbox consistently selects the appropriate ratio to maximise acceleration or efficiency depending on the driving conditions.

Fuel consumption is obviously one of the major advantages of hybrid tech. Around town and in stop-start traffic, the Palisade can rely heavily on electric assistance, delivering commendably low fuel use for a vehicle of this size. On the freeway, consumption naturally increases as the petrol engine does more of the groundwork. Handy for those who will find themselves trotting around suburbia most of the time.

The official average is 6.8L/100km. Our test, given we were predominantly stretching the Palisade’s legs on highways, was still a respectable 7.1L/100km. It requires a minimum of 91 RON or E10-blended petrol, which takes savings further. For our long-haul trip, we especially loved the huge travel range. Combining the efficient setup and a large 72-litre fuel tank means you can easily travel 1000km before needing to refuel. The theoretical average range is 1058km.

Hyundai has given the Palisade a bespoke Australian suspension tune, and it shows. Around the many bends of the Great Ocean Road, this remained composed and comfortable. Handling is more agile than you’d expect when you look at its size. It feels remarkably stable and well-centred on the road, and lean is kept to a minimum when pushed harder. This confidence inspiring feel is also helped by having well-calibrated and communicative steering. Bumps are tackled with good absorption as there is little vibration and noise that reverberates into the cabin.

The Palisade also proved surprisingly capable off the bitumen. During our trip we ventured onto dirt roads and sandy beaches of Goolwa, where it handled conditions confidently. Features such as hill descent control, selectable off-road-specific drive modes, and Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive smarts, all help manage traction when surfaces become loose. You wouldn’t use it as a heavy duty off-roader though, as the road-oriented 265/45 R21 tyres, ground clearance of 187mm, and approach and departure angles (18.6 degrees and 21.1 degrees) are suited better to aerodynamics than navigating 4WD tracks. However, Hyundai Australia will launch an XRT Pro variant soon, offering more ground clearance and a limited-slip diff.

We spent significant time using the driver assistance technology during our trip. The adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems operate with impressive refinement, detecting vehicles ahead accurately and adjusting speed smoothly rather than abruptly like some other brands do. Equally welcome is the improvement to Hyundai’s driver monitoring and speed warning systems. Previous Hyundai models were overly intrusive, but the Palisade’s alerts seem to be subtler during long drives.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Enormous interior space: Even with all three rows in use, the Palisade remains spacious and practical. The 8-seat configuration is particularly rare in this segment.
• Outstanding long-distance comfort: Heated seats, air vents, USB ports and generous adjustment across all rows ensure passengers remain comfortable on extended road trips.
• Hybrid efficiency in a large SUV: The turbocharged hybrid drivetrain delivers strong performance while significantly reducing fuel consumption in urban driving.
• Class-leading technology: Large integrated displays, intuitive menus, a 360-degree camera system and a powerful Bose sound system enhance everyday usability.
• Refined driver assistance systems: Compared to some younger manufacturers, Hyundai’s safety technologies operate smoothly and unobtrusively, making highway travel far more relaxing. Hyundai obviously spends time testing them. Some alerts have been calmed so the chiming isn’t as incessant as previous models.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: Key considerations before you buy

• Large physical size: Do you really need an SUV this big? While spacious, the Palisade can feel enormous in tight city streets and car parks.
• Brown interior is strong and may not suit all tastes: While distinctive, the single-tone brown finish could start to get old on you over time. Luckily, there is black, dark charcoal, and dark navy/light grey schemes to choose from in the Calligraphy.
• Not a heavy-duty off-roader: Although this all-wheel drive system is good for traction on sand, in the wet, and on loose dirt, low profile road tyres and low ground clearance means some rivals offer more capability, despite this offering off-road drive modes. Hyundai doesn’t offer a product for more serious off-road enthusiasts. Yet.
• Price sits near premium territory: At $90,000 before on-road costs, it gets close to luxury-branded SUVs. Some might have reservations spending this much on a brand not famous for luxury.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: Key considerations before you buy