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2026 Hyundai Palisade

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2026 Hyundai Palisade Trim Levels Explained: SEL vs. XRT Pro vs. Calligraphy

Published on Jul 13, 2026 by DDM Devs

Choosing the right three-row family SUV requires balancing daily passenger space, modern connectivity, and long-term value. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade serves as a premier choice for growing families, offering a spacious cabin, premium materials, and flexible seating configurations. Whether you need a highly functional commuter vehicle for school drop-offs or a rugged cruiser ready for weekend road trips, this lineup delivers a configuration tailored to your specific lifestyle.


At Joe Cooper Hyundai of Midwest City, we make finding your ideal family vehicle straightforward and stress-free. If you are beginning your search, you can browse our new-vehicle inventory to see the latest arrivals on our lot. For buyers seeking excellent value, we also carry an extensive selection of high-quality used Hyundai models.


Our showroom is easily accessible for local shoppers. If you want to experience these trims in person, you can get step-by-step directions to our physical showroom at 6601 SE 29th St, Midwest City, OK 73110 by visiting our Google Maps directions page. If you have immediate questions about available configurations, trim availability, or current dealership specials, please give our sales team a quick call at (405) 733-1611 to speak with a dedicated product specialist.


For families in Bethany, the spacious 7-passenger seating capacity and generous 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row provide the ideal setup for carrying lake gear, strollers, and picnic supplies out to popular local parks and reservoir areas. The flat loading floor makes packing heavy coolers simple, ensuring that weekend getaways are organized and comfortable from the moment you leave your driveway. To see the full range of available colors and options, you can explore our complete selection of new Hyundai vehicles or narrow your focus directly to our new Palisade inventory.

What is the Standard Engine and Transmission for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?

Powering the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a highly capable and refined powertrain engineered to deliver smooth, linear acceleration under heavy passenger loads. Every trim level in the gasoline lineup utilizes a 3.5L V6 engine that generates 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Hyundai Palisade representing its engine performance and capability

The robust engine is paired with a sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission, which optimizes shift points for both low-speed responsiveness and relaxed highway cruising.

For drivers navigating the diverse terrain and demanding winter conditions in Midwest. City, having a reliable drivetrain is essential. While the standard drivetrain configuration is Front-wheel drive on lower trims, the rugged HTRAC All-wheel drive system is available across the lineup and comes standard on the trail-ready XRT Pro trim.

This system actively monitors road conditions and distributes torque between the front and rear axles to maximize traction on slick highways, muddy paths, or snow-covered roads.

When properly equipped, the Palisade boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, allowing you to haul small boats, utility trailers, or campers with ease.

In terms of efficiency, front-wheel-drive models achieve an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city / 26 hwy, providing a practical balance of power and fuel economy for daily driving.

If you are interested in browsing alternative options, we encourage you to view our dealership home page to see our full suite of automotive services or look through our complete pre-owned vehicle selection .

We also maintain a premium inventory of certified pre-owned Hyundai models that undergo rigorous multi-point inspections to guarantee manufacturer-backed reliability.

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specs by trim

Feature Calligraphy Limited SE SEL SEL Convenience SEL Premium XRT Pro
Engine 3.5L 3.5L 3.5L 3.5L 3.5L 3.5L 3.5L
Horsepower 287 hp 287 hp 287 hp 287 hp 287 hp 287 hp 287 hp
Torque 260 lb-ft 260 lb-ft 260 lb-ft 260 lb-ft 260 lb-ft 260 lb-ft 260 lb-ft
Transmission 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Front-wheel drive Front-wheel drive Front-wheel drive Front-wheel drive Front-wheel drive Front-wheel drive All-wheel drive

Comparing the Core Features of The SEL, XRT Pro, and Calligraphy Trims

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade lineup is structured to offer distinct personalities across its key trim levels, ensuring that buyers can find a model that matches their aesthetic tastes and functional requirements.

  • SEL: This trim represents the highly popular, value-driven sweet spot of the lineup. It features synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a high-resolution touchscreen infotainment system with seamless smartphone integration. It provides a premium feel without stretching your budget.

  • XRT Pro: Designed for families who love outdoor adventures, this trim adds rugged exterior styling, dark-finish trim, unique 20-inch alloy wheels, and standard HTRAC All-wheel drive. The model also includes a standard power sunroof and rugged design accents, ensuring it commands attention on every excursion.

  • Calligraphy: As the pinnacle of the Palisade lineup, this trim transforms the SUV into a legitimate luxury cruiser. It features premium Nappa leather seating, exclusive exterior chrome detailing, dual sunroofs, and high-end comfort amenities designed to pamper every occupant.

2026 Hyundai Palisade showcasing different trim levels

To help you secure the ideal trim for your family, our finance department offers a streamlined path to ownership. You can submit your information securely through our online credit application to get pre-approved for flexible financing. If you are considering other body styles or sizes, you can also check out our new Venue inventory for a compact city crossover, or explore our new Tucson selection to see our highly versatile two-row SUV options.

Pricing

Pricing by trim

Feature Calligraphy Limited SE SEL SEL Convenience SEL Premium XRT Pro
Base MSRP $54,560 $49,770 $39,435 $41,940 $43,370 $45,300 $49,870
Destination charge $1,600 $1,600 $1,600 $1,600 $1,600 $1,600 $1,600

Which Advanced Safety Systems Protect Your Family in the SEL vs Calligraphy?

Hyundai prioritizes passenger protection by equipping the Palisade with an extensive array of standard driver-assist technologies. Both the SEL and Calligraphy trims come standard with foundational safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist. These systems act as an extra set of eyes on the road, helping to mitigate or avoid potential collisions during busy commutes.

The Calligraphy trim elevates safety with several exclusive, high-tech driver-assist upgrades. It features Highway Driving Assist 2, which incorporates lane-change assist technology to make long highway stretches effortless. Additionally, drivers benefit from a Surround View Monitor and a Blind-Spot View Monitor, which project a live video feed of your blind spots directly onto the digital instrument cluster when you activate your turn signal.

If you are ready to upgrade your family's safety, you can use our trade-in valuation tool to get a quick and competitive estimate of your current vehicle's market value. We also invite you to explore our pre-owned Elantra models if you need an efficient secondary vehicle, or check our managers specials page to see our featured deals.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety and driver-assistance features by trim

Feature Calligraphy Limited SE SEL SEL Convenience SEL Premium XRT Pro
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA 2) Standard (includes Pedestrian, Cyclist, Junction Turning/Crossing, Lane-Change Oncoming, Lane-Change Side, and Evasive Steering Assist)
Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) Standard (combines Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, and automated turn-signal-activated Lane-Change Assist)
Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) Standard (projects live video feed of the vehicle's blind spots into the digital instrument cluster) Standard
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCAA) Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) Standard Standard Standard (Detects vehicles approaching from the side/rear while backing up and applies brakes)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) & Lane Following Assist (LFA) Standard
Forward Attention Warning (FAW) Standard (features an in-cabin infrared camera that actively monitors driver focus and drowsiness) Standard
Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) Standard (allows key fob-controlled self-parking and extraction from outside the SUV)
Surround View Monitor (SVM) Standard Standard
Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist - Reverse (PCA-R) Standard Standard
Safe Exit Assist (SEA) Standard (locks passenger doors if a vehicle is detected approaching from behind) Standard Standard (Prevents passenger doors from opening if an approaching vehicle is detected)
Advanced Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) Standard (uses overhead sensors to monitor and warn of movement in the rear rows after vehicle shutdown) Standard
Built-In Dual-Camera Dash Cam Standard (factory-integrated continuous drive recording with motion-activated 96-hour parking mode)
Head-Up Display (HUD) Standard
Digital Rear View Mirror Standard
Third-Row Seatbelt Pretensioners & Force Limiters Standard
High Beam Assist (HBA) Standard Standard Standard (Automatically toggles high beams based on oncoming traffic)
IIHS Safety Rating 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ (for models produced after November 2025)
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction-Turning Detection Standard
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) Standard
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) Standard Standard (Helps keep the vehicle within lane boundaries)
Lane Following Assist (LFA) Standard Standard (Keeps the vehicle centered in the active lane)
Highway Driving Assist (HDA) Standard Standard (HDA 1 combines cruise control and lane centering for highway driving)
Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) with Stop & Go Standard
Driver Attention Warning (DAW) Standard Standard (Monitors driving patterns to detect inattentive or drowsy behavior)
Parking Distance Warning (PDW) - Forward & Reverse Standard
Built-in Dual-Camera Dash Cam (Built-in Cam 2.5) Standard
Third-Row Seatbelt Pretensioners and Load Limiters Standard Standard

What Luxury Features are Exclusive to the 2026 Palisade Calligraphy?

For buyers unwilling to settle for anything less than ultimate cabin comfort, the Calligraphy trim is the premier choice. It replaces the standard synthetic surfaces of lower trims with ultra-premium Nappa leather seating, which features unique quilted detailing. The driver's seat is upgraded to an Ergo-Motion massaging seat, designed to reduce fatigue on long road trips by gently adjusting posture and pressure points.

Second-row passengers in the Calligraphy enjoy standard ventilated captain's chairs, ensuring optimal comfort during hot summer days. This high-end trim also includes a digital rearview mirror, a full-color head-up display that projects vital driving data onto the windshield, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows you to park or retrieve the vehicle from tight spaces using the key fob while standing outside the SUV.

For buyers seeking luxury on a budget, we offer a great selection of certified pre-owned SUVs that provide premium features with manufacturer warranty backing. You can also browse our inventory priced under $30k for highly affordable options, or check our new Sonata sedans for a sleek commuter vehicle.

Quick Answers Before You Visit

Are ventilated second-row seats available on the SEL trim?

Ventilated second-row seats are not standard on the SEL trim. However, they can be added as part of the optional Premium Package. If you prefer them as a standard, built-in feature without adding extra packages, they come standard on the top-tier Calligraphy trim.

Does the 2026 Palisade XRT Pro have actual off-road hardware upgrades?

Yes, the XRT Pro is built for light trail duty and a rugged look. It features standard HTRAC All-wheel drive with a locking center differential, slightly higher ground clearance, off-road-tuned suspension, and rugged all-terrain tires mounted on unique 20-inch wheels.

Is there a hybrid engine option for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?

The standard 2026 Palisade lineup relies exclusively on the 3.5L V6 engine and does not offer a hybrid option. If you are specifically looking for a fuel-efficient hybrid model, you can learn more about our dealership history and see our diverse lineup, or browse our new Sonata Hybrid inventory .

Can I custom-order a 2026 Palisade online?

Yes, you can configure your preferred trim level, exterior paint color, interior upholstery, and optional packages online. Once you complete your build, you can submit it directly to our team, and we will walk you through the ordering process. Please visit our contact page to get in touch with an order specialist today.

Find Your Next Family SUV at Joe Cooper Hyundai

At Joe Cooper Hyundai of Midwest City, we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect vehicle for your family's needs. Whether you prefer the balanced value of the SEL, the rugged spirit of the XRT Pro, or the uncompromising luxury of the Calligraphy trim, our team is here to assist you at every step of your buying journey.

We serve customers throughout the area, making it easy for busy families to drop by for a test drive. We invite you to view our new SUV inventory to find the model that fits your lifestyle. When you are ready to experience the Palisade firsthand, you can get directions to our showroom at 6601 SE 29th St, Midwest City, OK 73110 by visiting our Google Maps page, or you can call our sales department directly at (405) 733-1611 to schedule your appointment. Let us help you drive home in a vehicle your family will love for years to come.

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