The three-row SUV segment is brutally competitive, but the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy doesn’t try to outmuscle or out-sport its rivals. Instead, it takes a smarter approach—leaning hard into comfort, interior luxury, and real-world usability. And for families shopping for a premium-feeling three-row SUV without stepping into full luxury-brand pricing, that strategy works exceptionally well.
The Calligraphy trim level sits at the top of the Palisade lineup. Step inside the Palisade Calligraphy and the first impression is immediate: this does not feel like a typical mainstream SUV. Hyundai’s interior execution here feels closer to Genesis than Honda or Toyota, thanks to rich materials, elegant design, and an attention to detail that elevates the entire cabin.
Nappa leather seats look and feel genuinely premium, while soft-touch surfaces dominate nearly every contact point. Dual 12.3-inch screens anchor the dashboard, delivering a clean, high-tech look while remaining intuitive to use. Hyundai’s blind-spot camera system—still one of the best implementations in the segment—adds both safety and a subtle wow factor.
Acoustic glass plays a big role in shaping the experience. Road and wind noise are impressively muted, making the Palisade Calligraphy feel calm and composed even at highway speeds. It’s the kind of quiet that families will appreciate on long road trips—or during the daily school run.
For 2026, the Palisade grows slightly, measuring 2.5 inches longer overall with a wheelbase stretched by 2.7 inches. That extra real estate translates directly into interior comfort.
The first and second rows are spacious and accommodating, even for taller adults. The third row remains a bit snug—especially for longer drives—but it’s usable and well-suited for kids or shorter trips. Power-adjustable second- and third-row seats make configuring the cabin far easier than expected, especially when juggling car seats, cargo, or both.
Hyundai also leans into comfort-focused features that families will actually use. Relaxation Mode for the front and second-row seats effectively turns them into recliners, while the massaging driver’s seat adds a level of indulgence rarely found in this segment.
The standard V6 produces 287 horsepower, which is fine for daily driving but doesn’t quite match the refinement suggested by the Palisade’s upscale interior. It gets the job done, but acceleration feels adequate rather than confident, especially when the cabin is fully loaded.
The available hybrid powertrain is the clear standout. With a combined 329 horsepower and fuel economy rated up to 35 mpg—roughly 10 mpg better than the V6—it transforms the Palisade into a far more compelling long-term family vehicle. Fewer fuel stops and stronger performance make the hybrid an easy recommendation for buyers who want efficiency without sacrificing power.
Behind the wheel, the Palisade Calligraphy is unapologetically comfort-focused. The suspension is tuned for smoothness, not agility, resulting in noticeable body roll when pushed. Steering is light and lacks meaningful feedback, reinforcing the idea that this SUV isn’t meant to be driven aggressively.
But that’s not a flaw—it’s a conscious decision. The Palisade excels at being predictable, relaxed, and easy to live with. For families prioritizing ride quality and cabin serenity over sporty handling, this tuning makes perfect sense.
Against competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguishes itself through interior execution. Simply put, it feels more luxurious. The materials, the tech, and the overall ambiance create an experience that feels a class above most mainstream three-row SUVs.
The pricing for the Calligraphy trim level starts at $56,160, adding all-wheel drive adds an additional $2k.
At the end of the day 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy isn’t about thrills—it’s about refinement, comfort, and delivering a premium family SUV experience without luxury-brand pricing. With a serene cabin, upscale materials, generous tech, and an excellent hybrid option, it remains one of the most compelling choices in the three-row SUV segment.
