Hyundai provided an early look at a redesigned Palisade late last year, which is expected to reach U.S. dealerships later this year as a 2026 model.
However, engineers are still testing prototypes for the three-row, midsize SUV, and the latest one spotted is for the rugged XRT model.
Hyundai has been rolling out XRT versions of most of its SUVs, including the Ioniq 5 electric compact crossover. The upgrades tend to be mild, with the outgoing Palisade XRT featuring model-specific bumpers, roof rails, side steps, black cladding around the wheel arches, and unique 20-inch wheels.
Judging by the prototype for the redesigned Palisade XRT, Hyundai appears to be sticking with similar upgrades. However, the prototype shown here rides on smaller 18-inch wheels, which appear to be wrapped in 255/60-size Continental CrossContact all-terrain tires.
2026 Hyundai Palisade (Korea spec)
There should be some unique XRT treatments in the cabin as well. The new Palisade is known to be coming with a much more upscale interior design compared to the outgoing model, and in some markets, the center console will be able to convert into a middle seat for the first row, increasing the seating capacity to nine.
Hyundai hasn’t provided details on the powertrains for the redesigned Palisade, though rumors suggest the new generation may offer a hybrid setup with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as its gas component, along with a turbocharged four-cylinder option replacing the current 3.8-liter V6. Buyers should also have the choice between front- and all-wheel drive, with the latter likely standard on the XRT.
The Palisade is the corporate cousin of the Kia Telluride, and a redesigned version of the Kia is also expected to debut soon. A camouflaged prototype was recently spotted testing in the U.S.
