The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade is set to make its way into Australian showrooms within weeks, with a price tag that pushes it close to the $100,000 drive-away mark. This figure represents an increase of about $25,000 compared with the most affordable version of the outgoing model, marking a major step up for Hyundai’s flagship petrol-powered SUV.
At launch, the Palisade will be offered exclusively in the high-end Calligraphy trim level, giving buyers the option of either seven or eight seats. Unlike the outgoing range, which featured multiple engines and trim levels, the new model simplifies the line-up with a single all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain as standard. According to figures published on Hyundai Australia’s website, the vehicle carries a recommended retail price of $89,900 before on-road costs.
When compared to the old Palisade, the price increase is significant. The previous all-wheel-drive Calligraphy diesel was priced from $79,219 plus on-road costs, while the entry-level 2025 Palisade Elite V6 petrol started at $66,800 plus on-roads (or $72,619 drive-away in New South Wales). Even the limited-run Calligraphy Black Ink, with its distinctive darkened styling accents, came in at a lower price of $81,719 plus on-road charges. With Luxury Car Tax and other associated costs factored in, the 2026 Palisade is estimated to reach a drive-away price of roughly $97,500 in metropolitan Sydney, before options such as premium paint ($750) or additional interior colour choices (up to $295). This positions Hyundai’s largest SUV firmly in the premium end of the market, making it more expensive than the range-topping Mazda CX-90 diesel ($88,670 plus on-roads) and nearly on par with the entry-level Volvo XC90 ($97,990 plus on-roads).
As it stands, Hyundai has not confirmed whether lower-grade variants will be reintroduced at a later date, though the company has noted that most buyers of the previous generation opted for the well-equipped Calligraphy model. Importantly, the old petrol V6 and turbo-diesel engines have been discontinued. In their place, the new Palisade debuts a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine supported by two electric motors and a 1.65kWh battery pack. Combined outputs are rated at 245kW and 460Nm, delivering more power than the outgoing V6 and greater torque than the diesel alternative. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels, while fuel efficiency has been improved to a claimed 6.8L/100km—better than both the 7.3L/100km diesel and the 10.7L/100km petrol V6.
Dimensionally, the 2026 Palisade is larger than its predecessor and comes with bold new styling and a thoroughly redesigned interior. Buyers will find more standard equipment than ever before, including 21-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable front seats (16-way for the driver and 12-way for the passenger), heated third-row seating, a premium Bose audio system, and even a fingerprint recognition system for engine start-up. Safety and convenience technologies have also been upgraded, with enhanced highway driving assist features and dual 12.3-inch digital displays running Hyundai’s latest infotainment software. Premium touches such as nappa leather upholstery, ventilated seating for the first and second rows, a head-up display, LED headlights, wireless phone charging, a digital rear-view mirror, and a panoramic sunroof round out the equipment list.
More details about specifications and features are expected to be released closer to its official showroom arrival in October 2025, but one thing is clear: the 2026 Palisade is aiming higher than ever, blurring the line between mainstream SUV and luxury offering.