Is the 2026 Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy the Best Large Family SUV Right Now?

When you step inside the striking new 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy, you instantly sense Hyundai’s push toward merging luxury, family practicality and efficiency in one bold package. The top-trim Calligraphy version takes what was already a capable three-row SUV and elevates it with features and refinement you might expect in a premium brand — while also introducing a compelling hybrid powertrain that adds both performance and better fuel economy.

Under the hood you’ll find a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with twin electric motors and a six-speed automatic transmission, generating 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid setup doesn’t just match the V-6 in everyday driveability — it actually edges ahead in acceleration and efficiency. One test car reached 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds despite heavy luxury equipment and all-wheel-drive.
Fuel economy wise, the Calligraphy all-wheel-drive hybrid is rated around 29 mpg combined, with front-wheel-drive versions bumping up closer to 34 mpg in some trims. In real-world highway testing the Calligraphy hybrid was seen logging about 28 mpg while cruising at 75 mph — not bad at all for a large three-row luxury SUV.

Size, space and comfort are also strong points. With a wheelbase of 116.9 inches and an overall length of 199.4 inches, the redesign offers more legroom in the second and third rows. Cargo volum e­figures are generous: 19 cubic feet with the third row upright, roughly 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and around 87 cubic feet with both rows folded.
Inside the Calligraphy you’ll find premium touches everywhere: 21-inch alloy wheels, Nappa-leather seating surfaces, ambient lighting designed with subtle elegance, heated third-row seats, relaxation seats in the front and second rows, an available 12.3-inch head-up display and a built-in dash cam. The level of interior finish now challenges many premium rivals.

Hyundai has also emphasized ride comfort and handling. The hybrid’s instant torque from the electric motors helps smooth low-speed pulls, and the suspension tuning supports a calm, composed ride even with large 21-inch wheels. That means you enjoy both the presence of a luxury SUV and the everyday drivability of something a bit more relaxed.

From a value standpoint, the hybrid premium is roughly $2,200 more than the comparable V-6 version. When you factor in the extra performance plus fuel savings per year (on the order of $800 annually in some cases) the hybrid becomes a very smart choice for buyers who want luxury, space and efficiency.
Of course there are trade-offs: the Calligraphy’s mass is significant (over 5,000 lb for some models), and third-row access still isn’t quite as easy as in some dedicated luxury SUVs. Some second-row functionality lags slightly in slide/rake compared to the standout front seats. But these are small quibbles compared to the overall package.

If you are shopping for a large luxury-leaning SUV with three rows, daily-driver comfort, decent efficiency and premium materials throughout — the 2026 Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy offers a highly compelling mix. And if you like German cars (as I know you do), this shows that mainstream brands are closing the gap on premium feel while delivering unique value and capability.