Is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy the New Family King?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is Hyundai’s most luxurious version of its three-row flagship SUV, and it shows. Sitting at the top of the lineup, the Calligraphy blends bold design, upscale materials, and clever technology into a family vehicle that does not feel like a compromise.

From the outside, the new Palisade has grown noticeably. It is 2.5 inches longer and the wheelbase stretches 2.7 inches more than before. This translates into more space for the second and third rows. The front design features a wide grille, new vertically stacked LED lighting, and sculpted surfaces that make it look more like a luxury SUV than ever before. The drag coefficient is also improved, now down to 0.31, which helps with fuel efficiency and interior quietness.

Under the hood, buyers can choose between two powertrains. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. For those wanting more torque and efficiency, there is also a hybrid version that combines a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. This setup produces 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, using a 6-speed automatic. The hybrid is rated to tow up to 4,000 pounds.

Inside, the Calligraphy trim shines with real Nappa leather upholstery, dual 12.3-inch screens, and upscale ambient lighting. Hyundai has focused heavily on comfort and quietness, adding sound-absorbing glass, special tires, and more insulation around the cabin. Second-row passengers can enjoy optional reclining “relaxation” seats with built-in leg rests.

Technology also gets a major upgrade. A built-in dash cam system with dual cameras continuously records video and saves it automatically during impacts. Drivers can access footage from the infotainment screen or export it via microSD card. The vehicle comes equipped with Hyundai’s Digital Key 2.0, allowing owners to unlock and start the SUV using their phone or smartwatch. Other high-end features include Amazon Alexa integration, built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 14-speaker premium Bose audio system.

On the safety side, the 2026 Palisade Calligraphy is packed with Hyundai SmartSense driver assistance features. This includes forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. A hands-free liftgate, parking sensors, and driver attention monitoring are all standard.

Pricing starts around $55,555 for the V6 model, while the hybrid Calligraphy costs about $57,775 in front-wheel drive form and $58,280 with all-wheel drive. That is a decent value when you consider the luxury-level features included, especially when compared to other three-row SUVs in the same space.

For families who want something that feels more premium without jumping to a luxury badge, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy delivers an impressive balance of comfort, technology, and power. It is big, quiet, smart, and genuinely enjoyable to spend time in.