2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
About this episode
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is making waves as the first hybrid version of Hyundai's popular three-row SUV, boasting impressive fuel efficiency at 29 MPG highway. The hosts share their experiences with the vehicle's upscale interior, comfortable seating, and advanced tech features like adaptive cruise control and lane assist. However, they also discuss some drawbacks, including a sluggish powertrain response and underwhelming braking performance. With a solid foundation, they believe the Palisade Hybrid has potential, but recommend waiting for future model years to address current issues.
We bought a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD for our test program—Hyundai's first model to use its new hybrid system based on a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. We share our first impressions of this three-row family hauler, covering performance, fuel economy, interior space, cabin luxury, daily usability, and how the hybrid stacks up against the gas-only Palisade. Plus, we answer viewer questions about our All-Season vs. All-Season SUV tire ratings and whether Nissan's "Zero Gravity" seats deliver real comfort or just marketing hype.
Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
SHOW NOTES
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00:00 - Introduction
00:16 - Overview: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
00:52 - What we liked
13:59 - What we did not like
28:48 - Question #1: Do Nissan's "Zero Gravity" seats actually deliver any comfort or is it just marketing hype?
34:10 - Question #2: What is the difference between the All-Season and All-Season SUV category in CR's tire ratings?
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Full Test Results: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/palisade-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Which Brands Make the Best Cars?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Reliability of 5-10 year old cars
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/which-brands-make-the-best-used-cars-a2811658468/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
10 Most Reliable Cars
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/10-most-reliable-cars-a6569295379/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
How Car Brands Stack Up On Lifetime Repair Cost
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Car Reliability and Owner Satisfaction Guide
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Consumerreports.org/Talkingcars
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Hyundai Palisade
"And today we're talking about the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. A couple things you may want to know about this SUV."
The Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is a type of SUV that runs on both gas and electricity, which helps it save fuel. It's designed to fit more people and has three rows of seats.
The Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is a midsize SUV that offers a hybrid powertrain, making it more fuel-efficient compared to its gasoline counterparts. It features three rows of seating, accommodating families and larger groups.
EPA
"The EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency, says it gets 29 miles per gallon highway..."
The EPA is a government group that makes sure cars are not polluting the environment too much and checks how much fuel they use.
The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, is a U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and enforcing national standards for environmental protection, including vehicle emissions and fuel economy ratings.
Toyota Grand Highlander
"...to compete with the Toyota Highlander slash Grand Highlander hybrids."
The Toyota Highlander is another SUV that can hold a lot of people and is known for being dependable. It also has a version that uses both gas and electricity to save on fuel.
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV known for its reliability and family-friendly features. It also offers hybrid options, making it a competitor to the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.
miles per gallon
"...it gets 29 miles per gallon highway where the regular all-wheel-drive V6 version gets just 20 miles per gallon combined."
Miles per gallon is how we measure how far a car can go on a gallon of gas. The higher the number, the less gas the car uses.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel efficiency for vehicles, indicating how many miles a car can travel on one gallon of fuel. Higher MPG values mean better fuel efficiency.
all-wheel-drive
"...there are both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions of the hybrid available."
All-wheel-drive means that the car can send power to all four wheels, which helps it grip the road better, especially when it's slippery or wet.
All-wheel-drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that distributes power to all four wheels of a vehicle, enhancing traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Hyundai Santa Fe
"...we bought a calligraphy version, which is I think the next to the top one..."
The Hyundai Calligraphy is a fancy version of a Hyundai SUV that comes with extra features and a more luxurious feel. It's designed for people who want a nicer experience when driving.
The Hyundai Calligraphy is a trim level of the Hyundai SUV that offers premium features and luxury touches. It is often positioned as a higher-end option within the model lineup, providing additional comfort and technology features compared to standard trims.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...d something like, oh, you know, I was driving the Range Rover, the big boat Range Rover, and it had massaging s..."
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can go off-road but also feels very comfortable inside. People like to talk about it because it's big, luxurious, and has cool features like massaging seats.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and opulent features. It represents the pinnacle of Land Rover's engineering, combining ruggedness with comfort, making it a popular choice among affluent buyers who seek both adventure and luxury.
three-row SUV
"...three-row SUV with a lot of features that you wouldn't get in any other brand, really."
A three-row SUV is a type of vehicle that has three rows of seats, allowing it to carry more people, usually between seven to eight passengers.
A three-row SUV is a sport utility vehicle that features three rows of seating, accommodating more passengers, typically up to seven or eight.
redesign
"...you don't always see, I think, the big redesign of such a kind of a groundbreaking vehicle..."
A redesign means that a car has been changed a lot in its look and features to make it better or more modern.
A redesign refers to a significant update or change in a vehicle's design, which can include aesthetics, features, and performance improvements.
Honda
"...taking it to Toyota, taking it to Honda with the pilot..."
Honda is another car company from Japan that makes popular cars like the Civic and Accord, which are known for being dependable.
Honda is a Japanese automotive manufacturer famous for its motorcycles and cars, particularly the Civic and Accord, known for their performance and reliability.
EV mode
"...switching between EV mode and kicking on the engine. I couldn't actually hear it sometimes, especially if I had AC going or music going..."
EV mode means the car is running on electricity from its battery instead of using gasoline. This helps save fuel and is better for the environment.
EV mode refers to the electric vehicle operating mode where the car runs solely on electric power, utilizing its battery instead of the internal combustion engine. This mode is designed to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
blind spot warning
"...can you tell us about some of the 8S systems that come standard on it? Absolutely. So we have blind spot warning,..."
Blind spot warning helps you see cars that are in areas you can't easily check when driving, making it safer to change lanes.
Blind spot warning is a safety feature that alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, helping to prevent accidents during lane changes.
highway driving assist
"...highway driving assist comes with lane centering and adaptive cruise control to help the vehicle stay centered in the lane..."
Highway driving assist makes driving on highways easier by helping your car stay in the lane and maintain speed automatically.
Highway driving assist is a driver assistance feature that combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering to help the driver navigate highways more easily.
adaptive cruise control
"...and keep a steady pace behind the lead vehicle while adjusting for changes in speed automatically."
Adaptive cruise control helps your car keep a safe distance from the car ahead by automatically speeding up or slowing down as needed.
Adaptive cruise control is an advanced form of cruise control that automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front.
lane centering
"...highway driving assist comes with lane centering and adaptive cruise control to help the vehicle stay centered in the lane..."
Lane centering helps your car stay in the middle of the lane while you're driving, making it easier to stay on the road.
Lane centering is a feature that helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane, using sensors to detect lane markings on the road.
automatic lane change
"...the SEL Premium and Up come with HDA2, which adds in the automatic lane change."
Automatic lane change lets your car switch lanes by itself when it's safe, making highway driving easier.
Automatic lane change is a feature that allows the vehicle to change lanes on its own when it is safe to do so, enhancing convenience and safety during highway driving.
Super Cruise
"...what they did with the blue cruise or the super cruise, when you just hit the signal and it moves..."
Super Cruise is a feature from Cadillac that allows your car to drive itself on certain highways. You can relax and let the car handle the steering and speed as long as you're on the right roads.
Super Cruise is Cadillac's advanced driver assistance system that enables hands-free driving on compatible highways. It combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering technology, allowing the vehicle to maintain speed and stay in its lane without driver intervention.
BlueCruise
"...what they did with the blue cruise or the super cruise, when you just hit the signal and it moves..."
BlueCruise is a system from Ford that lets your car drive itself on some highways. You can take your hands off the wheel, and it will keep you safe by watching the road and other cars.
BlueCruise is Ford's hands-free driving technology that allows for automated driving on certain highways. It uses cameras and sensors to monitor the road and surrounding vehicles, enabling the car to steer, accelerate, and brake without driver input in designated areas.
auto lane change feature
"...for this specifically auto lane change feature, I thought it did pretty well. Did you try it? I tried it..."
The auto lane change feature helps your car switch lanes on the highway when you turn on your blinker. It checks if the lane is clear before moving over, making driving easier.
The auto lane change feature is a driver assistance technology that allows a vehicle to change lanes automatically when the turn signal is activated, provided it detects that the adjacent lane is clear. This feature enhances convenience and safety during highway driving.
check engine light
"for check engine light to come on. You know, sometimes you get like a stumble and then it's like, oh, something bad happened."
The check engine light is a light on your car's dashboard that tells you something might be wrong with the engine. If it comes on, it's a good idea to have it checked out.
The check engine light is a warning indicator on a vehicle's dashboard that signals a potential issue with the engine or emissions system. It can illuminate for various reasons, ranging from minor issues to serious engine problems.
hybrid
"but it's a bummer because usually like the hybrid version, what we find the hybrid versions are better than their ice counterparts because the hybrid systems have been so perfected..."
A hybrid car uses both a regular gas engine and an electric motor. This helps it save fuel and be better for the environment.
A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The electric motor provides additional power, especially during acceleration, which enhances performance.
Kia Sorento
"...we test the Kia Sorento and then the Sorento hybrid,..."
The Kia Sorento is a family-friendly SUV that can carry a lot of passengers and cargo. It also comes in a hybrid version, which is more fuel-efficient.
The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and versatility. It offers various powertrains, including hybrid options, catering to different consumer needs.
Hyundai Tucson
"...the Tucson, the Tucson hybrid, whatever it is,..."
The Hyundai Tucson is a smaller SUV that is easy to drive and has lots of tech features. It also comes in a hybrid version for better fuel economy.
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride, modern technology, and various engine options, including hybrid variants.
V6 engine
"...we have a hybrid four against the V6. Yeah. And we just like we said with Toyota,..."
A V6 engine is a type of car engine that has six cylinders. It's powerful and helps cars go faster while still being relatively efficient with gas.
A V6 engine is a six-cylinder engine with two banks of three cylinders arranged in a V shape. It is known for providing a good balance of power and efficiency, making it popular in many vehicles.
turbocharged engine
"...like Toyota, now they all run turbo fours or hybrid fours and it's just like,..."
A turbocharged engine is a type of engine that uses a turbo to make it more powerful without needing to be bigger. It helps cars go faster and use less gas.
A turbocharged engine uses a turbine-driven forced induction system to increase the engine's efficiency and power output. This technology allows smaller engines to produce more power than larger naturally aspirated engines.
stability control
"and then all of a sudden clamp down like a stability control, that's at least here, if it, if it, I'm just assuming, you know, if it feels a little slippage, it's sending,"
Stability control helps keep your car from sliding around on the road. If it senses that the car is losing grip, it can apply brakes to specific wheels to help you stay in control.
Stability control is a safety feature in vehicles that helps prevent skidding and loss of control by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels when it detects a loss of traction.
internal combustion engine (ICE)
"...the regular ice version, I think, rode a little better. But which is a calligraphy too. Yeah. Yeah. So it's not"
An internal combustion engine is what most cars use to run. It burns fuel like gasoline to create power that makes the car move.
An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel and air inside the engine's cylinders.
Toyota RAV4
"...mfort has become a priority for me, and my Toyota RAV4 isn't helping in this department. Is there anythi..."
The RAV4 is a small SUV that's great for families and has a lot of space inside. People talk about it because it's reliable and good for both city driving and adventures.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV known for its reliability, spacious interior, and versatility. It is often discussed as a top choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts due to its practicality and fuel efficiency.
Nissan Sentra
"...san. It was perfect timing. To talk about the new Sentra, which is going to also be on ConsumerReports.org..."
The Sentra is a small car that's good for getting around every day. It's often brought up because it's affordable and has nice features for the price.
The Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan that offers a balance of comfort, efficiency, and technology. It is frequently mentioned for its value as a practical vehicle for daily commuting.
Nissan Armada
"...t Nissan's that we've tested. And I think for the Armada, I really liked it. I think in that specific car,..."
The Armada is a big SUV that can fit a lot of people and stuff inside. People talk about it because it's strong and can pull heavy things like trailers.
The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and powerful performance. It is often discussed for its capability as a family vehicle and its towing capacity.
Nissan Kicks
"I know that I also spent two hours in the Nissan Kicks, and I didn't like that one."
The Nissan Kicks is a small SUV that is budget-friendly and good on gas. It's designed for city driving and has a stylish look.
The Nissan Kicks is a subcompact crossover SUV known for its affordability and fuel efficiency. It features a modern design and is popular among urban drivers.
Nissan Murano
"...oes depend. It depends on the trim level. And the Murano that we have, I found it fine. I didn't sit there..."
The Murano is a comfortable SUV that has a nice inside and is good for families. People mention it because it looks good and is easy to drive.
The Nissan Murano is a midsize crossover SUV known for its comfortable ride and upscale interior. It is often discussed for its blend of style and practicality, making it a popular choice for families.
Hyundai Genesis
"...it is, it is, I mean, to another example, Hyundai Genesis, some of them have, the seat will adjust the bols..."
The Genesis is a fancy car from Hyundai that has a really nice inside and lots of cool tech. It's mentioned because it's a good option if you want luxury without spending too much.
The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury sedan that has been praised for its high-quality interior and advanced technology features. It represents Hyundai's push into the luxury market, offering a compelling alternative to more established luxury brands.
Genesis GV70
"...ated seat that may be better than, and this was a GV70, might be better than the Audi Q5, which just has..."
The GV70 is a stylish and fancy small SUV that has a lot of nice features inside. It's talked about because it competes with other luxury brands but offers great value.
The Genesis GV70 is a luxury compact SUV that stands out for its elegant design and high-quality interior. It competes with established luxury brands, offering advanced technology and a comfortable driving experience.
Audi Q5
"might be better than the Audi Q5, which just has regular bolsters. So definitely try it out."
The Audi Q5 is a luxury SUV that offers a smooth ride and many tech features, making it a popular choice among drivers.
The Audi Q5 is a compact luxury SUV known for its comfortable ride, high-quality interior, and advanced technology features.
Land Rover Defender
"...n the all season SUV category, while the Michelin Defender II non 3PM SF ranks highest in the standard all s..."
The Defender is a tough SUV that can go anywhere, even on rough roads. It's talked about because it combines old-school toughness with new technology to make it more comfortable and fun to drive.
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged SUV that has been redesigned to blend classic off-road capabilities with modern technology and comfort. It is significant for its heritage as a durable vehicle that can handle tough terrains, making it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts.
Toyota Camry
"...son tires, historically anyway, they go on like a Camry. These are all season tires that go on small SUVs..."
The Camry is a popular car that many people trust because it lasts a long time and doesn't use too much gas. It's often mentioned as a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable car.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride. It has been a best-seller for many years, making it a common reference point in discussions about dependable vehicles.
Chevrolet Spark
"...oss Climate in a little tire that goes on a Chevy Spark all the way up to your suburban, right? Other man..."
The Spark is a small and cheap car that's great for driving around the city. It's often talked about because it's easy to park and doesn't cost a lot to buy or run.
The Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact car that is recognized for its affordability and compact size, making it ideal for city driving. It is often discussed as an economical choice for first-time car buyers or those looking for a budget-friendly option.
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