Hyundai Gets Serious Off-Road: 2026 Palisade XRT PRO Revealed
Hyundai is bringing more off-road ability to families with its new 2026 Palisade XRT PRO. This new version of the popular three-row SUV was shown at the 2024 New York International Auto Show. It’s designed for people who want more than just a rugged look — they want real off-road performance too.
The 2026 Palisade XRT PRO comes with a new 3.5-liter V6 engine. It makes 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, giving it plenty of strength for the trail. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it perfect for camping trips, trailers, or boats. A special tow mode makes pulling loads easier and safer.
This SUV is made for rough terrain. It has red tow hooks on the front and back, a stronger front bumper, and sits one inch higher than the regular Palisade. That extra height improves how the SUV handles bumps and steep hills. It also comes with off-road tires and better angles for climbing and going over uneven ground.
There’s also a new electronic limited-slip differential in the back, which helps the SUV stay steady and get traction in mud, sand, snow, and other tricky conditions.
The XRT PRO doesn’t just drive like an off-roader — it looks like one too. It has dark 18-inch alloy wheels, black trim around the windows and grille, and a more aggressive design. Inside, it still feels like a luxury SUV, with leatherette seats, heating and cooling for the front seats, a heated steering wheel, mood lighting, and a high-end Bose sound system with 14 speakers.
The XRT PRO is packed with tools to help when you’re off the beaten path. It shows real-time pitch and roll angles, compass direction, and elevation on the display screen — helping drivers know exactly what’s going on with the vehicle and terrain.
Hyundai has made XRT trims before, like on the Santa Fe, but those models didn’t have real off-road upgrades. The XRT PRO changes that. It brings serious off-road gear while still keeping the comfort and tech that families want in a daily SUV.
Production will take place in Ulsan, South Korea, and the XRT PRO will hit dealerships by early summer 2025. While Hyundai hasn’t shared the final price, it’s expected to start around $51,000.
Olabisi Boyle, Hyundai’s SVP of product planning, said it best: “It’s got space for your crew, capability when the road gets rough, and the kind of comfort, style, and efficiency that proves luxury doesn’t have to come with a luxury price.”
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