2026 Palisade XRT Pro: When Hyundai unleashed the Palisade to the world in 2018, who’d have thought it would shake up the competitive landscape for three-row SUVs so dramatically? .
Move ahead to spring 2025, and Hyundai has just released what may be its wildest edition yet: the 2026 Palisade XRT Pro—an off-road variant designed specifically to take on the Toyota that has ruled the roost for a decade.
Breaking New Ground
The regular Palisade has always been a standout family hauler with rare refinement, but the new XRT Pro is Hyundai’s most audacious foray into a realm Toyota has guarded jealously for years.
Revealed last week at an invite-only event in Moab, Utah—coming to this location is already a reveal of serious intent—the XRT Pro is not simply a styling package, but a fullscale rethink about what a three-row family hauler can do when the pavement runs out.
“We didn’t want to just build another aesthetic package,” said Hyundai’s Chief Product Specialist for SUVs Sarah Chen.
“The Palisade XRT Pro was conceived from the start to offer authentic off-road capability without compromising the comfort that brought popularity to the original Palisade.”
That duality is instantly apparent from the vehicle’s stance. With ride height measuring 1.8 inches taller than the standard Palisade, the XRT Pro features a 21% better approach angle and 18% better departure angle.
The wheelbase is unchanged at 114.2 inches, adding interior space while keeping breakover capability.
Power Moves
The most radical shift from Palisade tradition resides under the hood.
The XRT Pro features Hyundai’s first turbocharged engine ever offered in the Palisade: a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 that develops a powerful 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, while the standard model still uses a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6. That’s an increase of 84 horses and 129 lb-ft over the standard engine.
This new muscle runs through a recalibrated eight-speed automatic that’s been equipped for off-road duty, with shorter gears for first and second to enhance crawling ability.
There’s a true low range in the transfer case—something becoming rarer than hen’s teeth in crossover-based SUVs—with a 44:1 crawl ratio that should inspire confidence on technical terrain.
“We used benchmark products that were two times higher in cost,” said Thomas Reeves, Hyundai’s Director of Powertrain Development.
“We didn’t just want to compete; we wanted to create something new in off-road performance that you didn’t have to pay for.”
Fuel economy figures have not been finalized, but Hyundai estimates 18 city, 22 highway, and 20 combined— a modest penalty of about 2 mpg across the board over the standard AWD Palisade.
Chassis Reengineered
The underpinnings of the XRT Pro have not been neglected either. It has a new rear multi-link suspension with new, longer control arms and remote-reservoir Fox dampers at all four wheels as standard.
Vital components are protected now with steel skid plates with rock sliders incorporated into the rocker panels to avoid damage during off-camber maneuvers.
And while the standard electronically-controlled limited-slip rear differential gets a mechanical locking rear differential as well, the all-wheel drive system adds a mode they call “Trail Mode,” mashing aggressive throttle mapping with relaxing stability control settings.
“We wanted our chassis to inspire confidence for novices while not detracting from the fun for enthusiasts,” said Marcus Johnson, lead chassis engineer at Hyundai.
“The suspension tuning was especially hard—finding the sweet spot of articulation when off-road and body control when on-road took hundreds of hours of testing.”
That testing regime included development time at the Hyundai California Proving Ground, as well as copious real-world evaluation at famous off-road destinations like Moab, the Rubicon Trail, and Johnson Valley.
Exterior Evolution
In terms of look, the XRT Pro makes no bones about its mission through significant but deliberate changes. At the front, there is a new bumper with integrated recovery points and better approach angle.
Up front, the grille has grown for improved cooling and flaunts a unique matte black finish with understated “XRT Pro” badging.
The wheel arches have been widened to accommodate the standard 33-inch all-terrain tires on 18-inch forged aluminum wheels.
These wheels used, beadlock-capable rims for the first time on any Hyundai production car, enabling them to keep the tire securely in place at low tire pressures, ensuring optimal traction when driving over loose terrain.
This system has been strengthened to bear a static load of up to 750 pounds to facilitate the use of roof-mounted tents.
Other exterior upgrades include hood-mounted, LED auxiliary lights, bespoke front and rear bumpers with improved recovery points, and a snorkel intake system to wade through as much as 30 inches of water.
“We wanted the XRT Pro to look capable without heading into caricature,” said Elena Rodriguez, Chief Designer of Hyundai.
“All exterior changes are driven by functionality, while meeting the premium presence that Palisade owners demand.”
Interior Innovation
Once inside, the XRT Pro’s rugged good looks are offset by the premium touches that have made the Palisade a segment standout.
The seats have now been wrapped in a water-resistant fabric, with leather bolsters, while rubber floor liners with drain plugs make for easy cleaning after muddy outdoor adventures.
The regular 12.3-inch infotainment screen has been upgraded with off-road-specific data like an inclinometer, altitude indicator and tire pressure monitoring system.
A new “Trail View” camera system gives real-time views of obstacles that otherwise would have been out of the driver’s line of sight.
Upgraded cargo management comes from a modular tie-down system and a built-in air compressor for inflating tires after trail runs.
There’s also a sealed compartment beneath the rear cargo floor for securing recovery gear, and the third row retains its full-size dimensions and comfy accommodations, a reminder that the XRT Pro is still very much a family hauler.
Market Positioning
The XRT Pro takes aim at the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Ford Explorer Timberline with a starting price of $54,990.
Not exactly cheap, but the broad-reaching capability upgrades and standard-fit equipment on the XRT Pro make it a compelling value in a rapidly expanding segment.
“We know that serious off-road enthusiasts have historically found their interests elsewhere,” said Michael Park, Vice President, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America.
“The XRT Pro invites a reimagining of what’s possible with a Hyundai. We’re not competing in this segment—our goal is to redefine it.”
Industry analysts have pointed out that consumers are currently chasing record levels of outdoor activities and adventure travel just as Hyundai enters the premium off-road segment.
Lifestyle changes brought on by the pandemic have created lasting demand for vehicles that can help you get out of city centers.
“The timing couldn’t be better for Hyundai,” said automotive analyst Maria Sanchez. “The high-premium off-road segment has proven remarkably resilient while other vehicle categories have faltered.
This makes the XRT Pro an attractive package for Hyundai in a high-margin, high-visibility segment.”
Technology for the Trail
Technology has been a strong suit for Hyundai and the XRT Pro leans into its off-road uses. Also added to make things a bit easier off-road is the brand new “Trail Assist” feature, nicely complementing the existing Highway Driving Assist system.
Using inputs from radar, cameras, and wheel position sensors, Trail Assist is able to detect the best lines through the tough stuff and follow through on them with the kind of accuracy that would put an off-road expert to shame.
It can even recall where its owner has driven before, so it can automatically retrace its steps when leaving the wilderness.
A standard satellite communication system gives access to essential services and limited messaging beyond cellular coverage, keeping connectivity alive even in remote areas.
An optional solar panel integrated into the roof helps maintain auxiliary battery charge during longer trips, when the car is away from grid power.
The Competitive Landscape
In the serious off-road arena, Toyota’s dominance, for decades, has been mostly unchallenged.
The current V6 Tacoma qualifies for more than mere capability, but at the same time, no other manufacturers have been able to match what they offer with true, trail-ready capability as well as the refinement, reliability, and resale value that make Toyota’s off-road offerings perennial favorites.
Hyundai seems intent on shifting that equation. With a massive leap in quality perception and an industry-leading warranty in hand, the XRT Pro stands as the most credible threat yet to Toyota’s off-road hegemony.
“We have a level of respect for what Toyota has achieved,” Chen said. “But we also think there is space for new thinking in this space.
The XRT Pro is our vision of what is possible when you meld Hyundai’s tech strengths with purpose-built off-road performance engineering.”
Towards A New Direction
Significantly, the 2026 Palisade XRT Pro is more than just a new model variant: it marks Hyundai’s determination to compete in every segment, including slots once the preserve of specialized establishments.
This approach has worked for the Korean maker in other segments, from performance (with the N lineup) to electrification (with the IONIQ sub-brand).
As the adventure vehicle segment has injected particles of 2023 into 2023, the XRT Pro should get Hyundai consideration from buyers that want their capability without compromise.
As for when you can get your hands on one, production starts this summer at Hyundai’s Montgomery, Alabama plant, with vehicles arriving in dealerships early in the fall.
Whether it will dethrone Toyota from its off-road throne remains to be seen, though one thing’s for sure: the competition has just gotten a whole lot more interesting.