Hyundai Unveils Adventure-Ready 2026 PALISADE XRT PRO at NY Auto Show: A Bold Leap into Off-Road Luxury
At the 2024 New York International Auto Show, Hyundai Motor America pulled the wraps off one of its most rugged and adventurous vehicles yet—the all-new 2026 Hyundai PALISADE XRT PRO. This highly anticipated reveal not only showcased Hyundai’s growing commitment to blending capability with premium features but also marked a major milestone as the global debut of the first-ever XRT PRO model in the brand’s expanding SUV lineup.
With this unveiling, Hyundai firmly positioned the PALISADE XRT PRO as more than just a refreshed SUV. It’s an embodiment of what it means to cater to families and individuals who demand versatility, toughness, and sophistication from their vehicle—on and off the road.
Elevating the Everyday SUV: Hyundai’s Vision for the XRT PRO
“The 2026 PALISADE XRT PRO is for people doing it all—raising families, chasing goals, showing up every day,” said Olabisi Boyle, Senior Vice President of Product Planning and Mobility Strategy at Hyundai Motor North America. “We built this SUV by putting people first—thinking about real lives, real needs. 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.”
Boyle emphasized Hyundai’s commitment to making rugged, off-road-capable vehicles more accessible without compromising refinement or utility. The PALISADE XRT PRO, in her words, is where “affordability meets lifestyle—no matter where off-road you want to go.”
With this new offering, Hyundai is doubling down on the growing consumer demand for SUVs that can transition seamlessly from urban commutes to wilderness getaways, from carpool duty to campsite.
A New Chapter in Hyundai’s Off-Road Journey
Although Hyundai has previously offered XRT trims across a few of its SUV models, the XRT PRO badge introduces a new standard of off-road capability. The 2026 PALISADE XRT PRO is not a superficial styling exercise—it comes with substantive hardware and software upgrades specifically engineered to enhance performance in challenging environments.
Designed with the American market in mind, the XRT PRO represents Hyundai’s most serious foray into the rugged SUV segment to date. It goes well beyond aesthetics, offering mechanical and electronic enhancements that rival more established off-road nameplates.
From the moment you see it, the XRT PRO exudes strength. The vehicle’s front fascia has been redesigned to reflect its brawnier identity. A newly sculpted lower grille, flanked by exposed canyon red recovery hooks and a pronounced lower bumper, sends a clear message: this SUV is ready to get dirty.
XRT PRO Capability: Built for Real Off-Road Challenges
Hyundai didn’t just talk the talk—they loaded the XRT PRO with a host of features that significantly elevate its off-road prowess. These include:
- XRT PRO-exclusive rear electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD): Offers improved traction by intelligently distributing torque between the rear wheels during low-traction scenarios.
- Increased ground clearance: The XRT PRO sits at 8.4 inches, a full inch higher than its standard counterpart.
- Enhanced approach (20.5°), departure (22.4°), and breakover (18.3°) angles: These angles enable the SUV to tackle more aggressive terrain without scraping or getting hung up.
- All-terrain 255/60R18 tires: Specially designed to provide better grip and durability across various surfaces.
- HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive with Terrain Modes: Offers tailored control through modes for Mud, Sand, and Snow.
- Downhill Brake Control and real-time pitch & roll monitoring: A combination of hill descent assist and off-road telemetry keeps drivers informed and in control.
- Factory-installed tow hitch with integrated concealment panel and Tow Mode: Makes the XRT PRO an ideal choice for adventure seekers hauling boats, trailers, or campers.
Also included are enhanced visual aids like the Blind Spot View Monitor and Surround View Monitor with forward ground view, which give drivers better spatial awareness when maneuvering through tight trails or rugged campsites.
A Design That Matches Its Brawn
The XRT PRO isn’t just capable—it’s stylish, too. Hyundai designers made sure the exterior aesthetics mirror the vehicle’s off-road credentials. Key design highlights include:
- XRT PRO-exclusive 18-inch dark-finish alloy wheels
- Bold XRT PRO rear badging
- Darkened exterior accents, including grille inserts, window surrounds, and lower body cladding
- Canyon red recovery hooks, adding contrast and visual emphasis to the SUV’s functional capabilities
Inside the cabin, Hyundai elevated the comfort and style to match the rugged theme. You’ll find:
- H-Tex leatherette seating with both heating and ventilation in the front row
- Heated steering wheel for cold-weather adventurers
- Ambient lighting for a refined evening drive
- A high-end Bose® 14-speaker premium audio system
- Power moonroof, adding a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors
- 115-volt household-style outlet, perfect for camping or mobile work setups
Whether you’re driving through snow-covered mountain passes or parked at a lakeside campsite, the PALISADE XRT PRO’s cabin aims to offer a cozy, premium experience.
A New Powertrain Built for Performance and Efficiency
Beneath the hood, the 2026 PALISADE XRT PRO features a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 internal combustion engine. Designed with durability and smooth performance in mind, this naturally aspirated, direct-injected V6 generates an estimated 287 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
This engine is mated to a refined 8-speed automatic transmission that uses a multi-plate torque converter to provide responsive acceleration and smooth shifting across varying terrain. The result is a driving experience that is confident both on highways and when climbing steep forest trails.
Notably, the powertrain is available exclusively with Hyundai’s HTRAC® AWD system on the XRT PRO. This exclusive pairing ensures that the SUV is always ready to tackle challenging conditions with confidence.
And when it comes to towing, this powertrain delivers. Hyundai estimates a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it ideal for families with boats, trailers, or off-road toys like dirt bikes and ATVs.
Tow Mode and Terrain Modes: Customizable for Adventure
The PALISADE XRT PRO’s capability is further boosted by new driving modes tailored for specific needs. Hyundai’s Tow Mode is designed to optimize performance under load by adjusting throttle response, holding lower gears longer, and minimizing gear-hunting during uphill climbs or downhill descents.
Meanwhile, the all-new terrain mode selector lets drivers choose between Mud, Sand, and Snow, ensuring the drivetrain behaves appropriately based on the environment. This system adjusts engine power, torque distribution, and braking behavior to maintain traction and control.
Safety and Technology Integration
The 2026 PALISADE XRT PRO also benefits from Hyundai’s ongoing commitment to safety and advanced technology. Beyond its off-road aids, the SUV includes:
- Hyundai SmartSense™ driver assistance technologies
- Advanced front collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane keeping and lane following assist
- Highway Driving Assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance
- Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert
These features work together to ensure that whether you’re navigating busy highways or crawling through rocky terrain, your vehicle remains as safe as it is capable.
Manufacturing and Availability
Hyundai confirmed that the 2026 PALISADE will be built at the company’s Ulsan, South Korea plant. This facility, long known for its focus on quality, will produce the XRT PRO alongside the rest of the PALISADE lineup.
The XRT PRO trim is expected to arrive at Hyundai dealerships in early summer 2025. It will join the standard PALISADE lineup, which also includes SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy trims. Each offers unique configurations to appeal to a broad range of SUV buyers, from tech-focused families to luxury-seeking travelers.
Looking Ahead: What the XRT PRO Means for Hyundai’s SUV Lineup
With the debut of the XRT PRO, Hyundai signals that it’s not content to let other automakers dominate the rugged SUV space. Instead, the company is carving out a niche where genuine off-road capability meets smart design and affordability.
While other brands often reserve serious off-road gear for top-dollar trims, Hyundai is offering the XRT PRO as a well-balanced option that doesn’t require compromise. It speaks directly to drivers who want a weekend escape without sacrificing weekday utility or comfort.
If early reception at the New York International Auto Show is any indication, Hyundai’s gamble on a more adventure-capable PALISADE is already paying off. Whether you’re heading to a remote trailhead, embarking on a ski trip, or simply navigating pothole-filled urban roads, the 2026 PALISADE XRT PRO is ready—and waiting—to take you there.
