By: Krish Persaud
January 21, 2026
The Palisade doesn’t need to prove anything anymore. It’s already established itself as one of the most comfortable and thoughtfully executed three-row SUVs on the market. What makes the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy HEV interesting isn’t a dramatic reinvention, but how confidently it leans into refinement, ease, and real-world usability at a time when many competitors are chasing flash over function.
From the outside, the Palisade carries itself with quiet confidence. Finished in Galaxy Maroon, it looks upscale without being loud, substantial without feeling bulky. The design avoids sharp creases and unnecessary aggression, which gives it a more timeless presence. It feels just as appropriate pulling up to a hotel entrance as it does parked at a grocery store, and that versatility suits its role perfectly.
That same calm character defines the driving experience. Pulling away from a stop, the Palisade feels smooth and deliberate rather than eager or abrupt. Throttle response is predictable, and the hybrid system fades into the background almost immediately. Around town, it’s easy to place and unintimidating for its size, helped by light steering and good outward visibility that make daily errands feel effortless.
The drivetrain plays a key role in that relaxed demeanor. The Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy HEV uses Hyundai’s 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid paired with a six-speed automatic, producing 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft. of torque. The calibration clearly prioritizes smoothness over urgency. There’s none of the strained or busy behavior turbocharged four-cylinders can exhibit in larger vehicles. Electric assist fills in naturally when rolling back onto the throttle, making highway merges and passing maneuvers feel confident and controlled. It never feels quick, but it always feels appropriate.
On the highway, the Palisade settles into what it does best. At cruising speeds, the cabin remains impressively quiet. Road and wind noise are well suppressed, and the suspension deals with broken pavement without feeling floaty or disconnected. Long drives pass without fatigue, which is ultimately far more important in a family vehicle than outright performance numbers.
Hyundai’s driver assistance systems are well judged here. Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and highway driving assist operate smoothly and unobtrusively. They support the drive rather than dominate it, and over longer stretches you begin to appreciate how much effort they quietly remove. Their absence becomes most noticeable only after you switch them off.
Inside, the Ultimate Calligraphy trim is where the Palisade truly distinguishes itself. The dashboard layout stands out immediately. The full-width screen is integrated into a traditional dashboard with a proper dash cover, avoiding the floating tablet look common in many modern interiors. The result feels cohesive and intentional, giving the cabin a sense of permanence rather than trend-chasing design.
The Bourgogne leather adds warmth without tipping into excess, and the overall colour palette makes the interior feel inviting instead of clinical. Seat comfort reinforces that impression. The front seats strike a well-balanced mix of support and softness, remaining comfortable over extended highway drives without constant repositioning. Second-row passengers are equally well accommodated, with generous space and thoughtful details that make it clear this SUV was designed around people, not just measurements.
The third row follows that same philosophy. Access is straightforward, and once seated, adults can spend meaningful time back there without feeling compromised. Cargo space behind the third row remains usable for daily needs, and folding seats expand the Palisade’s practicality quickly and intuitively. Whether it’s hauling groceries, strollers, or luggage for a weekend away, the Palisade never feels like it’s working against you.
Technology is handled with restraint. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen is clear, responsive, and easy to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect without fuss, and physical controls for climate and frequently used functions remain in place. Everything feels intuitive, especially while driving, which is increasingly rare in modern cabins.
The hybrid system continues to work quietly in the background, contributing to the overall refinement rather than calling attention to itself. Power delivery remains linear, transitions are subtle, and that smoothness adds up over longer drives. During our time with the Palisade, observed fuel consumption settled at 8.1L/100km combined, matching Natural Resources Canada figures and reinforcing that this powertrain is tuned realistically for everyday use.
Price plays an important role in how the Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy HEV lands. As tested at $68,049 before fees and taxes, this is firmly positioned at the top of the Palisade lineup. What justifies that number is how complete the experience feels. Comfort, materials, technology, and refinement are all present without feeling layered on or excessive. You’re paying for cohesion rather than individual headline features.
What ultimately stands out about the Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy HEV is how little it asks of you. There’s no learning curve and no adjustment period. Everything feels familiar, intuitive, and thoughtfully executed. It’s the kind of vehicle that fades into the background in the best possible way, allowing you to focus on the journey rather than the machine.
This isn’t an SUV for buyers chasing excitement or bold statements. It’s for those who value comfort, confidence, and calm. A family vehicle that feels premium without being performative, capable without being complicated.
The Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy HEV doesn’t try to redefine the segment. It simply handles the fundamentals extremely well, and after spending real time behind the wheel, that quiet competence becomes its most compelling trait.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Three-row midsize SUV
Powertrain: 2.5-litre I4 DOHC turbo hybrid engine
Output: 329 horsepower, 339 lb-ft. of torque
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
Fuel Economy (NRCan city/highway/combined): 8.3L/100km / 7.9L/100km / 8.1L/100km
Observed Fuel Economy (Combined): 8.1L/100km
Price As Tested: $68,049 + fees + taxes