The Hyundai Palisade is back, but this time it’s a little different… The South Korean carmaker’s biggest flagship three-row SUV in Australia has entered its second generation, ditching the V6 petrol and diesel for a new petrol-electric hybrid that’ll reportedly foreshadow the next-gen Hyundai i30 N. I called the original Palisade the new Hyundai Genesis spiritual successor, but is the new-gen as impressive? With a drive-away price tag now touching close to $100K due to an up to ~$14K price increase, I tested the top-spec Calligraphy with the seven-seat captains chair option for a week to find out whether it’s still worth buying. NOTE: The press vehicle was provided by Hyundai Australia for a seven-day independent evaluation. Toll costs were covered, but we have no commercial arrangements with the company and it had no editorial control. Pros. + Family-friendly three-row interior + Superb ride comfort + Quiet and punchy hybrid + Non-overwhelming tech + Unique retro dash design Cons. – Interior ergonomic and usability issues, seat sensor recall – No adjustable regen, not as fuel efficient – Noticeable body lean – Very limited V2L and Stay Mode – Subsantial price increase; isn’t great value anymore Vehicle tested: | Model | 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid | | Variant | Calligraphy | | Starting price | $89,900 before on-road costs | | Exterior colour | Ecotronic Grey (+$750) | | Interior colour | Pure Black tone (standard) | | Options | Seven-seat configuration (+$1000) | | Country made | South Korea | Design and quality. The new Palisade has an evolutionary design, but the interior in standard black doesn’t feel like it’s worth its price. The exterior is still unmistakably a Hyundai Palisade. The second-gen evolves the Cadillac style exterior with prominent stacked daytime running light and turn indicator signature, reshaped tail-lights,