Hyundai Motor Company Australia has introduced the 2026 Palisade Elite Hybrid AWD, expanding its flagship second-generation large SUV range. The Elite joins the existing Calligraphy variants and provides a new entry point to the Palisade lineup.
It is priced from $76,500 (MLP) and offers an eight-seat configuration. The variant is available to order now and scheduled to hit the showrooms in March 2026.
The flagship Calligraphy (8-seater) grade is priced at $89,900, which comes in premium Nappa leather upholstery, bigger wheels, and more luxury features.
Pricing and position in the range
| Variant | Pricing (before on-road costs) |
| 2026 Palisade Elite Hybrid AWD | $76,500 |
This eight-seat Hyundai Palisade Elite hybrid variant was recently added to the lineup, serving as a more affordable entry point, $13,400 cheaper than the flagship Calligraphy 8-seater. Orders for the new large SUV are now open, and it’s expected to arrive in showrooms in March 2026.
More: Hyundai’s 2026 Australia line-up revealed
Powertrain highlights
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Palisade Elite Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L “Smartstream” Turbo-GDi 4-cylinder |
| Battery | 1.65kWh lithium-ion |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Engine output | 192kW / 353Nm |
| Combined output | 245kW / 460Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 6.8L/100km |
| Fuel tank | 72L |
| Towing capacity | 2,000kg |
The Hyundai Palisade Elite uses the same next-generation hybrid system as the Calligraphy. It has the dual-motor hybrid setup, EV-like smooth driving feel, and interior Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability.
A “Stay Mode” feature in the Hyundai Palisade Elite variant runs electronics and climate control without the engine running. These features allow the vehicle to power devices and maintain cabin comfort without using the petrol engine.
Exterior design and features
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Elite adopts a much more “boxy” and architectural aesthetic. While it shares the same silhouette as the flagship Calligraphy, it features specific matte finishes that distinguish it as the entry-level model. Its key exterior features include:
- Unique front grille design
- New five-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels (black/machined finish)
- Full-size alloy spare wheel
- Black wheel arches
- Black and silver lower bumpers
- Side skirts
- Black detailing on the tailgate
- Heated and powered side mirrors
It’s available in 6 paint options and one black interior option:
- Creamy White
- Shimmering Silver
- Ecotronic Grey
- Galaxy Maroon
- Classy Blue
- Abyss Black
Chassis and suspension
The Hyundai Palisade Elite benefits from locally developed Australian suspension and steering tuning. The goal is to deliver a balance of stability, ride comfort and handling for Australian roads. The suspension setup includes:
- Strut front suspension with lightweight materials
- Reinforced strut ring for improved refinement
- Multi-link rear suspension
- Passive self-levelling rear dampers (help maintain ride height when loaded)
- Lightweight components and refined anti-roll bar bushings
For the steering, the Hyundai Palisade Elite variant features belt-type rack-mounted motor-driven power steering (R-MDPS), which has a revised steering ratio for improved response.
Interior design and features
The Hyundai Palisade Elite shares several premium features with the Calligraphy variant. Its cabin features aim to create a quiet and comfortable cabin for all eight occupants. The interior features include:
- Twin 12.3-inch digital cluster and multimedia screens
- 14-speaker Bose premium sound system
- Wireless smartphone charging pad
- V2L outlet
- Black leather upholstery
- Premium cloth trim details
- 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 8-way-power-adjustable passenger seat
- Heated front and outboard second-row seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Electrochromic rear-view mirror
- Tri-zone climate control
- Satellite navigation system
- Acoustic front door glass
- Solar control front glass
- Privacy glass for the second and third rows
- Smart power tailgate
Safety features and equipment
The Hyundai Palisade Elite trim includes the brand’s latest advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The key systems include:
- 8 airbags
- Smart Cruise Control 2
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Highway Driving Assist 2
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Surround view monitor (360-degree)
- Electronic parking brake with auto hold
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Driver Monitoring System (detects fatigue and reminds the driver to take breaks)
More: Hyundai Elexio EV price rise confirmed
Hyundai Palisade Elite rivals
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Elite Hybrid AWD faces stiff competition from established hybrid players, luxury-adjacent newcomers, and even Hyundai’s own smaller siblings.
Its primary rivals are those that offer three rows of seating with electrified powertrains, like the Toyota Kluger GXL and Grande Hybrid, the Mazda CX-90 GT/Azami, and the Kia Sorento PHEV GT-Line. Other new and upcoming rivals could be the BYD Sealion 8, the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid, and the Mazda CX-80.
Comments
New Comment