Looking for the perfect family vehicle? The 2026 Hyundai Palisade was named the best in its category by Valnet Autos.

Valnet Autos has recognized the 2026 Hyundai Palisade as the Best Family Vehicle for 2026 in the first-ever “Buzz Awards.” This award highlights models that deliver comfort for every passenger, not just the driver. Judges looked at key factors like price, reliability, safety, and overall practicality.

Hyundai also earned additional nominations, with the 2026 IONIQ 9 competing in the same family-focused category and the 2026 IONIQ 5 XRT earning a spot in the Best Off-Road Warrior lineup.

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CarBuzz editors were especially impressed with the Palisade’s evolution for 2026, noting its standout improvements: "As a previous winner in our annual awards, the Hyundai Palisade has always been a favorite, but this second generation stunned CarBuzz, HotCars, and TopSpeed editors and road testers by stepping the family SUV game up to a new level, worthy of being crowned our Best Family Car for 2026." Read more here.

Best Family Vehicle for 2026: Hyundai Palisade

2026 Hyundai Palisade Interior

The 2026 Palisade elevates the three-row SUV experience with standard eight-passenger seating, perfect for family outings of any kind. Its cabin strikes a balance between bold design and refined comfort, built on a more advanced platform that offers expanded space for both passengers and cargo. This new generation grows in all the right places, measuring 2.5 inches longer overall with a wheelbase extended by 2.7 inches. The result? Easier entry and exit for everyone on board.

Inside, the redesigned center console creates a more open feel, wrapped in premium materials inspired by high-end home décor. Beyond aesthetics, the layout and armrest are engineered to improve comfort and ergonomics, making frequently used controls easier to reach. New Relaxation Seats for the first and second rows introduce generous reclining angles and extendable leg supports to help reduce fatigue during long drives.

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For added flexibility, available second-row captain’s chairs feature one-touch second-row tilt-and-slide functionality, simplifying access to the third row. The third-row seats are available with power-folding, sliding, and power-reclining capabilities, plus available heating for colder days. Second-row passengers can enjoy power-adjustable seating with both heat and ventilation. To make loading passengers or cargo even more convenient, seat adjustments for the second and third rows can also be controlled from the driver’s seat or directly from the cargo area.

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It’s no wonder CarBuzz put it best, noting: "The best family cars make life's most important job feel easy, while still delivering enough performance and luxury that buying one doesn't feel like a sacrifice. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade meets all these criteria and then some." Discover the latest Palisade models at Hyundai of Palm Springs.

2026 Hyundai Palisade: Power, Efficiency, and Family-Ready Capability

New, powerful, and efficient internal-combustion and hybrid powertrains

The 2026 Palisade arrives with two revised powertrains, including an updated internal-combustion setup powered by a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 engine. This refined powerplant is expected to produce up to 287 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that uses a two-chamber torque converter for smoother performance. Buyers can choose between traditional two-wheel drive or Hyundai’s HTRAC® four-wheel-drive system. Designed with adventure in mind, this naturally aspirated V6 aims for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, giving families the capability to bring along campers, boats, or recreational gear with ease.

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For the first time, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade lineup is expanding to include a hybrid powertrain. This new option pairs a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine—projected to deliver up to 258 horsepower—with two electric motors integrated into a six-speed automatic transmission. Together, the system is estimated to produce as much as 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque.

Designed for efficiency as well as capability, the Palisade Hybrid is targeting more than 30 mpg on the highway and an estimated driving range of up to 619 miles. Despite its fuel-saving focus, it still offers substantial strength with an estimated towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, giving drivers confidence and versatility for both daily travel and long-distance adventures. Reserve your 2026 Hyundai Palisade at Hyundai of Palm Springs.