2026 Hyundai Palisade at Webb Hyundai Merrillville: Features, Specs, Towing, and Trim Guide
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade arrives at Webb Hyundai Merrillville as one of the most-decorated three-row SUVs in the segment. It earned 2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year honors, IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition, and continues to win comparison tests against Honda, Toyota, and Kia. This guide walks every trim, color, the towing rating, third-row practicality, and how the Palisade actually drives for Crown Point, Valparaiso, Schererville, and Portage families.
Quick Answer
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a midsize three-row SUV with a 3.8-liter V6 producing 291 horsepower paired with an 8-speed automatic. It seats up to 8 passengers, tows up to 5,000 lbs with the towing package, and won 2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. Trims at Webb Hyundai Merrillville: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. HTRAC AWD is available on every trim.
Trim Lineup at Webb Hyundai Merrillville
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade ships in five trims at Webb Hyundai Merrillville: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. SE is the base trim with three-row seating, the standard 3.8-liter V6, and Hyundai SmartSense suite standard. SEL adds heated front seats, a power liftgate, and dual-zone climate control with second-row vents.
XRT is the rugged-aesthetic trim. It adds 18-inch black wheels, black exterior trim, an HTRAC AWD-standard configuration, increased ground clearance, and unique XRT badging. XRT is the right choice for Crown Point and Valparaiso buyers who routinely drive on gravel county roads or want the more outdoorsy look without sacrificing the Palisade’s family practicality.
Limited is the value sweet spot for most Merrillville-area buyers. It adds ventilated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs (reducing seating to 7), a panoramic sunroof, a Bose 12-speaker audio system, and Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist. Calligraphy is the fully-loaded flagship with quilted Nappa leather, suede headliner, second-row heated and ventilated outboard seats, blind-spot camera view, and the most premium interior treatment.
The 3.8-Liter V6 and HTRAC AWD
The 2026 Palisade’s standard powertrain is the proven 3.8-liter naturally-aspirated V6 producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an 8-speed automatic and offers front-wheel drive or HTRAC AWD.
HTRAC is Hyundai’s torque-vectoring AWD system. It can shift up to 50 percent of available torque rearward and can also distribute torque side-to-side across the rear axle in Sport and Snow modes. For Northwest Indiana drivers facing lake-effect snow on US-30 and IN-49, HTRAC AWD is the recommended drivetrain. Real-world fuel economy is approximately 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined in FWD; AWD costs about 1 MPG.
Towing, Cargo, and Third Row
The 2026 Palisade tows up to 5,000 lbs with the optional tow hitch package. For Crown Point and Valparaiso families towing single-axle campers, sub-22-foot boats, or small horse trailers, the Palisade is well-equipped. The towing package includes the receiver, factory wiring harness, integrated trailer-sway management, and upgraded cooling components.
Cargo behind the third row is 18 cubic feet, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 86.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The third row is usable for two adults short-distance and two children full-time. Captain’s-chair second-row configurations make third-row access easier.
Why the Palisade Keeps Winning Awards
The 2026 Palisade earned North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, beating the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride for the segment’s top honor. It also earned IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition and continues to win Best Three-Row SUV awards from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Consumer Reports.
Hyundai Warranty Coverage
The 2026 Palisade carries Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty package: 5-year / 60,000-mile new-vehicle bumper-to-bumper coverage, 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain coverage, 7-year unlimited-mile anti-perforation coverage, and 5-year / unlimited-mile 24-hour roadside assistance.
2026 Palisade Trim Comparison
| Trim | Seating | Drivetrain | Key Standard Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 8 | FWD; AWD optional | SmartSense suite, 3.8L V6 |
| SEL | 8 | FWD; AWD optional | Heated front seats, power liftgate |
| XRT | 8 | AWD standard | Black trim, increased ground clearance, rugged styling |
| Limited | 7 | FWD; AWD optional | Ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, Bose audio, Highway Driving Assist |
| Calligraphy | 7 | FWD; AWD optional | Nappa leather, suede headliner, blind-spot camera view |
How to Choose Your Palisade in Five Steps
- Pick gas-only or Palisade Hybrid. Gas-only V6 if you tow above 4,000 lbs; Palisade Hybrid if you prioritize MPG.
- Pick a trim. Limited is the volume seller; XRT for rugged styling; Calligraphy for the flagship.
- Decide on second-row. Bench seats 8 (SE/SEL/XRT); captain’s chairs seat 7 (Limited/Calligraphy).
- Pick FWD or HTRAC AWD. AWD recommended for any Merrillville-area buyer who drives in winter.
- Add the tow hitch package if you tow. The 5,000-lb rating only applies with the factory tow hitch package.
Key Takeaways
- 2026 Palisade won North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and IIHS Top Safety Pick.
- Trims at Webb Hyundai Merrillville: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, Calligraphy.
- Limited is the value sweet spot for most Crown Point and Valparaiso buyers.
- Towing capacity is 5,000 lbs with the optional tow hitch package.
- 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty is among the longest in the segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Pricing varies by trim, package, and drivetrain. Visit Webb Hyundai Merrillville for current configured pricing.
How much can it tow?
Up to 5,000 lbs with the optional tow hitch package.
What is HTRAC AWD?
Hyundai’s torque-vectoring AWD system that shifts torque between front and rear axles and side-to-side across the rear axle.
How does XRT differ from standard Palisade?
XRT adds 18-inch black wheels, black exterior trim, increased ground clearance, HTRAC AWD standard, and unique XRT badging.
Is the 2026 Palisade reliable?
Hyundai backs the Palisade with a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Consumer Reports rates it above average for projected reliability.
Third row big enough for adults?
For short trips, yes. Captain’s-chair second-row configurations make third-row access easier.
Palisade or Palisade Hybrid?
Gas-only Palisade if you tow above 4,000 lbs. Palisade Hybrid if you prioritize fuel economy (33 MPG vs 22 MPG).
See the 2026 Palisade at Webb Hyundai Merrillville
Browse current 2026 Palisade inventory at Webb Hyundai Merrillville, or schedule a test drive across the SE, Limited, and Calligraphy trims.
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