--- title: "The Next-Gen 2026 Hyundai Palisade Is Boxy Outside and Curvy Inside" date: "2024-12-06" modified: "2024-12-06" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-next-gen-2026-hyundai-palisade-is-boxy-outside-and-curvy-inside" categories: - "Hyundai News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Hyundai" - "Palisade" - "suv/crossover" --- # The Next-Gen 2026 Hyundai Palisade Is Boxy Outside and Curvy Inside ![2026 Hyundai Palisade render]() *\Hyundai\* Hyundai isn't prepared to show most of the world what the new, second-generation [Palisade]() SUV looks like in person just yet. However, it did share renders of its new seven-seater in Korea and it's a heckuva lot different from before. With this new generation of Palisade, [Hyundai]() went big on boxy. Calling it a two-box design is almost literal, as it looks like one big box for the passenger compartment connected to another big box that houses the engine. Hyundai appears to have learned from Chevy's "Nothing But Rulers" design school. The front end is massive, with a huge, horizontal grille flanked by stacks of horizontal headlights. It's kinda neat that the grille slats look like they extend into headlights, but the number of right angles seems excessive. Then again, given how popular sharp, slabby SUVs like the [Tahoe]() are in the United States, I think Hyundai will sell boatloads of these here. Inside, Hyundai wants the Palisade to feel like a "Premium Living Space," so its interior design was inspired by living room furniture. The dashboard swoops down around the edges, giving it a chunky, cushiony vibe, and the screens are nestled in the dash, rather than stuck on top. I appreciate the latter, as it prevents the screens from blocking the view forward. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Interestingly, the Palisade can be a nine-seater in Korea. If equipped as such, the front center armrest can become a seat, giving it a front-row bench, like the [Land Rover Defender.]() With the second row equipped with a bench seat, instead of two captain's chairs, that makes three rows of three seats. It's unclear if that option will be available in North America, as it seems to be offered in Korea so Palisade owners can drive in bus lanes [and even register theirs as commercial vehicles, for tax benefits](). Hyundai hasn't said when it plans to unveil the new Palisade for North America, what powertrain options it will have, or how much it will cost when it gets here. But at least now customers have an idea of what to expect when it's time to turn their lease in. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()