- The new Palisade XRT Pro AWD weighs 369 lbs more than the old one.
- It lost 4 horsepower and 2 lb-ft of torque compared with the old one.
- Car and Driver recorded a slower 0–60 mph time of 8.1 seconds.
Hyundai’s latest Palisade may look and feel more upmarket than ever, but there’s one area where it takes a noticeable step back: outright speed. The second-generation SUV brings more luxury, refinement, and heft, and that extra weight has quietly dulled its acceleration.
Read: Hyundai’s New Three-Row SUV Just Got Pricier But Also More Premium
Admittedly, there are probably very few Hyundai Palisade customers who are actually concerned with how quickly their SUV can launch off the line.
One publication has put the new model to the test and discovered that, largely due to the extra weight, the 2026 Palisade with the 287hp 3.5-liter V6 falls short of its predecessor.
What Do The Numbers Say?
During a recent round of testing, the best 0–60 mph (96 km/h) time recorded by Car and Driver with the V6-powered Palisade XRT Pro AWD was 8.1 seconds. By comparison, the old model achieved a time of 6.4 seconds.
The new model weighs 369 lbs (167 kg) more than the old one, and it is no longer possible to brake-torque the SUV to load up the driveline off the mark.
The run from 0–70 mph in the new Palisade takes a leisurely 10.4 seconds, more than two seconds behind the old model, while a rolling test from 5–60 mph delivered a similarly unhurried 8.4 seconds.
In-gear acceleration has also taken a hit. The 2026 Palisade needs 4.0 seconds from 30 mph to 50 mph in top gear and 5.8 seconds from 50 mph to 70 mph, whereas the first-gen model only needed 3.2 seconds and 4.3 seconds, respectively.
As for the quarter-mile? Well, that now takes 16.1 seconds, a full 1.3 seconds slower than the old model.
The 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 in the new Palisade delivers 287 hp and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque, meaning it’s down 4 hp and 2 lb-ft compared to its predecessor.
What’s The Solution?
Shoppers who demand better acceleration will have to opt for the new hybrid powertrain. This setup pairs a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a pair of electric motors, producing a combined 329 hp and 339 lb-ft (459 Nm) of torque. With that assistance, the hybrid version can reach 60 mph in a much livelier 6.6 seconds.
