Adventure-ready 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO Blazes its Own Trail to the New York International Auto Show

Rhea-AI Summary

Hyundai Motor America unveiled the 2026 Palisade XRT PRO at the New York International Auto Show, marking the company's first-ever XRT PRO model. This enhanced off-road variant features increased ground clearance of 8.4 inches, a rear electronic -slip differential, and HTRAC® all-wheel drive system.

The new model is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering an estimated 287 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle targets a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity and includes new Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain modes.

Key features include all-terrain 255/60R18 tires, canyon red recovery hooks, improved approach and departure angles, and a factory-installed tow hitch. The XRT PRO also comes equipped with Blind Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, and a Bose® 14-speaker premium audio system. The vehicle will be manufactured in Ulsan, South Korea, with dealership arrivals scheduled for early summer.

Positive

• First-ever XRT PRO model with enhanced off-road capabilities
• Increased ground clearance and improved off-road angles
• New 3.5L V6 engine with 5,000-pound towing capacity
• Advanced HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive system with new terrain modes

Negative

• None.

• Hyundai's first-ever XRT PRO model
• Palisade XRT PRO packs more off-road-capable hardware and greater design differentiation than previous-generation Palisade XRT
• XRT PRO represents a bold step forward in ability, with increased ground clearance, rear electronic limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires, HTRAC® all-wheel drive, terrain modes, and a built-in tow hitch

NEW YORK, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Hyundai Motor America revealed the all-new 2026 Palisade XRT PRO at the New York International Auto Show. This global introduction of Hyundai's first XRT PRO model means that Palisade is ready no matter where your next family adventure takes you.

"The 2026 Palisade XRT PRO is for people doing it all—raising families, chasing goals, showing up every day," said Olabisi Boyle, SVP, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. "We built this SUV by putting people first - thinking about real lives, real needs. It's got space for your crew, capability when the road gets rough, and the kind of comfort, style, and efficiency that proves luxury doesn't have to come with a luxury price. We wanted to deliver a vehicle where affordability can meet lifestyle—no matter where off-road you want to go."

All-new off-road-focused XRT PRO model
The entire 2026 Palisade model line is bigger, better, and more capable than ever, but for those who enjoy venturing even further off the beaten path, Palisade XRT PRO has got the goods. This rugged model is the first Hyundai to wear the XRT PRO nameplate, signifying its significantly upgraded off-road capabilities beyond prior XRT models. Explicitly designed for U.S. consumers, XRT PRO includes more off-road-minded hardware- and software-level enhancements than any previous Hyundai model. XRT PRO even looks the part, thanks to a uniquely muscular front end that incorporates a bold lower grille design bookended by prominent canyon red recovery hooks and a beefier lower fascia. The Palisade XRT PRO includes:

XRT PRO Capability Features

• XRT PRO-exclusive rear electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD)
• 8.4 inches of ground clearance (+1 inch vs. non XRT PRO models)
• Improved approach (20.5°), departure (22.4°), and breakover (18.3°) geometry
• All-terrain 255/60R18 tires
• Blind Spot View Monitor
• Surround View Monitor with forward ground view
• Real-time pitch & roll, compass, and elevation displays
• HTRAC® all-wheel drive
• New Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain modes
• Exposed functional canyon red recovery hooks front and rear
• Downhill Brake Control
• Tow mode
• Factory-installed tow hitch with conceal panel

XRT PRO Design Features

• XRT PRO-exclusive 18-inch dark-finish alloy wheels
• XRT PRO rear badging
• XRT dark exterior accents (grille, window surround, cladding)
• H-Tex leatherette seating surfaces with front heating/ventilation
• Heated steering wheel
• Bose® 14-speaker premium audio system
• Ambient lighting
• 115-volt power outlet
• Power moonroof

New, powerful, and efficient internal-combustion powertrain
The 2026 Palisade XRT PRO boasts a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 making up to an estimated 287 horsepower and up to 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The naturally aspirated, direct-injected engine is coupled to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission with a multi-plate torque converter. This standard ICE powertrain is available exclusively with HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on XRT PRO. This V6 powertrain is targeting a robust 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity¹, giving active families the flexibility to haul a variety of weekend toys.

HTRAC® with Tow Mode, Terrain modes add confidence, capability
The 2026 Palisade model range is available with Hyundai's HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive system with Tow Mode. This three-row SUV also includes a factory-installed, fascia-concealed OEM tow hitch on XRT PRO, Limited and Calligraphy trims – another Hyundai first. Tow Mode optimizes the powertrain's performance parameters for confident and efficient towing, holding lower gears longer and reducing shift frequency while towing heavier loads.

For 2026, a new terrain mode controller includes Mud, Sand, and Snow settings to give drivers extra confidence and capability in adverse terrain and weather conditions. Additionally, the 2026 Palisade XRT PRO benefits from a model-exclusive rear electronic limited-slip differential for increased responsiveness and traction on difficult terrain.

The 2026 Palisade will be built in Ulsan, South Korea. XRT PRO models are set to arrive at Hyundai dealers in early summer.

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a published economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

Footnotes

1. Towing capacity varies by configuration. 4,000 lb. maximum towing capacity for 2026 Palisade Hybrid models and 5,000 lb. maximum towing capacity for Palisade ICE models, including XRT PRO. Requires installation of aftermarket towing equipment. See Owner's Manual for proper use and additional information.

 

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

FAQ

What are the key off-road features of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO (HYMTF)?

The XRT PRO features 8.4 inches of ground clearance, rear electronic -slip differential, all-terrain tires, HTRAC® all-wheel drive, Mud/Sand/Snow terrain modes, and recovery hooks.

What is the engine specification and towing capacity of the 2026 Palisade XRT PRO (HYMTF)?

It features a 3.5L V6 engine with 287 horsepower, 260 lb.-ft. torque, and 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity.

When will the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO (HYMTF) be available at dealerships?

The vehicle is scheduled to arrive at Hyundai dealers in early summer 2026.

What are the approach, departure, and breakover angles of the 2026 Palisade XRT PRO (HYMTF)?

The XRT PRO has approach angle of 20.5°, departure angle of 22.4°, and breakover angle of 18.3°.