The 2026 Hyundai Palisade V6 regressed. It got heavier, slower, and louder. The Hybrid Calligraphy is the correction. Here is the physics based explanation of why the heavier hybrid is actually the better driver’s SUV.
When we tested the XRT Pro, we found a vehicle struggling with its own weight. The V6 needed constant downshifts, the suspension felt unsettled, and the 0-60 time dropped by two seconds. The Hybrid Calligraphy adds even more weight (batteries) and bigger 21-inch wheels, which should be a recipe for disaster.
But after 500 miles of testing, the verdict is the opposite. The electric torque fills the gaps the V6 couldn’t, the battery mass settles the chassis in a way the off road suspension didn’t, and the interior finally delivers the silence the price tag demands.
In this deep dive, we audit the brake modulation (often a hybrid failure point), test the real world winter fuel economy, and reveal why this is the only powertrain you should consider for the 2026 Palisade.
In This Review:
– The Physics: Why adding battery weight actually fixed the ride quality
– Torque Fill Audit: How the electric motor masks the V6’s lack of mid-range punch
– The Brake Test: Can you execute a perfect limousine with regenerative braking?
– Owner Intel: The truth about cold weather
– The Verdict: Why the regression is over.
Timestamps:
0:00 – The Correction (V6 vs. Hybrid)
0:30 – The Context: Why This Trim Exists
0:45 – Drivetrain Audit
3:25 – Dynamics and Ride Quality
6:15 – Interior & Ergonomics (The Vertical Vibe)
10:20 – Owner Intel: Winter MPG & 12V Battery Warnings
12:25 – The Verdict: Skip the V6?
2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro: Legitimate Hardware vs The Weight Penalty
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Test vehicles are provided by the respective manufacturers for review purposes, unless otherwise noted, and all opinions are our own.
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#HyundaiPalisade #PalisadeHybrid #CarReview #BrianMakse
We called the V6 XRT Pro a regression because of the weight penalty. After driving this, I believe the Hybrid is the only powertrain that properly moves this chassis. Would you pay the premium for the Hybrid, or do you still trust the naturally aspirated V6 more for long-term ownership? Let's argue below.
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Curious
Is the 2.5l both direct and multi port injected?
Steering wheel looks like the crazy robot from Futurama 😂
Bought the 2026 3.5L V6. Only 1700 miles in but no issues. Shifts smooth, quiet, plenty of acceleration. Eight speed, no cvt, no dct, no turbo. Can’t justify the up-charge for a hybrid.
I stumbled across your site while looking for info on the Palisade. I found your info helpful and it was presented extremely well. 👍
Beautiful….perfect midsize SUV!
Happy with my Calligraphy Hybrid. Got the first blue with saddle interior in FL.
I bought the V6 without driving it. Had a Telluride and figured it would drive the same. How wrong I was. I had it for 90 days put 1800 miles on it and traded it in for the hybrid. Your review is spot on. Mileage is 30 – 32 around town, 26 on highway running 80 – 85. The V6 just wouldn’t go. Slow recovery making turns. It just felt like you were never in a low enough gear for good acceleration.
I am amazed that they don’t use diesel rather than gas. More future proof.
I’m getting V6 because I like the way it drive this the same engine 2015 Toyota Venza I’m not getting Hybird
Hi Brian, Great review! I'm about purchase one of these but still on the fence with the V6 vs hybrid. Several others have complained about a bit of a lag between gears, especially early/low speed… in eco mode. You don't seem to think and I know your a drivers driver! Are you in Sport mode? Would you buy or lease due to this being the first year of this hybrid? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Correction, 2 electric motors..👍
2.4 turbo with an electric motor 😂😂 faaak just throw them shits in the garbage people dont buy this shit please . This is the reason this shit is made they really think we want this . Damn just give me the v8 fuxk the bs
maybe lease but never buy. No mechanic will ever recommend a Hyundai or Kia. yes of course come of them work good but who wants to take that chance.
I have 9000 miles on my calligraphy hybrid. I live in Texas get 27 to 29 miles to the gallon. Took a road trip to Connecticut this winter fuel economy went down to 24 miles per gallon in cold climate. Also took a road trip to Florida in winter fuel economy 26 miles per gallon. So far the car has operated flawlessly. Am very pleased so far love driving this car. Also seating very comfortable on long trips. Didn't think much of the massage feature at first but after taking long trips does make a big difference.
My Palisade calligraphy hybrid gets consistently 30 miles per gallon in the city in 29 on the highway. Fantastic vehicle.
I bought the Grand Highlander Hybrid max Limited Can't get it passed 22 MPH :
Just got a new Palisade Calligraphy V6 had a 2020 V6 very little difference in power always put 89 octane get a little more power and mileage should never have a 4 in such a big SUV.
Excellent review
It's garbage, like this channel
I own a Hybrid Caligraphy in Ohio and your review was spot on. I still feel the acceleration to be a bit sluggish but I guess is to be expected due to the weight of the car. on MPG Ive been getting a solid 26.9 avg.
Amazing SUV but I'm heading towards a Grand Highlander Max for reputation and resale
Your wrong. The FWD is 35 MPG not the AWD….
Priced like a Lexus to mislead buyers into believing that it's Lexus quality, until the engine fails, and by then it's too late.
Is there a spare tire? For the Canadian spec'd models?
Why you can’t use relaxation seat while car is moving? That was my main reason getting this. For safety? If so at least go half of the full recline ?
One of the best if not the best review ive watched Brian!
I currently lease an Audi Q7 2022 (48 months – will be done in May 2026) so i started to watch LOTS lf videos of the Grand Highlander Platinum max & palissade caligraphy …
I road tested the V6 and the hybrid and i will choose the hybrid hands down! (Tested the v6 in september and the hybrid yesterday!)
I was impressed by all the interior details + tech of the caligraphy …. Definately an upgrade vs my Q7 for 400$ less per month!
I love the brown interior and im tired of black exteriors since i live in Montreal so i was looking at the white exterior… but the road test i did was with the robust emerald and wow, never thought id love it but i fall in love with it in person! It might be my choice!!
An interesting fact is that i found the hybrid way more agile than the v6 … the salesman with me said the sane thing its weird as its the same suspension!
Great video thanks! 🎉
I found shifting much smoother in hybrid.
Super great coverage of all essential details anyone needs to know about this Vehicle .. ! I’m really conflicted between Pali HTRAC vs Tellu Hybrid that has just started to come out ..
I understand features & interior ( especially Dash Cam, Remote smart parking assist are exclusive to Pali) on Pali is superior whereas Exterior & Styling is great with Tellu…
Right now I drive ‘24 Santafe Hybrid Calligraphy HTRAC but looking to trade-in for either of the above mentioned
How you are comparing it with santafe hybrid regarding the drive feel and comfort. ?
This guy's reviews are better than Doug's.
Brian, I like your reviews and your vibe. Keep doing what you do so well!
A very spot on review Brian. As a now 3 week owner of a calligraphy hybrid I have put around 1000km on ours and I am impressed by many of the same things you noted; the interior fit and finish, the engine and electric motor transitions, and the drive is buttery smooth under 95% of situations. The fuel economy I am still out on but with our engine not even broken in, and the cold temperatures forcing the engine to be on more than in other seasons in the GTA so far this season I’m not surprised to be averaging 10.5-11l/100km so far (V6 owners I hear are getting 15l/100km) and are lacking the power of the hybrid). I would anticipate come spring time and with an engine that is then broken in, 8-9l/100km would be achievable. As always a thoroughly comprehensive review!
Hybrids are garbage. Ticking time bombs. Electronic gremlins will destroy these vehicles. You better change your 12V battery every year to make sure the power is consistent to power the ECU in these highly complex spaceship. Get your baseline power right before troubleshooting electronics. If people think a Korean vehicle is the same as a Japanese vehicle, they need to take geography classes again 😂
North Americans are being deceived by inferior quality vehicles. Not saying Toyota is doing any better lately. Subaru and Mazda is dominating 2026 with very high quality.