The Hyundai Palisade has long been celebrated as a top-tier three-row family SUV, balancing premium features with impressive practicality. However, with the introduction of the all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro, the brand is pushing the boundaries of what a family crossover can do. This isn’t just an appearance package; it’s a legitimate attempt to inject real off-road capability into the segment, positioning the Palisade as a viable contender for families seeking a little more adventure in their weekend drives.
We took the rugged XRT Pro model to the challenging terrain of Holly Oaks Off-Road Park in Holly, Michigan, to put its adventure-focused hardware to the test. What we found was a compelling blend of premium comfort and surprising off-road competence, making the XRT Pro a unique and highly appealing option in the competitive three-row SUV market.
The XRT Pro Difference: Under the Hood and On the Trail
The 2026 Palisade XRT Pro immediately sets itself apart from its siblings with a suite of functional and aesthetic upgrades geared toward capability. Hyundai has clearly listened to enthusiasts, equipping this trim with features that go far beyond superficial cladding.
Functional Off-Road Hardware
The core of the XRT Pro’s enhanced capability lies in its mechanical changes. The most significant is the one-inch suspension lift over the standard Palisade, bringing the total ground clearance to a very respectable 8.4 inches. This extra inch is crucial for clearing obstacles that would snag the undercarriage of a typical crossover.
Complementing the lift are the tires: a set of high-quality Continental Terrain Contact all-terrain tires (sized 255/60 R18). These are not merely aggressive-looking street tires; they are a proper all-terrain choice, balancing on-road civility with thicker sidewalls and a more rugged tread pattern designed to provide superior grip and durability on loose surfaces and rocky trails.
Perhaps the most surprising and essential addition for any serious off-road claim is the electronically locking rear differential (eLSD). This feature, a rarity in this class, is a game-changer for traction. When one rear wheel loses grip, the eLSD automatically locks, sending torque to the wheel that has traction, allowing the vehicle to push itself over obstacles. This, combined with HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive and a proper set of skid plating in the front end, gives the XRT Pro a true mechanical advantage.
For those planning to use the XRT Pro for more than just trails, the robust 3.5-liter V6 engine is carried over. It produces 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Critically, this powertrain retains the impressive 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity, ensuring families don’t have to sacrifice utility for capability. The XRT Pro also comes with a factory-installed tow hitch with a conceal panel and practical features like rear recovery hooks.
| Feature | Specification | Off-Road Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 8.4 inches (+1 inch vs. standard) | Improved obstacle clearance, better breakover angle. |
| Tires | Continental Terrain Contact (255/60 R18) | Enhanced grip on loose surfaces, increased sidewall durability. |
| Rear Differential | Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD) | Superior low-traction performance, critical for articulation. |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 (287 hp / 260 lb-ft) | Reliable power for trails and towing. |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | Maintained utility for hauling campers and boats. |
Design and Aesthetics
The XRT Pro isn’t subtle about its intentions. The exterior is updated with a bold, new look, featuring dark exterior accents, rugged cladding, and XRT Pro-exclusive 18-inch dark-finish alloy wheels that are intentionally smaller to allow for more tire sidewall. The color of our test vehicle, Titan Charcoal Green, looked particularly sharp, especially with the subtle metal flake catching the sunlight—a color choice that feels perfectly suited for an off-road focused crossover.
Conquering Holly Oaks: Driving Impressions
The real test of the XRT Pro’s mettle came at Holly Oaks Off-Road Park, a venue known for its challenging sandy hills and rocky terrain. This was an opportunity to see how the new hardware worked in practice, especially considering the Palisade’s primary identity as a comfortable family hauler.
Terrain Modes and Powertrain Management
To tackle the loose, sandy terrain, we utilized the Sand mode in the drive/terrain selector. Activating a terrain mode not only changes the throttle mapping but also manages the HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, strategically using the new eLSD.
In Sand mode, the throttle mapping proved to be surprisingly linear. While some manufacturers tune a sand mode to be an “on-off switch” for aggressive power, the Palisade’s tuning allowed for good modulation, preventing excessive wheel spin which can dig the vehicle in. This linear control is a key factor in successfully navigating deep sand and loose dirt. The system, while lacking a dedicated center differential lock button, intelligently manages the power distribution to ensure grip is maintained.
The Hill Climb Challenge
The course presented several steep climbs, a true test of the XRT Pro’s approach angle and the effectiveness of the eLSD. On one particular uphill section, as the front wheel crested the peak, the suspension articulated, causing a momentary loss of traction on the rear. This is where the eLSD shined—there was virtually no drama from the traction control system. The electronic differential instantly sent power to the gripping wheel, and the Palisade smoothly powered its way up and over.
While the 8.4 inches of ground clearance is a significant improvement, navigating aggressive obstacles still required mindful driving. On a particularly sharp crest, there was a minor scrape of the front skid plate. However, the scrape was a testament to the fact that the skid plate was doing its job—taking the hit so the vital underbody components would not. This confirmed the reality that while highly capable for a crossover, the XRT Pro is built for confident soft-roading and trails, not for rock crawling that demands a body-on-frame platform.
Downhill Descent Control
Hyundai PalisVersatility 
The XRT Pro comes equipped with a Downhill Brake Control (DBC) system, which is essential for safely managing steep descents on loose surfaces. Engaging the DBC allowed the vehicle to automatically maintain a slow, controlled speed without constant driver input on the brake pedal, which is an unsettling experience in any vehicle. The system proved to be quiet and effective, modulating the brakes automatically.
However, a point of contention emerged when the DBC was not engaged. On a rocky, sandy downhill section, the conventional ABS tuning was overly sensitive. A relatively normal brake input resulted in a full, aggressive ABS stop, which on loose surfaces dramatically reduces the vehicle’s stopping effectiveness. This full-ABS stop created a moment of genuine concern, highlighting an area where Hyundai could improve: off-road specific ABS programming that allows for more wheel slip to effectively slow the vehicle on loose dirt, as is standard practice for dedicated off-road vehicles.
A Refined Sanctuary: Interior and Technology
Despite its rugged mission, the Palisade XRT Pro does not compromise on its luxury-level interior experience. The commitment to a family-friendly, premium cabin remains a hallmark of the vehicle.
Comfort and Noise Isolation (NVH)
The interior of the XRT Pro is a sanctuary from the harsh conditions outside. Hyundai prioritized lowering NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels with a reinforced body structure and excellent noise isolation. On the bumpy, rocky off-road course, the cabin remained remarkably quiet. There were no noticeable rattles, squeaks, or creeks from the interior panels, a significant achievement for a three-row SUV with numerous folding seats and moving parts.
The seating is designed for long-haul comfort, featuring highly comfortable seats with heating and ventilation, paired with a heated steering wheel and a premium Bose sound system. Even in the third row, a 5’10” passenger found ample room to stretch out, with good headroom and the convenience of multiple USB ports. Hyundai’s commitment to making the third row genuinely useable for adults is evident and sets it apart from many competitors.
Ergonomics and Infotainment
Hyundai’s reputation for excellent interior ergonomics is maintained in the new Palisade. Physical controls and buttons are abundant, placed logically where a driver expects them. While the shifter uses the now-familiar push-button layout from other Hyundai models, the start/stop button is positioned for easy access.
The dual 12.3-inch digital displays (gauge and infotainment) are bright and high-resolution, forming a sleek, modern curved panel. Critically, the XRT Pro includes off-road pages that display useful information like real-time pitch and roll angles, tire pressures, and the status of the four-wheel-drive system.
The high-resolution camera system—including a 360-degree panoramic view and a forward-facing camera—is a technological highlight, proving invaluable for navigating blind crests off-road. However, a minor ergonomic issue was noted: the camera button is a bit of a reach, especially when concentrating on off-road driving. Furthermore, the cameras automatically switch off above 8 mph. While logical for on-road driving, an ideal off-road programming would allow the cameras to automatically re-engage at lower speeds when an off-road mode (like Sand or Mud) is active, eliminating the need to search for the button mid-obstacle.
Practicality and Versatility
Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro
The Palisade’s spacious nature is one of its biggest selling points. The XRT Pro trim maintains a good amount of cargo space even behind the third row, and the ability to easily fold down the second and third rows makes it highly versatile for carrying family gear, camping equipment, or DIY supplies. The overall design language, especially the upright profile, lends itself to maximizing interior volume, making the 2026 Palisade a supremely practical choice for growing families.
Fuel Economy and Pricing: The Value Proposition
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro comes with an estimated sticker price of around $50,000 to $51,110 (MSRP plus destination). This pricing positions it as an exceptional value, offering features typically reserved for more expensive, near-luxury models.
The XRT Pro’s standard 3.5-liter V6, combined with the all-terrain tires and suspension lift, does come with a minor penalty at the pump compared to its more road-focused siblings. The official EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16 MPG City, 22 MPG Highway, and 19 MPG Combined. This is an important consideration for buyers: the rugged looks and off-road capability come with a slight trade-off in efficiency, a common reality when upgrading to all-terrain tires and an elevated ride height.
The Verdict: A Capable and Comfortable Contender
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro is a genuine success story. It’s more than a trim level; it’s an identity shift for the three-row family SUV. Hyundai successfully injected credible off-road hardware—a proper lift, all-terrain tires, and an electronically locking rear differential—into a vehicle that is already a segment leader in comfort and technology.
The XRT Pro is able to handle light-to-moderate trails and loose surfaces with a degree of composure that is genuinely surprising for a unibody crossover. It’s capable of getting families further down a dirt road or to a remote campsite than a standard Palisade, all while maintaining the refined, quiet, and feature-rich interior the model is known for.
While there is room for improvement in the ABS calibration for off-road use, and ground clearance remains the ultimate limiting factor, the XRT Pro is positioned perfectly for the adventurous family that needs the utility of a three-row vehicle but wants the confidence to tackle tougher terrain. The 2026 Palisade XRT Pro is a fresh, sharp, and highly capable offering that deserves serious consideration from any buyer looking for a rugged yet premium family SUV.