In hybrid guise, the 2026 Palisade still looks badass, all about strong vertical lines and hard angles. In my original review of the car, I said it looks like you asked a child who is in the Mafia to design a family crossover, and that still holds true, but after spending even more time with it, I’ve noticed even more design cues that remind me of Range Rovers. That’s really not something I have an issue with, as the Range is one of the best-looking SUVs on sale today.
Since the buyer is getting more with the Palisade Hybrid, they are going to be paying more. It equates to a $2,250 price difference between the equivalent gas model. Of course, that’s not nothing, but when you consider the EPA-estimated fueling costs for the two models, it should pay for itself in three-ish years. Even if it didn’t, I think the Hybrid is still the one to buy.
Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
The Hybrid range chops off the bottom few rungs of Palisade Trim levels, so it starts with the SEL model, and unfortunately, there’s no XRT Pro trim for the Hybrid. The Jury is still out on whether one is coming or not. We shall see. Right from the jump, the car comes with a power tailgate, H-tex seats, second-row captains chairs, a wireless phone charger, heated front seats, and roof rails. Prices start at $45,760, including destination. From there, step up to the SEL Premium for blind-spot monitoring, heated and ventilated seats in the first two rows, ambient lighting, a power moonroof and a bunch of other goodies. To me, this is the Palisade Hybrid that offers the most bang for your buck. It starts at $49,120, and both versions of the SEL can be had with seven or eight seats.
Next is the Limited. It gets 20-inch wheels, gloss black exterior treatments, more acoustic glass, leather seats, a heated third row, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system, among other things. The Limited starts at $53,590 and can only be had with seven seats. Finally, we’ve got the big-dog Calligraphy. It’s the most realized version of the Palisade Hybrid, and it’s where you get Nappa leather, the Eargo motion seat, a rearview camera display, a 12-inch head-up display, and Highway Drive Assist, among a slew of other features. This big boy starts at $58,380 and only has seven seats.
Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
When adding in all-wheel drive — a $2,000 option on every trim level — and my tester’s lone option ($245 carpeted floor mats), you get a total price of $60,625. Sure, that’s not cheap, but when you consider that the average new car is about $50,000 these days, it doesn’t seem all that bad. The Palisade really is as nice as some far more expensive luxury SUVs.
It’s hard to think of many, if any, cars in the Palisade’s class that beat it on looks, comfort, luxury or efficiency. While it is a bit pricey, and its styling might not be for everyone, the Hybrid makes the already excellent Palisade even better. If you’re in the market for this type of car, I really don’t think you can go wrong with the 2026 Palisade Hybrid. Just make sure to tell your kids not to spill their goddamn juice box on your fine Nappa leather.
