2026 Hyundai Palisade Trim Guide: Preferred Trend, XRT PRO, Luxury, or Calligraphy?
2026 Hyundai Palisade Trim Guide: Preferred Trend, XRT PRO, Luxury, or Calligraphy?
Posted on April 28, 2026
The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade comes in four distinct trims, and the differences between them go well beyond a trim badge. Each one is built around a different type of buyer — and choosing the wrong one means either paying for features you'll never use or missing out on ones you actually need. For drivers in Prince George and across northern British Columbia, where road conditions, load requirements, and travel distances shape what you need from an SUV, it's worth slowing down and comparing what each version actually delivers.
Here's what separates the four 2026 Palisade trims — Preferred Trend, XRT PRO, Luxury, and Ultimate Calligraphy — and what each one is built for.
2026 Palisade Trims at a Glance
| Feature | Preferred Trend | XRT PRO | Luxury | Ultimate Calligraphy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 | 2.5L Turbo Hybrid | 3.5L V6 (Hybrid optional) |
| Power | 287 hp / 260 lb-ft | 287 hp / 260 lb-ft | 329 hp combined / 339 lb-ft combined | 287 hp / 260 lb-ft (V6) |
| Seating | 8-passenger | 7-passenger | 7 or 8-passenger | 7-passenger |
| Towing | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| Ground Clearance | 187 mm | 212 mm | 187 mm | 187 mm |
| Wheels | 20-inch alloy | 18-inch all-terrain | 20-inch alloy | 21-inch alloy |
| Tow Hitch | Not included | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Bose Audio | Not included | Standard (14-speaker) | Standard (14-speaker) | Standard (14-speaker) |
| HDA | Not included | HDA 1 | HDA 1 | HDA 2 |
Preferred Trend: The Full-Size Family Starting Point
The Preferred Trend is the entry trim, but it arrives well-equipped. The 3.5L V6 engine produces 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and HTRAC AWD. Towing capacity is 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) — enough for a boat or cargo trailer.
Inside, 8-passenger bench seating comes standard in a 2-3-3 configuration. The cabin includes dual 12.3-inch displays (instrument cluster and infotainment), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 15-watt wireless charging pad, heated front and second-row seats, and seven USB-C ports distributed across all three rows. Safety coverage includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist 2, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Occupant Alert.
Best for: Buyers who want maximum seating capacity with a strong V6 and full AWD at the entry price point.
- 8-passenger, 3.5L V6, 287 hp
- Dual 12.3" displays, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
- Towing: 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)
- No Bose audio, no tow hitch, no HDA
XRT PRO: The Off-Road Capable Version
The XRT PRO is the first Hyundai to carry the XRT PRO nameplate, and it brings more off-road-specific hardware than any previous Hyundai model. Ground clearance climbs to 212 mm (versus 187 mm on the Preferred Trend), the approach angle improves to 20.5°, and the departure angle reaches 22.4°. XRT-exclusive all-terrain Continental tires sit on 18-inch dark-finish alloy wheels, and an electronic rear limited-slip differential and XRT Off-road Mode are included exclusively on this trim.
The OEM tow hitch is standard, along with functional orange front and rear recovery hooks, Downhill Brake Control, and a steel skid plate design. The seating drops to 7-passenger captain's chair configuration with a 2-2-3 layout — useful for easier third-row access. The XRT PRO also adds ventilated front seats, Bose 14-speaker premium audio, Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist 1, and LED ambient lighting over the Preferred Trend.
For drivers in Prince George who head up Highway 16, use forestry roads, or spend time on gravel during shoulder seasons, the XRT PRO's increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires are a meaningful functional difference.
Best for: Active buyers who take gravel roads, need off-road confidence, and want the full towing package included.
- 7-passenger, 3.5L V6, 212 mm ground clearance
- All-terrain tires, e-LSD, XRT Off-road Mode
- Factory tow hitch, recovery hooks standard
- Bose audio, HDA 1, Surround View Monitor included
Luxury: The Hybrid Version
The Luxury trim is where the hybrid powertrain enters the Palisade lineup — the only trim where it's standard rather than optional. The 2.5L turbocharged hybrid uses Hyundai's TMED-II dual-motor system, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission. NRCan rates fuel economy at 8.3 L/100 km city, 7.9 L/100 km highway, and 8.1 L/100 km combined, with a driving range exceeding 800 kilometres on a full tank. Towing capacity is 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg).
Interior upgrades over the Preferred Trend include full leather seating (versus leatherette), heated third-row seats, 4-way power-adjustable third-row seats, ventilated front seats, Driver's Integrated Memory System, and an electrochromic rearview mirror. The factory tow hitch is standard. Seating is available in 8-passenger bench or 7-passenger captain's chair configurations. Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist 1, and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse are all included.
A Stay Mode function allows the vehicle's climate control and infotainment to run while parked without running the engine — useful for longer stops.
Best for: Buyers focused on long-distance fuel efficiency, leather interior, and hybrid ownership perks without stepping to the top trim.
- 2.5L Turbo Hybrid, 329 hp combined, 8.1 L/100 km combined
- Leather seating, heated third row, 4-way power 3rd-row seats
- 800+ km range, Stay Mode, factory tow hitch
- Towing: 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg)
Ultimate Calligraphy: The Top-of-Line Version
The Ultimate Calligraphy is the Palisade's most feature-complete trim, available with either the 3.5L V6 or the optional 2.5L Turbo Hybrid. Unique to this trim are Relaxation seats for both the first and second rows — with deployable leg rests and extended recline — Nappa leather quilted seating, a Driver's Ergo-Motion seat, and ventilation for both front and second-row passengers.
Technology additions exclusive to this trim include a Head-Up Display, a digital rearview mirror, a built-in dual-channel dashcam event recorder, a UV-C sterilization tray, rain-sensing wipers, and rear auto up/down power windows. Highway Driving Assist 2 replaces HDA 1, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 adds Junction Crossing and Lane-Change Side detection, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist is included. Remote Smart Parking Assist 1 allows the vehicle to park or exit a parking space via the key fob. The dual-pane sunroof replaces the power tilt-and-slide unit found on lower trims, and Calligraphy-exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior.
Best for: Buyers who want the full equipment set, relaxation seating for long trips, and the most advanced driver assistance available in the Palisade lineup.
- 7-passenger, V6 standard / Hybrid optional
- Relaxation seats (1st and 2nd row), Nappa leather, HUD
- HDA 2, FCA 2, RSPA, dual-channel dashcam
- Dual-pane sunroof, 21-inch wheels, UV-C tray
Which 2026 Palisade Trim Is Right for You?
If maximum seating and towing from the entry price is the priority — Preferred Trend. If you drive gravel roads, cover northern BC terrain, or want the off-road hardware and full tow package included — XRT PRO. If fuel efficiency over long distances matters most — Luxury Hybrid. If you want every available feature and are open to the hybrid option on the top trim — Ultimate Calligraphy.
Stop in at Northland Hyundai in Prince George to see all four trims side by side, compare configurations in person, and find out which one fits your daily use. The team can walk you through the available options and help you get behind the wheel.