The Best 2026 Hyundai SUVs if You Need Space
The Best 2026 Hyundai SUVs if You Need Space
Posted on March 30, 2026
If you're hauling kids, gear, or both, space is the first thing you check. Prince George families know this - between hockey bags, camping equipment, and the occasional lumber run from the hardware store, a cramped cargo area becomes a problem fast. The 2026 Hyundai lineup offers several SUVs built to handle real-world loads, and one of them stands out for buyers who need maximum room without stepping up to a full-size truck.
The Space Leaders: Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade
Hyundai's SUV lineup spans three size categories, each targeting a different buyer. The Tucson is the compact option, offering a balance of efficiency and room for four adults plus cargo. The Santa Fe steps up to a midsize footprint with available three-row seating. The Palisade is the full-size flagship, built for families who need maximum passenger and cargo capacity.
All three are available with all-wheel drive, which matters in Prince George winters. The Tucson offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain with 268 hp combined output and 51 km of electric-only range. The Santa Fe and Palisade use traditional gas engines, with the Palisade offering a 3.5L V6 producing 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
| Model | Seating | Cargo Volume (Seats Up) | Towing Capacity | Key Powertrain |
| Tucson | 5 | 1,095 L | 3,500 lb (2.5L AWD) | 2.5L AWD / 1.6T Hybrid / 1.6T PHEV |
| Santa Fe | 5-7 | TBD | TBD | 2.5L Turbo / Hybrid |
| Palisade | 8 | TBD | 5,000 lb (V6) / 4,000 lb (Hybrid) | 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Turbo Hybrid |
Tucson: The Compact That Fits More Than You'd Think
The Tucson is Hyundai's compact SUV, but it punches above its size class in cargo volume. With the rear seats up, you get 1,095 litres - enough for a full grocery run plus hockey bags. Fold the second row flat and that expands to 2,119 litres, which handles plywood sheets, camping gear, or a full load from Costco.
The 2.5L AWD model produces 187 hp and tows up to 3,500 lb, which covers most boat trailers and utility trailers. The plug-in hybrid variant delivers 268 hp combined and 51 km of electric-only range, which covers most daily driving in Prince George before the gas engine kicks in. The hybrid uses a 1.6L turbo engine paired with an electric motor, and the battery can be fully charged in 2 hours on a Level 2 charger.
The Tucson's 2,755 mm wheelbase gives it a planted feel on Highway 16, and the 210 mm ground clearance handles forest service roads without scraping. The plug-in hybrid model offers 902 litres with seats up and 1,876 litres with seats folded due to the battery pack placement.
Palisade: The Full-Size Option for Families Who Need Eight Seats
The Palisade is Hyundai's largest SUV, built for families who need three rows of seating and serious towing capacity. It seats eight passengers across three rows, and the V6 model tows up to 5,000 lb - enough for a 24-foot boat or a loaded utility trailer.
The 3.5L V6 produces 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid variant uses a 2.5L turbo engine combined with an electric motor for 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, though towing capacity drops to 4,000 lb on the hybrid. The hybrid targets 7.0 L/100 km combined fuel economy.
The Palisade's HTRAC all-wheel-drive system is standard across all trims. The system can send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when needed, and it includes a Snow mode that adjusts throttle response and transmission shift points for slippery conditions.
What to Look for When You Need Space
Cargo volume numbers tell part of the story, but real-world usability depends on how the space is shaped. The Tucson's cargo floor is low and flat, which makes it easy to slide heavy items in and out. The Palisade's third row folds flat into the floor, creating a continuous load surface from the liftgate to the back of the front seats.
Towing capacity matters if you're hauling a trailer, but it's only part of the equation. Tongue weight - the downward force the trailer puts on the hitch - is typically limited to 10% of the towing capacity. A 3,500 lb trailer means 350 lb of tongue weight, which eats into your payload capacity. If you're towing regularly, the Palisade's higher towing capacity gives you more margin.
All-wheel drive is standard on most Hyundai SUVs, but the systems differ. The Tucson and Palisade use a multi-plate clutch system that can send power to the rear wheels when the front wheels slip.
The Tucson PHEV Balances Daily Electric Driving with Long-Trip Flexibility
The Tucson plug-in hybrid offers 51 km of electric range, which covers most daily driving in Prince George - commuting to work, running errands, dropping kids at school. The gas engine handles longer trips without range concerns.
The plug-in hybrid's 902 litres of cargo volume handles a family of four's weekly needs. The 2,000 lb towing capacity works for a small utility trailer or a pair of ATVs.
The Tucson PHEV uses a 13.8 kWh battery that charges in 2 hours on a Level 2 charger. If you plug in every night, you'll rarely use the gas engine for local driving. The system delivers 268 hp combined, which is more than the 2.5L AWD's 187 hp, and the instant torque from the electric motor makes the PHEV feel quicker off the line.
Explore the 2026 Hyundai SUV lineup at Northland Hyundai in Prince George. Our team can walk you through the trim options and help you compare cargo volume, towing capacity, and fuel economy across the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade.