2026 Hyundai Palisade gets cheaper

UPDATE, 26/02/26: Hyundai has today detailed the new range-opening Palisade Elite, priced from $76,500 before on-road costs, which sees it undercut the flagship Calligraphy by more than $13K.

Unlike the Calligraphy (from $89,900 plus ORCs), which is offered in both seven- and eight-seater forms, the Elite will come in an eight seat configuration only, and powered by the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain.

The new base model will also feature the same locally tuned steering and suspension when it arrives in showrooms this March.

Rolling on smaller 20-inch alloy wheels (versus the Calligraphy’s 21s) with a unique design, Elite grades are differentiated by a host of silver exterior touches, including the lower bumper edges and side skirts.

Meanwhile, Elite grades miss out on luxe touches found on the top-spec Palisade, such as Nappa leather upholstery, suede headliner and a head-up display (among others), instead nabbing leather-appointed trim with heating up front, a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, dual 12.3-inch displays and Hyundai’s full suite of SmartSense driver aids.

See the original article published on February 24 below.

The News 

The Hyundai Palisade is about to get cheaper in Australia, with a more affordable Elite variant set to arrive within weeks to slot below the circa-$90K flagship Calligraphy grade (pictured) in the hybrid-only SUV line-up.

The Finer Details 

Confirmed by Hyundai Australia executives at the recent launch of its all-new Elexio electric SUV, the Palisade Elite could be here within weeks, while a more affordable version of the brand’s flagship IONIQ 9 electric SUV is also “under study”.

“Palisade Elite is on the way, we’re probably going live on the website soon [and] customers will be able to order that really soon,” said Hyundai Australia product planning and development manager Tim Rodgers.

At this stage, it will remain hybrid-only as per the Palisade Calligraphy which arrived late last year with a 245kW/460Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric drivetrain.

The more rugged Palisade XRT Pro is also set to join the Palisade family in the coming months sporting all-terrain tyres, revised bodywork to help negotiate off-road terrain, an electronic limited-slip rear differential and more.

Meanwhile, the Korean brand is looking to make its flagship IONIQ 9 – currently available only in a single high-spec Calligraphy grade from $119,750 – more accessible.

“IONIQ 9, [there’s] lots of activity under study at the moment. Our view is always to start with our best foot forward and then sort of bring in variants that make sense underneath,” said Rodgers.

“I think it’s time for IONIQ 9 to have a look at what can be done there [with pricing].”

The Road Ahead 

Pricing and specifications for the new Palisade Elite – which is all but certain to retain the same hybrid powertrain and much of the same equipment, save for a few niceties – is expected to be announced imminently.

* Calligraphy model shown

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