Adventure Ready! 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT ProTheTruthAboutCars.comConnie Peters, TTAC CreatorWed, September 23, 2026 at 8:50 AM UTCAdd us on Googleadventure ready 2026 hyundai palisade xrt proWhat do we think about a rugged Palisade?Friend of the site Connie Peters reviews the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro. Take a look at the video or transcript below to see what she thinks. The TTAC Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from all corners of the car world, including culture, dealerships, collections, modified builds and more.A transcript, summarized by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.AdvertisementAdvertisement[Image: YouTube Video Thumbnail]Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.SummaryThe transcript is a walk-around and review of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro, the more rugged, adventure-oriented version of Hyundai's three-row family SUV. The vehicle shown has been outfitted by Hyundai Canada with several aftermarket accessories to demonstrate its camping and light-overlanding potential.Exterior and XRT Pro equipmentThe XRT Pro is distinguished from other Palisade trims by its more rugged setup. It comes with:AdvertisementAdvertisementStandard all-wheel driveAll-terrain tiresIncreased ground clearanceFront and rear orange recovery hooksBlack exterior badgingThe example in the video adds a Thule rooftop tent, bike rack, mud flaps, side steps and trailer hitch. The reviewer sees the combination as transforming the Palisade from a conventional family SUV into something more capable for camping and light overlanding.The rooftop tent does have a downside: it creates noticeable additional wind noise at highway speeds.Powertrain and driving impressionsThe XRT Pro uses the 3.8-liter V6, producing 287 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Although a hybrid Palisade is available, the XRT Pro featured in the video is the gasoline model.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe reviewer describes the Palisade as feeling large and somewhat "boatish", particularly compared with smaller SUVs. She acknowledges, however, that buyers choosing a Palisade are likely prioritizing the space and practicality of a large three-row family vehicle.Cargo and towing practicalityWith the third row folded, the Palisade offers substantial cargo space. There is additional underfloor storage, a tire-change kit and a full-size spare tire underneath the vehicle.The rear seats can be folded from the cargo area, and there's also a 12-volt outlet back there. The vehicle has a power liftgate and a hidden trailer hitch.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe XRT Pro's second row uses captain's chairs, leaving access to the third row between them.Second-row comfortThe second row is described as particularly spacious, with a flat floor and plenty of legroom. Features include:Rear climate-control vents and controlsAutomatic rear climate controlWindow shadesUSB-C charging ports on both sidesA 115-volt outletDoor-mounted cupholdersA sliding storage cubbyThe reviewer likes the extensive use of black trim and accents but finds the overall cabin quite dark, particularly because the XRT Pro lacks a panoramic sunroof. The rooftop tent also blocks some of the available sunlight.Third-row spaceThe third-row seats three people and uses a 60/40 split. The reviewer finds the third row surprisingly roomy, with enough space for her despite being only 5-foot-1.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe seats can tilt and slide for access and recline slightly, improving comfort. She also notes that the seats sit relatively high compared with the floor, meaning passengers' feet aren't pushed excessively close to the second-row seats.Third-row amenities include:USB-C ports on both sidesTwo cupholders per sideAir ventsA dedicated lightInterior technologyThe Palisade's cabin receives praise for its clean, straightforward layout and useful technology.Notable features include:360-degree cameraFront-facing camera that remains active at low speeds, allowing the driver to monitor surroundings while maneuveringWireless Apple CarPlayWireless phone chargingHeated and ventilated front seatsDual-zone climate controlThree USB-C ports up frontMultiple storage areasAmbient lightingAdvertisementAdvertisementThe front camera can remain displayed at speeds of approximately 15 km/h or below, which the reviewer finds useful in parking lots and other tight spaces.The floating center console provides substantial storage underneath, while a large ledge across the dashboard provides another convenient place for passengers to put devices or other items.World Cup touchesBecause Hyundai is a major sponsor of the World Cup, this particular vehicle incorporates World Cup-themed graphics and startup/shutdown sequences. Even the Palisade graphic displayed on the infotainment screen incorporates World Cup colors.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe reviewer considers these touches a fun addition rather than a major functional feature.Pricing and overall positioningThe transcript gives a starting price of approximately $57,000 Canadian, or $39,000 U.S., while noting that U.S. availability of all-wheel drive varies by trim. The XRT Pro specifically gets AWD as standard.The vehicle as tested is listed at approximately $60,000 Canadian/$52,000 U.S., excluding the aftermarket accessories shown on the vehicle.Overall takeawayThe 2026 Palisade XRT Pro remains fundamentally a large, practical three-row family SUV, but Hyundai gives it a more adventurous personality through AWD, all-terrain tires, extra ground clearance and recovery hooks. The example's rooftop tent, bike rack, side steps and other accessories reinforce that outdoors-oriented mission.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe transcript's main criticism is that the Palisade can feel large and boat-like, while the rooftop tent adds highway wind noise and the dark interior can feel even darker without a panoramic roof. On the positive side, the vehicle offers generous passenger and cargo space, a comfortable and useful third row, extensive charging options, strong camera technology and a well-organized cabin.The central question posed by the reviewer is whether buyers would take the XRT Pro's additional rugged hardware and add similar camping equipment to create a mobile base camp for weekend adventures.