Close Hyundai Palisade: 2026 NACTOY Award Finalist
There’s some big news rolling through Johnson City, Jonesborough, and Elizabethton, Tennessee, and it’s all about the newly redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade. Hyundai’s flagship family SUV has just been named a finalist for the 2026 North American Utility of the Year™ award, one of the most respected honors in the industry.1
And with everything Hyundai built into the 2026 Palisade, the excitement feels warranted. Learn more about this honor and what awaits you in a 2026 Hyundai Palisade here at Friendship Hyundai of Johnson City.
The Palisade Earns Its 2026 NACTOY™ Finalist Spot
NACTOY’s reputation comes from its independence—no magazine and no corporate sponsor dictates the outcome. Instead, a jury evaluates new models on segment leadership and real-world usefulness, which is exactly what makes the finalist status for the Hyundai Palisade such a big deal.
When a model makes it into the top three, it means dozens of seasoned automotive journalists have weighed it against a full field and decided it stands out for innovation, design, performance, safety, and overall value.
The winner will be announced on January 14, 2026, at the Detroit Auto Show, but just making the finalist list already tells you a lot. It means the Palisade is hitting all the right notes for families who want confidence on the highway, comfort on long road trips across the state, and ease-of-use in day-to-day life.
A New Generation Built for Real Families and Real Roads
This new generation Palisade isn’t just a refresh; t’s a true evolution of Hyundai’s most capable family SUV. It brings a more refined interior, a more sophisticated exterior, and smart upgrades that actually matter in daily driving.
You’ll be able to choose between a 3.5L V6 or the first-ever hybrid powertrain available in the Palisade, pairing a 2.5L turbocharged engine with electric assistance. The result? An EPA-estimated 619-mile range, which is huge for families who bounce between weekend plans and after-school schedules.2
The cabin also steps up its comfort game with available Relaxation Seats in the first and second rows, great for long highway stretches, and thoughtful tech like Digital Key 2 and new 100-watt USB-C ports so everyone can keep their devices charged on the go.
The New 2026 Palisade XRT PRO: Off-Road Ready
For local drivers who love exploring Tennessee’s mountain trails or just want extra confidence in unpredictable weather, the new XRT PRO trim is worth talking about. It brings a full suite of capability upgrades including 8.4 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and an exclusive electronic rear limited-slip differential.
It also delivers practical tools for the outdoorsy crowd with real-time pitch and roll displays, a forward ground view camera, HTRAC® AWD, and canyon red recovery hooks. Add in the factory tow hitch, Tow Mode, and Downhill Brake Control, and the XRT PRO feels built for everything from camping weekends to hauling gear across Tennessee.
Ready to Test Drive the 2026 Palisade?
As excitement builds toward the official award announcement at the Detroit Auto Show, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is already making a strong case for families across Johnson City, Jonesborough, and Elizabethton, TN. With smarter tech, stronger capability, new hybrid efficiency, and comfort that feels genuinely elevated, it’s no surprise it’s catching national attention.
If you want a closer look or want to be one of the first to drive the next generation, our Friendship Hyundai of Johnson City team is here to help you get ready. Contact us today to learn more about the 2026 Palisade.
1Source: NACTOY
2Estimated driving range of 619 miles for 2026 Palisade Hybrid Blue SEL Premium based on a fully-charged battery. Estimated ranges for other trims vary. Estimates based on internal testing with anticipated EPA certification pending. For comparison purposes only. Actual range will vary based on a number of factors, including vehicle options, driving conditions and habits, vehicle and battery’s condition and outside temperature.