Hyundai Australia has expanded its flagship SUV range with the introduction of the Palisade Elite.

The new variant serves as a more accessible entry point to the line-up, positioned below the flagship Calligraphy.

Priced from $76,500 before on-road costs, the Elite reduces the entry price for the range by $13,400.

First deliveries of the eight-seat SUV are expected to arrive in Australian showrooms in March 2026.

The Palisade Elite distinguishes itself from the Calligraphy variant with a unique front grille and 20-inch alloy wheels featuring a black and machined finish.

The exterior styling includes black wheel arches along with silver and black lower bumpers and side skirts, and a black tailgate detail within the number plate recess.

The Elite utilises the same next-generation 2.5-litre turbo hybrid powertrain found in the Calligraphy, producing a combined maximum power of 245kW and 460Nm of torque sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard features include an interior Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function and a "Stay Mode" for operating electronics while stationary.

Combined fuel efficiency for the hybrid system is rated at 6.8L/100km.

A local engineering programme was undertaken to tune the vehicle for Australian road conditions.

Hyundai engineers developed bespoke passive damper and steering tunes to optimise stability and handling.

The chassis features a strut front suspension with a reinforcing strut ring and a multi-link rear setup.

Passive self-levelling dampers are fitted to the rear to maintain vehicle travel when heavily laden.

Steering is managed by a belt-type rack-mounted motor-driven power steering (R-MDPS) system.

The interior of the Palisade Elite provides seating for eight occupants as standard.

The cabin features black leather upholstery paired with premium cloth trims.

Twin 12.3-inch digital displays are fitted for the instrument cluster and the multimedia system, and a 14-speaker BOSE premium audio system and tri-zone climate control are included as standard.

The vehicle also features acoustic front door glass and privacy glass for the second and third rows.

Safety is managed by the Hyundai SmartSense suite of driver assistance technologies.

Standard equipment includes Smart Cruise Control 2, Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Keeping Assist, and a Driver Monitoring System to monitor signs of fatigue.

Owners can also use Digital Key 2.0 to lock, unlock, and start the engine using a compatible smartphone.

The Palisade range is equipped with eight airbags as standard.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Pricing

• Palisade Elite 2.5 T-GDi Hybrid (8-seat): $76,500
• Palisade Calligraphy 2.5 T-GDi Hybrid (8-seat): $89,900
• 7-Seat Option (Calligraphy only): $1,000
• Premium Paint: $750

Note: All prices are Manufacturer’s List Price and include LCT where applicable. Prices exclude delivery and on-road costs.

Palisade Elite Key Features

• 2.5L Turbo Hybrid Powertrain (245kW/460Nm)
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• 20-inch Alloy Wheels (Elite unique design)
• 8-Seat Configuration
• Black Leather and Cloth Appointed Seat Covering
• Twin 12.3-inch Digital Displays (Cluster and Multimedia)
• 14-Speaker BOSE Premium Audio
• Digital Key 2.0 (Smartphone Compatibility)
• Interior Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)
• Tri-zone Climate Control
• Smart Cruise Control 2 with Stop & Go
• Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2)
• Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM)
• Surround View Monitor (SVM)
• Heated 1st and 2nd Row (outboard) Seats
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Full-size Alloy Spare Wheel
• Power Adjustable Front Seats (10-way Driver / 8-way Passenger)
• Acoustic Windshield and Front Door Glass
• Electronic Park Brake with Autohold

Palisade Calligraphy Features (Additional to Elite)

• 21-inch Alloy Wheels
• Nappa Leather Appointed Seats
• Dual Panel Sunroof (Tilt/Slide Front)
• Head-Up Display (HUD)
• Digital Centre Mirror (DCM)
• Suede Roof and Pillar Trim
• Two-Tone Leather Steering Wheel
• Electrically Adjustable Steering Column
• Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)
• Premium Relaxation Front Seats
• Memory Driver’s Seat with Bolster/Cushion Adjustment
• Dynamic Welcome and Escort Lighting