Nov 7, 2025
Can the 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive Handle Winters around Plover, WI?

Stevens Point Auto Center – Can the 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive Handle Winters around Plover, WI?

The latest generation of family SUVs doesn’t just need space and tech—it needs genuine winter capability. That is where the 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive steps up, pairing multi-mode traction control with new terrain settings designed to deliver confidence on packed snow, slush, and freeze-thaw backroads around Plover, WI.

HTRAC® uses an electronic clutch to actively vary torque between the front and rear axles. The system’s range of torque distribution is unusually broad, so it can prioritize stability in slippery starts, then restore balanced composure at speed. For 2026, Hyundai adds Snow, Mud, and Sand terrain modes to the familiar Normal, Sport, and Smart settings, making it easier to tailor responses to the road beneath you.

  • Snow mode: Dials back throttle tip-in and fine-tunes stability inputs to help the Palisade pull away smoothly and maintain momentum in low-grip conditions.
  • Sport mode: Sends more available torque to the wheels for a more planted, responsive feel when roads are clear and dry.
  • Tow Mode: Holds lower gears longer and reduces shift frequency when trailering—especially helpful on rolling, partially plowed highways.

Winter isn’t the whole story. Real-world visibility and awareness matter in every season. Palisade offers a full-display digital center rearview mirror to maintain a clear rear view when cargo or passengers block the window. A built-in two-camera Dash Cam continuously records while driving and can automatically capture events while parked. Together with Hyundai SmartSense features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, the SUV works to help you see more and react sooner when conditions get unpredictable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is HTRAC® AWD always on, or do I need to select a mode?

HTRAC® is always active and continuously varies torque front-to-rear. You can leave it in Normal or Smart for daily driving, then select Snow when traction drops. Sport sharpens responses, while the new terrain modes fine-tune power delivery and stability algorithms for loose surfaces.

How does the Palisade help with winter visibility?

Beyond heated mirrors and strong LED illumination, the full-display digital center rearview mirror uses a liftgate-mounted camera to provide an unobstructed view when cargo stacks high. The built-in Dash Cam records on the go and can capture events while parked—added peace of mind at trailheads and downtown lots.

What about braking and stability on slick roads?

Hyundai SmartSense integrates systems that monitor vehicle dynamics and surroundings to assist in maintaining control. On slick surfaces, the Palisade’s tuning and Snow mode help manage throttle and torque transfer, while stability inputs work to keep the vehicle tracking straight. As always, dedicated winter tires remain a smart choice for severe-weather performance.

Can I still tow a small trailer in winter?

Yes. With Tow Mode optimizing shift behavior and HTRAC® prioritizing stability, the Palisade is engineered to support confident winter towing within its rated limits when properly equipped. Always ensure your trailer and tires are rated for conditions and that your trailer’s brakes are adjusted for cold-weather performance.

If you want to feel how these systems work together, plan a test drive that includes plowed side streets, a short highway stretch, and a few stop-sign hill starts. We can set up a route that mirrors your commute and weekend travel. Stevens Point Auto Center is serving Plover, Wisconsin Rapids, and Waupaca with expertise on HTRAC®, terrain modes, and which trims include the hardware you’ll appreciate when snow starts to fly.

Request more 2026 Hyundai Palisade information