Stevens Point Auto Center – Is the 2026 Palisade XRT PRO the Right Adventure SUV for Waupaca, WI Families?
When weekend plans point to trails, cabins, or lakeside campouts, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO brings serious capability and family-first comfort together like few three-row SUVs can. This new XRT PRO model layers authentic hardware on top of Palisade’s bigger, quieter, tech-rich foundation, so you do not have to choose between going farther and traveling well. The result is an adventure SUV that feels perfectly at home in school pickup lines during the week and on gravel two-tracks on Saturday.
Start with traction and confidence. XRT PRO adds an electronic rear limited-slip differential that helps distribute torque to the wheel with grip, backed by HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive and new Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain modes. Ground clearance rises to 8.4 inches, and approach, departure, and breakover angles improve to tackle steeper transitions. Exposed canyon red recovery hooks and all-terrain 255/60R18 tires announce the intent, while Downhill Brake Control steadies your descent on rutted slopes. An OEM tow hitch comes factory integrated, and Tow Mode optimizes shift logic when you load up your trailer or toys. It is a serious setup that keeps your focus on the journey, not the obstacles.
Inside, XRT PRO is equal parts durable and premium. H-Tex leatherette seating surfaces stand up to family life, while front heating and ventilation and a heated steering wheel deliver year-round comfort. Ambient lighting and a power moonroof elevate the mood after the sun goes down. For tech, Palisade’s panoramic curved dual 12.3-inch displays remain the showpiece, joined by standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bluelink®, and Over-The-Air updates that keep features current. A Bose® 14-speaker audio system surrounds every row in rich sound, and an 115-volt power outlet supports campsite or tailgate essentials. When maneuvering tight spaces, the Surround View Monitor with forward ground view and Blind Spot View Monitor provide clarity where you need it most.
If your search has you weighing a two-row off-roader against a three-row family SUV, XRT PRO helps dissolve the dilemma. Palisade rides with the refinement of a premium flagship, featuring a quiet cabin, laminated glass, and advanced structural engineering with extensive Advanced High Strength Steel. Hyundai SmartSense technologies bring comprehensive protection, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and more, complemented by ten airbags and third-row seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters. It is a rare combination: a go-far, bring-everyone capability set wrapped in a truly modern family space.
Families comparing XRT PRO to other Palisade trims should consider how often adventures take them beyond pavement and how much they value the extra traction and underbody clearance. The integrated tow hitch simplifies setup and points to the model’s purpose-built design, while the interior keeps everyone comfortable when the miles add up. For many households, that balance is the deciding factor.
- Key capability upgrades: eLSD, HTRAC® AWD, terrain modes for Mud, Sand, and Snow, 8.4 inches of ground clearance, OEM tow hitch
- Trail-savvy technology: Surround View Monitor with forward ground view, Blind Spot View Monitor, Downhill Brake Control
- Family-first comforts: H-Tex leatherette seating, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting
- Integrated connectivity: Panoramic curved dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bluelink®, OTA updates
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does XRT PRO include a factory tow hitch?
Yes, XRT PRO includes an integrated, fascia-concealed OEM tow hitch for a clean look and easy trailer hookup.
How does XRT PRO improve off-road traction?
It adds an electronic rear limited-slip differential and terrain modes for Mud, Sand, and Snow, working with HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive to route torque where it is needed.
Are the XRT PRO’s cameras useful off road?
Yes. Surround View Monitor with forward ground view and Blind Spot View Monitor help you place the SUV precisely and spot obstacles near the tires.
Is XRT PRO comfortable for long highway drives?
Absolutely. The cabin is quiet and well-finished, with H-Tex leatherette seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Bose® audio, and a power moonroof.
When you are ready to explore what XRT PRO can do for your family, our team is here to help with side-by-side comparisons, equipment guidance, and practical ownership insights. Stevens Point Auto Center is proudly serving Plover, Wisconsin Rapids, and Waupaca with transparent expertise that keeps the process simple and rewarding from research to test drive.
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