Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Hyundai Palisade near Wausau, WI
2026 Hyundai Palisade
near Wausau, WI View Hyundai Palisade InventoryEverything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Hyundai Palisade near Wausau, WI
If your family is weighing a three-row upgrade, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade near Wausau, WI deserves a top spot on your list. Hyundai’s flagship SUV arrives with a bolder design, a more premium cabin, and meaningful capability upgrades, including HTRAC® all-wheel drive with new terrain modes and a first-ever hybrid option. From school-day carpools to weekend road trips, the Palisade blends comfort with confidence thanks to Relaxation seating, expanded third-row amenities, and advanced safety that looks out for you in traffic and while parked. As your local guide, we have the expertise and selection to help you compare trims, understand the new powertrain choices, and find the configuration that fits your lifestyle. At Stevens Point Auto Center, our team focuses on your needs, not commissions, so you can explore the Palisade at your own pace and leave informed about what matters most for Central Wisconsin driving.
Whether you commute daily, navigate winter’s worst, or tow for summer adventures, the Palisade’s thoughtful updates make daily life easier. Add in smart tech such as wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a built-in dual-camera Dash Cam, and the convenience of Hyundai Digital Key 2.0 Premium, and you have a family SUV that feels effortless from day one near Wausau, WI.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Overview
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade near Wausau, WI is a bigger, more capable take on a proven family favorite. A new 3.5L V6 delivers robust performance, while an available 2.5L turbo hybrid introduces strong system output and quiet efficiency. HTRAC® AWD brings new Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain modes plus Tow Mode, and the first-ever XRT PRO variant adds eLSD, all-terrain tires, and added ground clearance for families who venture beyond the pavement. Inside, the Palisade pairs sophistication with everyday practicality: a panoramic, curved digital cockpit with dual 12.3-inch displays, available Bose® 14-speaker premium audio, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Front- and second-row Relaxation seats invite you to unwind, and the third row offers available power-folding, sliding, reclining, and even heating. Safety and convenience rise too, with Hyundai SmartSense, 10 airbags including third-row coverage, Advanced Rear Occupant Alert, a full-display digital center rearview mirror, and a built-in Dash Cam for added peace of mind in motion and at rest.
5 Key Reasons the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Stands Out near Wausau, WI
- Two compelling powertrains: Choose a smooth new 3.5L V6 or the first-ever Palisade hybrid with strong, seamless power.
- Confidence for Wisconsin weather: HTRAC® AWD adds Snow, Mud, and Sand terrain modes plus Tow Mode for control you can feel.
- First-class comfort in all three rows: Relaxation seats, available heated third row, and thoughtful access features make family travel effortless.
- Modern, intuitive technology: Curved dual 12.3-inch displays, Bluelink®, OTA updates, Digital Key 2.0 Premium, and available Bose® audio.
- Expanded safety and awareness: Standard Hyundai SmartSense, 10 airbags with third-row coverage, Advanced Rear Occupant Alert, and a built-in dual-camera Dash Cam.
Hyundai sharpened what families loved and added meaningful capability. The result is an SUV that feels premium every day, tackles bad weather with confidence, and protects your crew with advanced technology. If you have been waiting for a family hauler that does it all without drama, the Palisade stands out.
Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade
New 3.5L V6 or 2.5L Turbo Hybrid Powertrain
The 2026 Palisade introduces two powertrains tailored to different driving styles. The newly developed 3.5-liter V6 pairs with an 8-speed automatic for refined, linear response that feels right at home merging onto the highway or cruising with a cabin full of passengers. For the first time, Palisade also offers a hybrid option built around a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four and dual integrated electric motors within a 6-speed automatic. The hybrid system targets up to 329 total system horsepower and up to 339 lb-ft of torque, delivering a confident, near-silent glide in town and easy passing power on the open road. Both powertrains are tuned for quietness, helped by laminated glass and additional sound insulation. Families who tow will appreciate robust flexibility: ICE models target up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, while hybrid models target up to 4,000 pounds, all backed by software that smartly supports trailering.
HTRAC® AWD with Tow Mode and Terrain Settings
Wisconsin winters and lake-country weekends call for traction you can trust. The Palisade’s HTRAC® AWD features an electronic clutch to actively vary torque front to rear, with driver-selectable Normal, Sport, and Smart modes. New Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain settings tune power delivery and stability responses to maintain momentum when conditions turn slick or loose. Tow Mode helps keep the transmission in the right gear longer and reduces shift frequency when trailering, improving confidence on rolling two-lanes or highway inclines. For drivers craving even more off-pavement poise, the first-ever XRT PRO model adds an electronic rear limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires, improved approach/departure/breakover angles, and exposed canyon red recovery hooks, plus real-time pitch and roll information and a forward ground view within the Surround View Monitor system.
Relaxation Seating and Third-Row Comfort Upgrades
Palisade’s larger body brings more of what families want most—space and serenity. Up front and in the second row, available Relaxation seats deliver generous recline and deployable upper-leg support designed to reduce fatigue on long stretches. Second-row captain’s chairs are available with one-touch tilt-and-slide for easy third-row access, and both first and second rows offer available heating and ventilation. In the third row, Palisade aims for true comfort with available power-folding, power-sliding, power-reclining, and heating—rare amenities in this class. Every row has handy cup holders and 100-watt-capable USB-C ports within reach, and an available power-folding 3rd row simplifies cargo conversions. The result is a cabin that treats all eight passengers as VIPs, not just those in the front two seats.
Panoramic Curved Dual 12.3-inch Displays, Bluelink®, and OTA Updates
Technology takes a polished, practical step forward with Palisade’s curved digital instrument cluster and navigation display—twin 12.3-inch screens that present vehicle and route data at a glance. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ keep your apps front-and-center without tangled cords, and the center console’s wireless charging pad includes an integrated cooling fan for consistent performance. Available Bose® 14-speaker surround audio fills all three rows with rich sound. Beyond the cabin, Palisade’s smarter connectivity suite sets you up for the long run: Bluelink® connected services, Wi-Fi hotspot capability with Alexa Built-in, Hyundai Digital Key 2.0 Premium to lock, unlock, and start with a compatible phone or watch, and wireless Over-The-Air updates that can refine controls and add features over time. Even paying for fuel or parking can be streamlined with Hyundai Pay® in-car payment technology.
Built-in Dual-Camera Dash Cam, Hyundai SmartSense, and 10 Airbags
The built-in two-camera Dash Cam is a first for Hyundai, and it’s designed for daily peace of mind. It continuously records while driving and can automatically capture events while parked, with video accessible via the head unit or removable MicroSD card. The Palisade also elevates safety with Hyundai SmartSense: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, among others. A full-display digital center rearview mirror aids visibility when cargo blocks the rear window. Ten standard airbags include third-row coverage and a center-front airbag, and third-row seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters are engineered for enhanced occupant protection. An Advanced Rear Occupant Alert uses a discreet headliner sensor to help ensure nothing—and no one—is left behind.
5 Buying Considerations Before You Choose Your Hyundai Palisade
- Powertrain preference: Decide if the refined 3.5L V6 or the quiet strength of the hybrid better matches your driving and towing needs.
- All-weather demands: If you routinely see heavy snow or unplowed roads, prioritize HTRAC® AWD and consider XRT PRO for added traction hardware.
- Seating layout: Choose eight-passenger bench seating for maximum capacity or second-row captain’s chairs for easy access and personal space.
- Tech priorities: Identify the must-haves—Bose® audio, Digital Key 2.0 Premium, Dash Cam, Wi-Fi hotspot with Alexa Built-in, or the digital center rearview mirror.
- Cargo and towing: Confirm your trailer weights and cargo habits to align with Tow Mode, the integrated OEM hitch availability, and power-folding third-row convenience.
Clarifying these priorities before your test drive saves time and ensures you’re comparing the right trims and packages. Our product specialists can help you map needs to features, explain the differences between ICE and hybrid driving dynamics, and demonstrate terrain modes in a way that makes sense for your routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the hybrid version be available, and what makes it feel different to drive?
Hybrid models are scheduled after ICE models, and the system pairs a 2.5L turbo engine with two integrated electric motors for strong, seamless acceleration. Around town, the hybrid emphasizes quiet, electric-boosted torque, while highway cruising feels composed and efficient. Stay Mode enables extended use of infotainment and HVAC while parked by managing the battery—perfect for sideline duty at weekend games.
How does HTRAC® AWD help in Central Wisconsin winters?
HTRAC® uses an electronic clutch to actively send torque where it’s needed. Snow mode optimizes throttle and stability responses for packed or loose snow, while Normal and Sport modes adapt to daily driving. Tow Mode keeps shifts in check when pulling a trailer, and the system’s wide torque distribution range has been tuned for confident starts on slick hills and stable tracking in mid-corner transitions.
Can adults ride comfortably in the third row?
Yes. The 2026 Palisade’s longer body and wheelbase create more room for passengers in all rows. The third row features available power-sliding, power-reclining, and heating—amenities that are rare in the segment. One-touch second-row tilt-and-slide also simplifies access. If you carry a full complement of family and friends, put third-row comfort high on your test-drive checklist.
What everyday convenience tech stands out most?
The built-in dual-camera Dash Cam adds protection when driving and while parked. Digital Key 2.0 Premium lets you lock, unlock, and start with a compatible smartphone or smartwatch, and you can share keys with family. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard, and the cabin’s wireless charging pad uses a device-cooling fan for consistent performance on long drives.
Step-by-Step Tips for Test Driving the 2026 Hyundai Palisade
- Confirm ingress/egress: Practice loading kids’ seats, using one-touch second-row tilt-and-slide, and checking third-row access in a real-world rhythm.
- Try Relaxation seating: Test the added recline and leg support in the first and second rows to feel how it reduces fatigue.
- Pair your phone: Connect to wireless Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ and run your everyday apps to gauge speed and clarity on the dual 12.3-inch displays.
- Explore visibility tools: Switch the digital center rearview mirror on and off to compare views with cargo or passengers in the back.
- Engage safety assists: Experience Lane Following Assist highway tracking and observe how Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist delivers alerts and brake support.
- Test HTRAC® modes: If conditions permit, rotate through Normal, Snow, and Sport to feel differences in throttle and torque distribution.
- Fold for cargo: Use the power-folding third row to simulate grocery runs, sports gear loads, and road-trip luggage plans.
Bring your routine into the drive. Try your typical parking maneuvers, check car-seat placements, and stream your usual playlist. A few realistic scenarios reveal how naturally the Palisade fits into everyday life.
Why Buy from Stevens Point Auto Center near Wausau, WI?
- One low price, plain and simple: Our Best Price is posted up front—no guesswork, no games.
- Non-commission product specialists: Guidance is based on your satisfaction, not on how much you spend.
- Actual cash value for your trade: Transparent, real-world appraisals whether you buy from us or not.
- Flexible financing solutions: Access to a wide network of lenders for tailored approvals.
- Confidence after the sale: Award-winning service, OEM parts, and customer-centered scheduling.
Our vision is to be so effective that we can be helpful to others—and it shows in every step, from transparent pricing to friendly, expert service. At Stevens Point Auto Center, you can expect a relaxed environment, clear information, and a team focused on getting you the right Palisade the first time.
Next Steps
- Check incoming availability: Ask about ICE and hybrid arrivals and which trims include your must-have features.
- Schedule your test drive: Book a time that lets you explore HTRAC® modes and in-cabin tech without rushing.
- Value your trade: Get an actual cash value offer to apply toward your Palisade.
- Get pre-approved: Save time at delivery with a quick, no-obligation credit application.
- Bring your checklist: Seats, cargo, safety, and towing—verify everything that matters to your family.
Our team will walk you through trims, packages, and timing so you can reserve or select the SUV that fits your calendar and your needs. We make it simple to move from research to an informed test drive.
Request More Info About the 2026 Hyundai Palisade near Wausau, WI
Ready to dig deeper into the 2026 Hyundai Palisade? Our specialists can compare ICE and hybrid drivetrains, demonstrate HTRAC® terrain modes for winter confidence, and help you decide on seating and technology based on your routine. If you split time between Plover and Wisconsin Rapids, or you commute daily near Wausau, WI, we can tailor a test route that reflects your driving. We’ll also show you how the built-in Dash Cam, Advanced Rear Occupant Alert, Digital Key 2.0 Premium, and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ make each day a little easier. From power-folding, heated third-row comfort to the convenience of Hyundai Pay® and OTA updates, the Palisade is built to simplify family life. Connect with our team to review incoming inventory and secure the configuration that fits your plans—we’re here to help you make an excellent long-term choice for your crew.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes options; taxes; title; registration; delivery, processing and handling fee; dealer charges. Dealer sets actual selling price. While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors do occur so please verify information with a customer service rep. This is easily done by calling us at 715-344-4100 or by visiting us at the dealership. For more information on America’s Best Warranty, click here.
*Any MPG listed is based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors.