5 Reasons to Test-Drive the Hyundai Palisade With Your Family

5 Reasons to Test-Drive the Hyundai Palisade With Your Family

Posted on October 31, 2026

When a family shops for a three-row SUV, it isn't only looking for space. It's looking for the certainty that every child, car seat and suitcase will fit, and that the vehicle is safe.

The fully redesigned 2026 Palisade has a lot going for it. It has also been the subject of recent recalls that I owe it to you to explain clearly. Here are my five reasons to try it, followed by what you should know before signing, whether you live in Brossard, Longueuil, La Prairie or elsewhere on the South Shore.

What I see in my conversations with clients

I drove a 2026 Palisade for a whole winter. Mountain trips with five people, skis, snowboards and all the gear were made in comfort, with enough room for everyone to nap on the way home after a day outdoors. That's the experience I share with families who ask me about it.

1. Space designed for the whole family

The 2026 Palisade is longer than the previous generation (65 mm more) and its wheelbase grew by 70 mm, according to RPM. It offers seven or eight seats depending on the trim, with a bench or two captain's chairs in the second row. Auto123 notes that the third row is "significantly more accessible and comfortable for adults." Cargo volume is 540 litres behind the third row and up to 1,310 litres with the second and third rows folded, per the same source.

From my experience, a hockey bag fits in the cargo area with the third row up. And for morning coffees and the kids' water bottles, there's no shortage of cupholders.

My advice: bring your car seats to the test drive. No spec sheet replaces the moment you install your own.

2. A quiet, comfortable cabin for long drives

Auto123 describes a smooth, quiet ride, good insulation from wind and road noise, and a suspension that absorbs bumps without feeling floaty. The reviewer sees it as a capable long-distance vehicle. Relaxation seats are available in the first two rows on higher trims. Guide de l'auto calls the materials, colours and textures outstanding, especially in the Ultimate Calligraphy. And every trim except the Preferred Trend (8 speakers) gets a 14-speaker Bose audio system.

For families driving Brossard to Gaspé or Brossard to the Eastern Townships, driver fatigue and kids falling asleep are very real criteria.

My favourite family feature: talking to the passengers. The driver speaks into the vehicle's microphone and their voice comes through the rear speakers, with no need to shout to the third row. Kids find it hilarious to hear my voice coming out of the speakers, and the message gets through the first time. Ask your advisor which trims offer it.

3. Controls the driver can find without taking their eyes off the road

The Palisade keeps physical buttons and dials for climate and volume rather than burying everything in menus. It offers two 12.3-inch screens (instrument cluster and infotainment), plus standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With kids in the back, every second not spent looking at a screen counts.

For cameras, Hyundai Canada offers, depending on the trim, a 360-degree surround view monitor and front and rear dashcams that record while driving and parked. In a packed arena parking lot on a Saturday morning, that makes a real difference.

4. A choice of powertrains for your trips and budget

In Canada, the 2026 Palisade offers a 3.5-litre V6 with 287 hp and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lb (about 2,270 kg), and a 329 hp hybrid (turbocharged 2.5-litre with electric motor) with 4,000 lb maximum towing. On fuel consumption, my experience behind the wheel: it's very reasonable for a large engine that runs smoothly and quietly.

Here are the official ratings from Natural Resources Canada's 2026 Fuel Consumption Guide:

The guide estimates annual fuel cost at $3,570 for the V6 and $2,430 for the hybrid, based on its own price and mileage assumptions. During its one-week mixed-driving test, Guide de l'auto observed 11.1 L/100 km with the V6, below the official combined rating.

One thing to know: Auto123 notes the Palisade isn't the most agile in its class. It's a family vehicle, not a sports car.

5. Good safety results, with an important caveat

The American IIHS awarded the 2026 Palisade a Top Safety Pick+, but only for vehicles built after November 2025. Early 2026 builds received a lower rating because rear-passenger protection was rated "marginal"; improved seat belt buckles fixed that. IIHS also gives the child seat anchors (LATCH) a G+ rating. This evaluation is American: it doesn't replace Canadian safety ratings, but it is a recognized indicator.

Your vehicle's build date therefore matters. It can be checked on the door-jamb label.

Let's talk plainly about the recalls

An article for families would be dishonest if I skipped this part. Here is what I found in public sources, as of October 29, 2026.

2026 Palisade: power-folding seats

In March 2026, Hyundai ordered a stop-sale in Canada and the United States for the Limited and Calligraphy trims (nearly 8,000 vehicles in Canada), after a child's death was reported in the United States. The defect: the power-folding second- and third-row seats may not detect an occupant or object while moving. According to the Transport Canada notice (recall 2026121, updated May 25, 2026), Hyundai installs a free software update, and recommends not using the one-touch third-row entry function. Always check that nobody is on or near the seat before activating any power movement.

2026 Palisade: third-row seat belt

According to Transport Canada (recall 2026131, updated April 2, 2026), the wiring of the third-row, driver-side seat belt buckle can be damaged, and the dashboard indicator may wrongly show the belt as fastened. The fix is free: a harness extension and, if needed, replacement of the buckle. About 4,200 vehicles are affected in Canada.

2020 to 2025 Palisade (previous generation)

Two separate recalls affecting about 44,000 vehicles in Canada: seat belt buckles that may not latch properly, and side curtain airbags that may poorly protect third-row passengers' heads. If you own or are considering a used model, this is something to check with us.

Where do things stand today?

The stop-sale is lifted for vehicles whose power seats have been reprogrammed under the recall. At Brossard Hyundai, every 2026 and 2027 Palisade is checked and reprogrammed before you take delivery. You leave with an up-to-date vehicle.

What I recommend, depending on your situation

• You have children under 5. Install your car seats at the test drive, including in the third row if you plan to use it. Ask your advisor to show you the power functions and their safety instructions.
• You take long trips. Try the Palisade on the highway. Compare the V6 and the hybrid on your real distances.
• You tow. Check the towing capacity of the trim you want: 5,000 lb for the V6, 4,000 lb for the hybrid.
• You're still unsure. Come with your questions about the recalls. A good answer is worth more than a fast sale.

To compare trims and prices, see our 2026 Hyundai Palisade page.

What doesn't change

The Palisade remains one of the most spacious and comfortable three-row SUVs in its class, but no rating replaces your test drive or your peace of mind. A recall that is managed, explained and repaired free of charge is not a hidden defect. But it must never be left unsaid.

Frequently asked questions about the Hyundai Palisade for families

Let's talk about your next vehicle

Come try the Palisade with your car seats and your questions, no pressure.

Brossard Hyundai
8750 Taschereau Blvd., Brossard, QC J4X 1C2
Sales: 1 (866) 848-0083

Information current as of October 29, 2026. Recalls, prices and availability may change; validate with your advisor.

Sources: RPM; Guide de l'auto; Auto123; Hyundai Canada; Natural Resources Canada (2026 Fuel Consumption Guide); IIHS (United States); Transport Canada (recalls 2026121 and 2026131).