2026 Hyundai Palisade Recognized as Best Family Vehicle

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is named Best Family Vehicle by Valnet Autos, highlighting its space, comfort, and updated features. Read the full story.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has reinforced its standing as one of the most well-rounded family SUVs, earning the title of Best Family Vehicle in the inaugural Buzz Awards organized by Valnet Autos and the editorial teams at CarBuzz, HotCars, and TopSpeed. Nearly one hundred vehicles were evaluated, but the newly updated Palisade rose decisively to the top.

Editors highlighted the thoroughly redesigned interior, noting that three full rows of seating fit within a modest exterior footprint, while the expanded cabin space and refined platform make the model more accommodating for family travel. Ricky Lao, director of product planning at Hyundai Motor North America, emphasized that the new architecture provides additional room for passengers and cargo, strengthening the Palisade’s appeal among family-oriented buyers.

The updates extend beyond cabin layout. The 2026 model brings upgraded infotainment, an expanded suite of safety and driver-assistance systems, and a more advanced overall technology package. Reviewers also point to the increased interior volume—according to Autoweek, it reaches roughly 181 cubic feet, placing the Palisade among the most spacious options in its class. Improved sound insulation further enhances comfort during both city and long-distance driving.

Competition remains strong in the large-SUV segment: the Palisade faces rivals such as the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas. Even so, many reviews highlight Hyundai’s strengths in interior refinement and ride comfort, despite the standard V6 offering only moderate performance.

While there is no available data on how the award might influence future sales, the attention it brings to the model may help reinforce the Palisade’s position heading into the new model year. In the United States, pricing starts at around $39,435, with the hybrid variant expected to arrive later. Release timing for European markets has not yet been specified.