The 2026 Hyundai Palisade made its debut at the 2025 New York International Auto Show, landing with a new hybrid powertrain and a more rugged XRT Pro trim level. The outgoing Palisade offered an XRT trim level that Hyundai marketed as off-road capable, but it added little besides black exterior accents. This new XRT Pro model adds more off-road features, meaning owners can go further after the paved road ends.
Speaking with Ricky Lao, Director of Product Planning for Hyundai Motor America, CarBuzz learned that Hyundai may have more XRT Pro models coming in the product pipeline.
“[The Palisade] is the first vehicle in our lineup to get the XRT Pro. That’s really important,” said Lao. “But it’s not the last. Stay tuned.”
What Makes This A Pro?
Hyundai has other XRT models in its lineup, including the Tucson, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, and Ioniq 5, but the Palisade takes the capability to a higher level, earning the “Pro” portion of its name. “Having an electronic limited-slip differential in the rear gives you advanced off-road and on-road capability and real, functional front and rear recovery tow hooks, those are big things,” Lao explained. “In addition to the [one-inch suspension] lift and the all-terrain tires, it has better departure, approach, and breakover angles plus terrain mode with mud, snow, and sand capability.”
Lao believes that the 2026 Palisade, which bears some resemblance to the mid-2010s Land Rover Range Rover, is exactly what American shoppers are looking for in an SUV. “When you look at our SUVs [in the United States], you see this kind of push towards more rugged, more upright, more designed in that direction. That’s something I think has been a really big win for us, is seeing these products really suited for the American consumer in terms of their taste for vehicles,” he said.
Future XRT Pro Models?
Though Hyundai would not give any details on future XRT Pro models, we believe the Ioniq 5 would be an excellent candidate. Hyundai already makes the Ioniq 5 XRT, which receives a modest suspension lift (0.9 inches), matte-black alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique body cladding. But we think there’s still room for a Pro model. Just imagine if Hyundai combined the XRT goodies with the Ioniq 5 N powertrain.
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“Wow, that would be something,” Lao responded when presented with this spur-of-the-moment pitch. “I love your idea. We are always looking at the market space.” Such a vehicle would help Hyundai better compete against the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally, which produces 480 horsepower to the Ioniq 5’s 320 hp. In fact, with the N’s enhanced sound and simulated gears, an Ioniq 5 XRT Pro would likely be the superior off-road EV.
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