Hyundai Palisade: 2026 NACTOY Award Finalist
Drivers around southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia, from Princeton and Beckley to Bluefield and Narrows, have been keeping a close eye on the new 2026 Hyundai Palisade. That is because Hyundai’s three-row SUV has officially been named a finalist for the 2026 North American Utility of the Year™ award, one of the most respected honors in the industry.1
Earning a finalist spot signals that the Palisade stands out in terms of comfort, capability, innovation, and long-term value. Before the winner is announced on January 14, 2026, at the Detroit Auto Show, our team at Friendship Hyundai of Princeton is here to share more insight about the award and what the 2026 Palisade offers.
Industry Recognition Backed by Real-World Strengths
The NACTOY awards are unique because they’re chosen by an independent panel of automotive journalists, not one publication or media outlet. They evaluate each model on leadership, innovation, design, safety, handling, and overall value.
For drivers in southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia, that recognition lines up with what families here look for: something comfortable for daily commutes, capable on winding mountain roads, and equipped with modern tech that actually makes life easier.
A Smarter, More Comfortable Cabin for Everyday Life
The 2026 Palisade introduces a wave of new features designed around real-world convenience. Step inside and you’ll notice a more refined interior, with intuitive screens, upgraded materials, and thoughtful touches everywhere you look.
Available first- and second-row Relaxation Seats turn long highway trips into something far more relaxing, while the addition of 100-watt USB-C ports means every passenger can charge up quickly. The new Digital Key 2 lets you unlock and start the vehicle with your phone, and the factory tow hitch that is available eliminates the need for aftermarket installs.
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard in the Hyundai Palisade too, making it easier to keep your maps, playlists, and calls right where you need them. Hyundai also added new safety-forward technology, including a built-in dual-camera Dash Cam, ten airbags, and enhanced restraints for third-row passengers. It’s the kind of equipment that matters on busy stretches of I-77 or on those curvy backroads.
New Configurations: Hybrid Efficiency and XRT PRO Capability
This generation of the Palisade brings two big additions: a brand-new hybrid powertrain and the rugged new XRT PRO configuration. The hybrid option pairs a turbocharged 2.5L engine with electric assistance to deliver an EPA-estimated 619 miles of range, which is a major perk for longer rural drives, weekend trips across state lines, or simply cutting back on fuel stops.2 It gives families the same comfort and power they expect from the Palisade with the added benefit of improved efficiency.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the adventure-ready XRT PRO, built for drivers who need capability in the mountains or on rougher backroads. With 8.4 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, electronic rear limited-slip differential, and real-time terrain data displays, the XRT PRO feels engineered for remote fishing spots, unpaved routes, and unpredictable weather. Add in features like the Surround View Monitor with a forward ground view, downhill brake control, tow mode, and canyon red recovery hooks, and you get a trim that’s ready for just about anything Appalachia can throw at you.
Check Out the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Today
Being named a 2026 North American Utility of the Year™ finalist highlights just how much Hyundai invested into the redesigned Palisade, and it shows in every detail. For families in Princeton, Beckley, Bluefield, and Narrows, it’s an SUV that blends comfort, capability, efficiency, and everyday practicality in a way that’s already turning heads nationwide.
If you’d like to be among the first to experience the next-generation Palisade, our Friendship Hyundai of Princeton team is here to help you explore everything it brings to the road. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.
1Source: NACTOY
2Estimated driving range of 619 miles for 2026 Palisade Hybrid Blue SEL Premium based on a fully-charged battery. Estimated ranges for other trims vary. Estimates based on internal testing with anticipated EPA certification pending. For comparison purposes only. Actual range will vary based on a number of factors, including vehicle options, driving conditions and habits, vehicle and battery’s condition and outside temperature.