5 Luxury SUVs The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Now Competes With

Don’t buy any of these luxury SUVs until you’ve driven Hyundai’s latest.

We’ve just got out of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and needless to say, it is impressive. So impressive in fact, that we’re convinced the top Calligraphy trim won’t just beat the mainstream establishment when we eventually get them all together for a rematch, but that it will even peel off prospective buyers from luxury brands.

In no particular order, here are five premium SUVs that, for one reason or another, may now find themselves in Hyundai’s sights, including a well-liked sibling. For an apples-to-apples comparison, we’ll highlight the particular trims that come closest to the Palisade Calligraphy’s $57,555 ($64,599 CAD) destination-included price tag.

Acura’s original SUV has more than a little in common with the Palisade, not least of which is a 3.5-liter V6 making a little south of 300 horsepower. It’s certainly the sportier of the two, and that’s before one graduates to the warmer, turbocharged Type S model. But the MDX is (comparatively) tiny inside, especially in the third row, where there’s just 29.1 inches (739 millimeters) of legroom. All MDX models feature a three-seat second row and pair of seats in the back; this is common in the premium space.

Staying closest to the Palisade’s price we’re left with the front-drive MDX with Technology Package; opting for Acura’s admittedly excellent SH-AWD system pushes the pre-options price to $60,150 including destination. That’s one step up from base, though buyers will still get appropriate luxury niceties like memory (leather) seats, a power-adjustable steering column, and triple-zone climate control. The MDX has five more speakers in its Bang & Olufsen setup too, totalling 19. Good luck finding power-adjustable second-row seats, or even ventilated seats back there; neither feature is anywhere in the MDX lineup.

The XC90 endures. With a fresh facelift, the latest big Volvo is still a pleasantly comfort-first three-row option; just like the Palisade, it isn’t overly concerned with being sporty. And that’s a good thing!

There are a few powertrain and trim options for the XC90, but only the base B5 model comes close to the Palisade at $59,745. This nets buyers a less powerful (but more fuel efficient) turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. The XC90’s cabin design is restrained and elegant, though you won’t find as many soft-touch materials everywhere as in the Hyundai. The leather might be fake, but the only way passengers will know is if you tell ‘em. The big miss for the big Volvo is the lack of features: buyers will need to drop at least another four grand for features such as a 360-degree camera or even heated second-row seats.

The Infiniti QX60 is a dark horse here at AutoGuide. It beat the MDX and Lexus TX in a three-way comparo last year, largely thanks to the Infiniti’s swanky cabin. That was the top Autograph trim, but even the mid-level Luxe, which runs $60,295 with AWD, features a well-designed interior. Like Nissan, Infiniti spreads lots of highly desirable features throughout the lineup, so the Luxe still benefits from a 360-camera, tri-zone climate, ProPilot Assist 1.1, and a kicking 16-speaker Klipsch sound system.

Like the Volvo and Acura, the QX60 can’t provide rear-seat ventilation. You’re also going to have to fold that third row down yourself; it’s not as high-tech, but it is quicker than the powered alternative.

This is a little mean: Cadillac has already confirmed the XT6 will end production later this year. It makes sense: the XT6 is the brand’s slowest-selling SUV, and it rides on the platform that underpinned the last generation of the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave. The XT6 looks and feels old now, and even its free-revving 3.6-liter V6, which is standard on the $58,890 Premium Luxury AWD trim, can’t make up for a dated cabin design and tight third row. If you’re set on GM, check out the latest Enclave, which does luxury in a more convincing manner. Really want a Caddy, but need three rows? The all-electric Vistiq essentially replaces the XT6, though its starting price is much higher.

Oh yeah, we went there. The GV80 is an excellent luxury SUV, one of our favorite three-row options in fact. In many ways, Genesis has succeeded where so many other luxury brands have failed, by providing a credible alternative to the German establishment at a more affordable price.

But affordable is relative: the GV80 lineup starts almost exactly where the non-hybrid Palisade finishes, stickering for $59,695 in its entry-level 2.5T AWD trim. Now this is one classy ride, especially since Genesis will let buyers spec a vanilla beige and smoky green interior at no extra cost. The infotainment is essentially identical to the Palisade’s, too. GV80 buyers gain access to a power liftgate, mood curator, power-adjustable steering wheel, and the useful Smart Posture Care feature for the front seats.

There’s a big catch here, though: in America, the only way to get a third row in the GV80 these days is the $75,795 3.5T Advanced trim.

We don't think these SUVs are a bad choices—okay, maybe the Cadillac is—and we acknowledge that to some folks, the badge alone is worth the cost. But if you had any of these options on your next-vehicle short list, do yourself a favor and try the Palisade first.

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