Hyundai Palisade News

Hyundai is bulking up its big family SUV range in Australia.The new flagship Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink has landed Down Under as a family-hauler with attitude.Based on the current Calligraphy, the Black Ink variant brings a blacked-out theme throughout.Buyers can expect a black grille, window surrounds, lower bumpers, beltline and Hyundai badges and emblems.This is joined by gloss black 21-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails and the choice of black or white paint all over.Inside it brings the same dark effect with supple black leather Nappa leather with metallic black finishes throughout.The Black Ink version costs about $2500 more than the standard Calligraphy and is available in seven- and eight-seat layouts.Eight-seats are standard, with it costing an extra $1000 to remove one seat.It is powered by the same hybrid set-up as the rest of the range, with a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor to make a combined 245kW and 460Nm sent to all four wheels via a six-speed auto.Hyundai claims the Palisade drinks 6.8-litres per 100km, which is decent for a monster SUV. It can also use the cheapest unleaded petrol.The Palisade Black Ink is due in dealerships this month.The current Palisade has been a success for Hyundai, with sales up 38 per cent this year.2027 Hyundai Palisade prices  

The Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and RAV4 are typically Australia’s most popular cars in any given month. But what other cars are having a great 2026?We’ve scoured the latest new car sales data to reveal the cars that are off to a storming start in the first five months of this year. For our list we’ve tried to focus on cars that have shown at least double-digit sales growth and have sold at least four-digit volume, so we avoid niche models that are coming off a very low base.We also deliberately avoided focusing on electric vehicles, as we have previously written about the EVs that are enjoying a sales boom in 2026.This is by no means a comprehensive list, and there are several models that are enjoying huge growth from brands such as BYD and Chery, but we’ve limited it to one entry to highlight more brands.Chery Tiggo 7 Pro - up 200.2%Choosing a Chery to put on this list wasn’t an easy task, as the brand is enjoying a bumper year with total sales up more than 84 per cent. The compact Tiggo 4 Pro remains the brand’s sales leader, with more than 11k sold already, but the Tiggo 7 is the clear star performer in terms of growth.With sales tracking more than 200 per cent up, the Tiggo 7 Pro has moved from also-ran to serious contender in the intensely competitive mid-size SUV market. It’s still well-short of the class-leading Toyota RAV4, but only the related Jaecoo J7 (up 427%) and BYD Sealion 7 (up 297%) have experienced more growth so far this year.Kia K4 - up 103.5%Reports of the demise of the hatchback appear to be exaggerated. While small SUVs remain incredibly popular, Kia has demonstrated that the right small car (as the K4 is both a hatch and sedan now) still has plenty of appeal.The South Korean brand has sold 3850 examples of its Cerato-replacement so far in 2026, more than double what it managed this time last year, when the hatch was not available.BYD Seal - up 92%The Atto 3 and Sealion 7 EVs are also enjoying good years, and the new Sealion 5 and 8 plug-in hybrids are both off to a good start, but for this list we’re highlighting the under-rated Seal EV. Under-rated because, like the hatchback, sedans are supposed to be in terminal decline.And yet, BYD has managed to almost double the sales of its mid-size sedan in 2026, with 1885 sold year-to-date. This actually makes it one of the brand’s worst-performing models, only further highlighting just what a successful year BYD is having.For the record, sales of the Sealion 7 are up 297%, the Dolphin is up 115% and the Atto 3 is up 85% (despite being the brand’s longest tenured model). Everything is looking rosy for BYD so far in 2026.Toyota Camry - up 48.3%It’s not exactly the glory days for the Camry, 5221 sales in five months is small fry compared to its past, but it remains an under-rated sales performer for not just the brand. Combined with the Seal, these two very different sedans have almost single-handedly kept the family car segment afloat in recent years.Every other existing model in the mid-size sedan segment is down in 2026, but the Camry remains the automotive equivalent of a cockroach - impossible to ever count out.Hyundai Palisade - up 37.1%This was a borderline inclusion on the list, as Hyundai introduced a new generation Palisade in late 2025 so the comparison to last year’s sales is against the out-going model. But given the huge price jump from the old model, plus a small range, it suggests Hyundai’s biggest SUV is finding an audience.Aside from the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and GWM Tank 300 (see below) the Palisade is the only other large SUV to meet our criteria, further underlining its strong sales performance so far this year.The addition of a more-affordable Elite trim grade, to go along with the initial flagship Calligraphy, plus the introduction of the more-rugged XRT Pro variant later this year may help the Palisade to continue its momentum.GWM Tank 300 - up 26.9%As mentioned above, the Tank 300 is another standout performer in the large SUV segment. The Chinese brand’s off-road capable offering has grown in recent times to include a diesel and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) alternative for buyers, which has clearly helped to expand its appeal.The relative struggles of the bigger Tank 500, which has only sold 529 units this year compared to 2228 Tank 300, is a clear demonstration that not all Chinese models sell in big numbers simply because they are cheaper than their rivals.The Tank 300 has therefore done enough to convince buyers to give it a chance and if this growth continues in the second half of the year it could become a key model for GWM.

Hyundai has recalled thousands of examples of its Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade and Ioniq 9 SUVs, as well as the Sonata sedan.It affects 3445 units for the 2025 model year in relation to a software issue with the digital driver display, according to a notice from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications Sports and the Arts. “Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information,” the notice reads.“A loss of safety system warnings whilst driving, could increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders.”A spokesperson for Hyundai Australia said there have been no reported instances of the issue in Australia.The brand will contact owners of affected vehicles to arrange an appointment to rectify the issue via a software update. If the vehicle is Bluelink enabled, the update will be delivered automatically over-the-air (OTA).Hyundai has had a solid start to 2026, with models such as the Kona and Tucson some of the most popular SUVs in Australia currently. The brand recently recalled nearly 5000 examples of its Ioniq and Kona EVs earlier this month. 

Toyota’s undisputed hybrid dominance continued in the past year but with new emissions laws closing in, more brands are vying for a slice of the fuel-sipping hybrid market.The biggest success story so far appears to be Hyundai, which has moved to electrify some of its top-selling nameplates. The Korean juggernaut now ranks second in Australia for total hybrid sales, amassing 28,819 hybrids registered in 2025.While this still trails Toyota’s total of 116,635 hybrid units by a significant margin, it’s a reasonably rapid rise for Hyundai, which has managed to double its hybrid tally year-on-year.This is thanks to the roll-out of key hybrid variants for its most popular nameplates, like the Kona small SUV (now 46 per cent hybrid by sales), Tucson mid-sizer (52 per cent hybrid), the Santa Fe, which launched as a hybrid (hence its whopping 82 per cent hybrid sales mix), and the recently-launched Palisade hybrid, which made up 32 per cent of the large SUV’s sales (this figure combines the previous model as well).Hyundai is perhaps a victim of its own mainstream success in that its total for 2025 was still only 37 per cent hybrid, 60 per cent combustion, and just two per cent electric. The brand therefore still managed to attract a penalty under Australia’s tough New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), despite its hybrid growth.Hyundai’s hybrid strategy has managed to outfox its traditional Japanese rivals Honda and Nissan thanks to the widespread availability and affordability of its hybrid options.The Kona, for example, is available as a hybrid in base form, priced at $36,950 before on-road costs, while the most affordable Nissan Qashqai e-Power ST-L is priced at $45,640 (before on-roads), and the cheapest Honda ZR-V hybrid is priced at $54,900 (drive-away).The same can be said across the range, with the Santa Fe a plugless hybrid success when measured against its Kia Sorento sibling, which was previously only available as a hybrid in top-spec GT-Line form. Kia has now expanded its hybrid offering to include the base S at $59,630 before on-roads. In comparison, the base Santa Fe Hybrid can be had from $57,650.However, there are storm cells on the horizon for Hyundai. Not only does its two per cent EV volume mean the more affordable Chinese-built Elexio mid-size SUV must help out on the sales front in 2026, but the next brand down for hybrid sales, BYD, has rapidly caught up despite fielding only two hybrid (albeit, plug-in hybrid) offerings.The Shark 6 ute is undeniably one of the biggest success stories of 2025, shifting 18,073 units, but the mid-sized Sealion 6 is also a force to be reckoned with, achieving 9055 registrations in the same period.In total, these two plug-ins bring BYD’s tally to 27,128 units, just shy of Hyundai’s total for the year, and by far leading the charts for plug-in hybrids specifically.In addition, the market-leading Toyota will put pressure on Hyundai’s line-up with the introduction of its next-generation RAV4 and its plug-in hybrid variants imminently. Toyota sold 51,869 units of just the RAV4 hybrid in 2025.The Japanese giant has also transitioned most of its passenger car and non 4x4 line-up to hybrid only, with a strong proportion of Corolla Cross, Corolla, and Camry making up its yearly total.Meanwhile Kia, whose hybrid total for 2025 came to 9401 units, is doubling down by not only adding additional hybrid variants of the Sorento, but it will soon launch a more heavily hybridised next-generation Seltos.Kia’s key advantage over its sibling is its relative dominance in the EV space, with its line-up of the EV3, EV5, EV6, EV9 and outgoing Niro accounting for 8131 units in 2025, eclipsing its hybrid total, accounting for 10 per cent of its total sales, and putting it firmly in the positive column for NVES credits which will pay dividends in the coming years.

Hyundai has created a new entry grade to its popular large family SUV, meaning the entry price for three rows of seating is now much lower.The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Elite joins the pricey Calligraphy as a new base grade with the full eight-seat capability.Priced from $76,500 before on-roads, the Palisade Elite is $13,400 cheaper than the eight-seat version of the Calligraphy, a significant saving for those who need the space but aren’t bothered by luxe features.A different front grille, a set of five-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels, black detailing and a choice of six colours differentiate the Elite from the Calligraphy, while inside the standard kit isn’t lacking.The twin 12.3-inch screens, one multimedia touchscreen and one driver display, are still present. There’s a 14-speaker Bose premium audio system, a combination of leather and cloth upholstery, tri-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel.The Calligraphy’s seven-seat option isn’t available, nor is the sunroof, but the Elite uses the same hybrid drivetrain which allows for interior V2L capability.The engine is the brand’s 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, sending 245kW and 460Nm to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.Hyundai’s full suite of safety features (which the brand calls Smartsense) is also standard on the Elite, with ADAS tech like adaptive cruise, highway assist, lane keep and a driver monitoring system.The Hyundai Smart Key system for owners’ smartphones is also still available on the base Elite.The Palisade Elite is available to order now, with deliveries commencing in March.

We’ve already looked at the most important cars coming in 2026, but what about the ones that may not be big sellers but will generate a lot of excitement?Well, there’s plenty of those to choose from (because there’s no shortage of new models to choose from in the jam-packed Australian new car market anyway), but we’ve narrowed it down to the five most notable examples. These may not be the most popular newcomers, but they are the new offerings that make the biggest statement about the brand’s intent. Toyota RAV4 PHEVToyota was adamant for over a decade that its conventional hybrid system was all it needed to keep buyers happy. But with plug-in hybrid sales more than doubling in 2025 it has finally decided that the time is right to join the party.The RAV4 PHEV won’t land until later in the year, months after the rest of the range goes on sale, but it will bring with it a new flagship GR Sport variant. This will be powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid powertrain that will make 227kW and be capable of driving up to 100km on electric power alone.There will also be a single-motor, front-wheel drive option, on the more affordable mid-spec XSE trim line, which should ensure the PHEV has appeal to a reasonable amount of the market.The biggest challenge for Toyota will be ensuring the RAV4 PHEV is price-competitive against its Chinese rivals, such as the BYD Sealion 6 (from $42,990), GWM Haval H6 (from $44,990) and MG HS (from $49,690).Mazda 6e Will it be second time’s a charm for Mazda with electric cars? And, perhaps even more curiously, is there still a market for the sedan?Local management has made no secret that its first electric offering, the MX-30, was a niche player that had limited appeal at its size and price. But that’s not the case for the 6e, which is a very different proposition on every level and therefore holds great potential - for better or worse - for the brand.For starters, the 6e is the product of Mazda’s partnership with Chinese carmaker Changan, makers of Deepal. That has allowed Mazda to confirm a starting price of “less than $55,000” for the 6e, which is pretty competitive for a mid-size sedan, regardless of powertrain. However, both electric cars and mid-size sedans are still niche propositions, so the combination of both makes for a significant challenge for Mazda to overcome. If the price and specification levels are appealing, perhaps the Mazda badge can help lure buyers away from a Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal, but even if it does that successfully the 6e will likely be a modest seller.But what makes it so exciting is the potential it has to define Mazda’s future. If it does well, Mazda will likely continue to explore more EV options. But if it doesn’t, the brand will need to pivot and focus on its PHEV powertrains for the foreseeable future.Hyundai Palisade XRT ProHaving enjoyed huge success with its sporty ‘N’ brand, Hyundai is trying to expand its portfolio into the off-road space with ‘XRT’. We’ve already seen accessories packs for the Santa Fe, but in 2026 the brand will take the next step and offer the Palisade XRT Pro as a specific trim grade.While the Santa Fe XRT package was style focused, the Palisade XRT Pro takes everything a step further. There’s a unique grille and lower bumper that incorporates twin, chassis-mounted tow hooks, as well as new side skirts and rear bumper, all of which improves its approach, breakover and departure angles.There is a new XRT Pro-exclusive rear electronic limited-slip differential for better off-road capability as well as downhill brake control and new terrain modes for mud, sand and snow, plus 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres. But Hyundai has stopped short of modifying the suspension, so it is unlikely to convince true off-roaders to make the switch.But it shows Hyundai is serious about making XRT Pro another element of its arsenal and we’ve seen there is scope for more XRT and XRT Pro models in the future, assuming the Palisade makes an impact.Denza B5 and B8 Perhaps the biggest problem Hyundai faces competing with the LandCruiser and Everest is actually these two new arrivals. Denza, a spin-off from BYD, is also aiming to become an alternative to the current large SUV kings.The Prado-sized B5 and LandCruiser rivaling B8 are both powered by potent plug-in hybrid powertrains while still being capable of towing up to 3000kg and 3500kg, respectively.As evidenced by the success of the BYD Shark 6, Australians are open-minded about plug-in hybrid utes, so it makes sense for Denza to see if the same is true for the rugged SUV market.With the entire range all priced below $100,000, and the B5 kicking off from a highly-competitive $74,990, Denza has positioned itself well to try and attract Aussie adventures to its new offerings.Nissan PatrolIt’s been a long, long time coming but the Patrol is inching closer to Australia. It’s still not 100 per cent locked in for a 2026 showroom arrival, but it’s still the most exciting new model for Nissan in a long time.After a difficult 2025 thanks to the company's financial troubles, Nissan Australia could do with a positive boost this year. The new Patrol drops the old V8 and replaces it with a twin-turbo V6 that makes even more performance, a very healthy 317kW/700Nm.It may not be Nissan’s biggest seller, but the new Patrol will be a big and, more importantly, positive addition to the line-up which makes it very exciting.

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Sorry, Swifties. While we appreciate the cultural phenomenon that is singer/songwriter, artist and philanthropist Taylor Swift, this is not a paean to a great pop star, but, rather, a reference to the year that marked Japan’s stellar ascension as the biggest threat to the established carmakers of that time. Their fear was existential as well as actual.