2026 Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota Kluger: Which Large 7-Seat Hybrid SUV Should You Choose?

If you’re searching for a proper large family SUV in Australia, two names dominate the shortlist: the all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the Toyota Kluger Hybrid.

Both offer three rows of seats, hybrid efficiency, modern safety tech and big-trip practicality. But when you compare real family usability — especially third-row comfort, interior space and overall refinement — the new-generation Palisade comes out on top.

And if you’re in Sydney’s south, you can experience the latest Hyundai Palisade at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee, your local Hyundai large-SUV specialists in the Sutherland Shire.

Quick comparison: Palisade vs Kluger at a glance

Both SUVs deliver:

• Hybrid power and all-wheel drive
• Three rows of seating
• Strong safety tech
• Modern infotainment
• Towing ability suited to family adventures
• Plenty of cargo versatility

Where the Palisade pulls ahead:

• Bigger cabin and boot space
• A more premium interior feel
• A genuinely usable third row
• More family-focused comfort and convenience features
• A newer, more modern platform

Is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade bigger than the Toyota Kluger?

Yes — and the difference matters.

The 2026 Palisade is larger overall, and that extra size translates into:

• more legroom in the second row
• a more comfortable third row
• more usable boot space behind row three
• a more open, airy cabin thanks to the taller, boxier shape

For growing families around Kirrawee, Sutherland, Miranda, Kareela and the Shire, that extra interior room makes the Palisade easier to live with every day.

Which is better for large families: Palisade or Kluger?

If you’re regularly carrying 5–7 people, the Palisade is the stronger family pick.

The Kluger is still a capable large SUV, but the Palisade’s new platform is clearly designed around real three-row use — not just occasional third-row seating.

Families who prioritise:

• third-row comfort
• overall passenger space
• premium amenities for every seat

…will find the Palisade fits better long-term.

Interior comfort: why Palisade feels more premium

Toyota’s Kluger interior is practical, comfortable and familiar. It’s a good design, with physical buttons that are easy to use, and a cabin that works well for day-to-day life.

But the 2026 Palisade takes a clear step forward in:

• design modernity
• material quality
• overall luxury and ambience
• family convenience features

The Palisade’s cabin feels like a next-generation SUV the moment you step inside — especially compared to the older Kluger platform.

Is the Hyundai Palisade good for child seats?

Absolutely. The Palisade is built for families and offers:

• multiple ISOFIX positions
• top-tether points across the rear
• strong width in row two for two or three child seats
• third-row child seat capability (depending on configuration)

If you’re fitting a mix of boosters and rear-facing seats, Palisade’s wider, flatter second row makes the job noticeably simpler.

Which SUV has the better third row?

This is the Palisade’s biggest win.

Kluger third row:

• fine for kids
• tighter for adults
• lower seating position pushes knees up
• best for shorter trips

Palisade third row:

• more natural, upright seating position
• noticeably better legroom and headroom
• more comfortable for adults
• better suited to longer family journeys

Which has the bigger boot: Palisade or Kluger?

The Hyundai Palisade has the larger boot overall, especially when the third row is up.

That means:

• more room behind row three for prams and groceries
• easier packing for weekend sport and beach trips
• fewer compromises on longer holidays

For busy family schedules, a genuinely big boot is a quiet superpower — and Palisade delivers.

Infotainment and tech: both strong, Palisade feels smarter

Both SUVs offer:

• large 12.3-inch infotainment screens
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• digital driver displays
• built-in navigation
• quality sound systems
• physical controls for key functions

The Palisade adds a more feature-rich connected experience through Hyundai’s Bluelink ecosystem and a fresher, more intuitive infotainment feel.

Is the Hyundai Palisade safe?

Yes. While ANCAP testing for a new generation can take time, Hyundai has a strong track record in Australia, and the Palisade includes a full suite of advanced active safety features such as:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (with pedestrian/cyclist/junction support)
• Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go
• Lane keep + lane centring assist
• Blind-spot monitoring with active assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert with rear AEB
• 360-degree surround cameras

For family buyers, Palisade offers some of the most modern safety tech available in the segment.

Palisade vs Kluger efficiency: which hybrid is better?

Toyota’s hybrid system is famously efficient, and the Kluger remains a strong performer on paper.

But the Palisade balances hybrid economy with:

• a larger, heavier body
• stronger torque and performance
• a more premium cabin and comfort
• a smoother long-distance drive

So if efficiency is your number-one goal, Kluger stays competitive. If you want space + comfort + premium usability without giving up hybrid benefits, the Palisade is the better all-rounder.

Which SUV is better to drive day-to-day?

Kluger:

• lighter, familiar Toyota steering feel
• comfortable ride
• nimble for its size

Palisade:

• more planted, confident feel
• stronger hybrid performance under load
• refined six-speed automatic driving experience
• excellent highway comfort for family trips

For families doing regular longer drives — Sydney to the South Coast, the Highlands or beyond — Palisade feels like the calmer, more luxurious cruiser.

Test drive the 2026 Hyundai Palisade at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee

Reading comparisons is helpful — but sitting in the third row and seeing the space for yourself is what seals the deal.

👉 Come in to Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee to:

• explore Palisade seating layouts (7 vs 8 seats)
• check out tech + safety features in person
• compare boot space and family practicality
• book a test drive at a time that suits you
• ask about current drive-away offers available now

Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee - Your local Hyundai large SUV specialists in the Sutherland Shire.

Source: drive.com.au