Hyundai Palisade Wins Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $90K – Available at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee
The Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy has claimed top honours in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards, winning Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $90K.
For families across the Sutherland Shire searching for a premium large SUV with hybrid efficiency, this award confirms what many already suspected — the Hyundai Palisade is now the benchmark seven-seater.
You can experience it today at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee.
Drive Car of the Year 2026 Winner
In a highly competitive segment filled with strong contenders, the Palisade beat out rivals including:
- Hyundai Santa Fe (previous category winner)
- Kia Sorento
Drive judges praised the Palisade for being the most polished all-rounder in the segment, combining luxury, refinement and practicality in a way that stands above the competition.
For 2026, the award category was updated to Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $90K, reflecting how Australian families actually shop for large SUVs.
Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy – Key Highlights
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade range has been streamlined to a single, high-spec model:
Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy
- Priced from $89,900 + on-road costs
- 2.5-litre turbo petrol hybrid
- 245kW and 460Nm
- 6.8L/100km fuel consumption (claimed)
- Available as eight-seater or seven-seater with captain’s chairs
This second-generation Palisade replaces the previous V6 petrol and diesel engines with a refined hybrid powertrain — delivering improved efficiency and smoother performance.
Why the Palisade Won
According to Drive’s judges, the Palisade stood out thanks to:
✔ Luxurious Interior
The cabin offers genuine adult-friendly third-row seating, premium finishes and clever packaging throughout.
✔ Refined Hybrid Powertrain
Smoother and more polished than other Hyundai Motor Group offerings, the Palisade hybrid delivers strong performance with impressive fuel efficiency.
✔ Locally Tuned Suspension
Developed for Australian conditions, key suspension components such as springs and anti-roll bars have been tuned to improve ride comfort on local roads.
Judges also praised:
- Exceptional cabin quietness
- Acoustic laminated glass
- Additional sound insulation
- Tyres with internal sound deadening
- Upgraded 14-speaker Bose sound system
- Hyundai Digital Key 2 technology
It’s a significant leap forward from the previous generation.
Built for Australian Family Life
Seven-seat SUVs remain the go-to choice for families needing flexibility, practicality and comfort.
The Palisade delivers:
- Spacious third row suitable for adults
- Flexible seating configurations
- Premium finish and technology
- Strong hybrid efficiency
While towing capacity has reduced to 2000kg braked (down from 2200kg previously), the Palisade’s refinement and premium feel elevate it above many competitors.
Test Drive the Award-Winning Hyundai Palisade at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee
If you’re searching for a seven-seat hybrid SUV in Sutherland Shire, the Hyundai Palisade deserves your attention.
Visit Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee to:
- Experience the Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy
- Compare it with the Hyundai Santa Fe
- Discuss Hyundai finance options
- Arrange a test drive
Our team can help you decide whether the Palisade is the right fit for your family’s lifestyle.
Discover the Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $90K
With premium design, hybrid efficiency and award-winning credentials, the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy sets a new standard for large family SUVs.
Visit Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee today and experience Drive’s Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $90K for yourself.
Source
Drive.com.au – Hyundai Palisade wins Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $90K, Drive Car of the Year 2026 (23 February 2026)