Three-row SUVs fit for the modern family
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade arrives with a fresh new design that sets it up to take on segment leaders. The Chevrolet Traverse underwent a redesign for the 2024 model year, and it hasn’t seen any major changes since. Both three-row SUVs seat up to eight people and are competitively priced, but there are several key differences to take note of before you head out to take a test drive.
Chevrolet
1. The 2026 Chevy Traverse boasts more cargo space
While the all-new Hyundai Palisade boasts a 116.1-inch wheelbase, the Chevy Traverse tops it by nearly five inches at 121 inches and offers more cargo space as a result. The Palisade offers up to 19.1 cu ft. of cargo space behind the third row. Folding down the third- and second-row seats increases cargo space to 46.3 and 86.7 cu ft., respectively. The Chevy Traverse offers more cargo space in all three areas, topping out at 97.6 cu ft. with both rear rows stowed away. With the second-row seats in their upright position, cargo space measures in at 56.6 cu ft., while cargo space behind the third row comes in at 22.9 cu ft.
Chevrolet
As of the time of writing, we’re still awaiting total passenger volume for the Chevy Traverse. The Hyundai Palisade, however, offers up to 161.9 cu ft. of passenger space. Interior dimensions seem fairly comparable in most areas. The Palisade features 41.5 inches of front headroom, while the Chevy Traverse comes in at 42.6 inches. Typically, the third row tends to be the tightest seating area, but the Palisade and Traverse offer 32.1 and 32.13 inches of third-row legroom, respectively.
Hyundai
2. 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy offers luxury for less
If you want a luxury vehicle without paying luxury prices, the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is a solid choice. The range-topping model is priced from $54,560 and switches the second-row bench seat out for two captain’s chairs, reducing seating to seven passengers. Heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats come standard, and the third-row seats are heated as well. There’s a ton of tech on the docket, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 14-speaker Bose premium sound system, an in-car intercom, a built-in front and rear dash cam, and a wireless charging pad.
Hyundai
The Chevy Traverse RS sits at the top of the range, priced from $57,400, but the High Country, from $57,100, comes similarly equipped. Both models seat up to seven passengers and come equipped with a 17.7-inch touchscreen display and a Bose premium audio system. Heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats make the list of standard equipment as well, as does a heated steering wheel and wireless phone charging pad. The RS and High Country ride on slightly different variations of 22-inch black wheels. The RS model also gets blacked-out exterior elements, including a high-gloss black grille and trim-exclusive badging.
Amos Kwon
3. The 2026 Chevy Traverse offers higher performance
The 2026 Chevy Traverse rolls out with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The Traverse comes stock with FWD in most models, with the exception of the Z71, which is solely available with AWD. The Traverse can tow up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped.
Amos Kwon
The all-new Hyundai Palisade boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, generating 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. FWD comes standard on all models except the XRT, which comes solely with AWD. Like the Traverse, the Palisade can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The 2026 Palisade is also available in hybrid form, which features a 329-horsepower powertrain.
Final thoughts
The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade is an impressive offering from start to finish, and it’s clear that the Korean automaker tied in elements from its Genesis luxury brand. Having undergone a full redesign a few years ago, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse carries itself with athletic styling and an interior and powertrain to match. In a nutshell, both three-row SUVs offer their own distinct styles and come equipped with plenty of tech that make either model a great pick for modern families.
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog