Hyundai Motor America has delivered a strong performance in July, with sales climbing 4% compared to the previous year. This growth was fueled by exceptional demand for hybrid versions of the Elantra, Santa Fe, and Tucson, as well as a remarkable 50% surge in Palisade sales.
While the picture for the first seven months of the year shows a modest 1.6% increase to nearly 469,000 vehicles, the performance is a mixed bag.
The Ioniq 6 and Palisade have been particularly successful, with sales soaring by 54% and 38% respectively. However, models like the Elantra, Nexo, and Venue have faced challenges, experiencing declines of 12%, 43%, and 17% respectively.
The enduring popularity of the Palisade, despite its launch in 2020, is a testament to its appeal, likely amplified by the 2023 refresh. Hyundai is already looking ahead, with the development of the next-generation Palisade well underway. Prototypes have been spotted in testing, and company executives are promising a radical departure from the current design.
While the new model is expected to debut in South Korea later this year or early next, US consumers will likely have to wait until the 2026 model year to get their hands on the redesigned Palisade. The digital world has become a proving ground for the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, with countless speculative designs emerging from the creative minds of automotive enthusiasts.
The AutoYa Interior YouTube channel has been particularly active in this space, offering a steady stream of CGI renderings that envision the next generation of this popular three-row SUV. While official details remain scarce, rumors suggest a significant redesign, potentially including an expanded footprint to differentiate it further from Santa Fe.
There’s also speculation about a new 3.5-liter V6 engine joining the lineup. As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, talk of an all-electric Ioniq counterpart has also surfaced, mirroring the relationship between the Kia Telluride and EV9. However, it’s important to remember that these digital interpretations are purely speculative, and the final product may deviate significantly from these early renderings.
