2026 Hyundai PALISADE

Hyundai is recalling more than 46,700 examples of its model-year 2026 Palisade and Palisade Hybrid SUVs’ Limited and Calligraphy trim levels over an issue with the seat belt status indicator.

After the death of a child involving power-folding rear seats in Hyundai’s Palisade SUV, Kia has filed a recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the power-folding rear seats in its related Telluride.

Hyundai announced a stop-sale of its 2026 Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims and said it is submitting a recall to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the SUVs’ second- and third-row power-folding seats.

The 2026 SUV market features a notable redesign with the hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 as well as all-new EVs like the Rivian R2 and Subaru Trailseeker. Favorites like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride also get significant redesigns.

For our Best Car of the Year award, our watchwords are quality, innovation and value.

Along with general excellence, the best cars represent ultimate luxury in their class and/or are exceptionally well-rounded, providing luxury along with above-average usability and drivability.

The best SUV offers practical utility and the comfort of a raised seating position.

Hyundai’s first major recall of 2026 concerns one of its most popular products, the Palisade three-row SUV, and improper airbag deployment.

The North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year winners were announced at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show ahead of its public opening.

Of 12 different brands, 16 newly tested models qualified for one of the agency's top safety awards thanks to high crash-test and safety equipment scores.