Imported Article – 2026-03-27 14:38:08

In the past, a week spent with a new automobile was usually sufficient to fully explore its technological abilities. However, with the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, I only managed to scratch the surface. This second-generation 2026 model emerges with a fresher appearance and a slightly extended frame, targeting luxury competitors such as the Range Rover, at least in terms of aesthetics. Packed with advanced technologies, the Calligraphy trim represents Hyundai’s serious foray into the luxury market.

Each Palisade comes equipped with a panoramic infotainment display, triple-zone climate control, and a range of sophisticated driver assistance features. The Calligraphy, priced around $59,000, elevates the luxury experience even further. Unique to this trim are full Nappa leather seats, front seats equipped with massage features, and extendable lower leg support. Additionally, the second-row seats offer a “Relaxation Mode,” adding to the notion of luxury travel. However, what truly caught my attention were the next-level technologies integrated into the Palisade Calligraphy.

Among my favorite features are the key fob-operated self-parking capability, an extensive heads-up display that provides an array of information, a smart analog-digital rearview mirror, and semi-autonomous lane-changing support—all impressive elements of this large SUV.

The Highway Driving Assist (HDA) feature is standard on the 2026 Palisade and showcases an effective advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS). The lane-keeping function activates automatically at speeds of 40 mph, offering subtle steering corrections to prevent lane drifting. By activating the adaptive cruise control (ACC), HDA engages, seamlessly integrating lane-keeping and lane-centering features.

Using HDA feels akin to a game of bumper bowling. Although you must keep your hands on the steering wheel, I found myself lightly resting there to truly gauge the system’s effectiveness. The results were impressive. At 65 mph, the technology managed to navigate both straightaways and turns, maintaining the Palisade’s position precisely in the center of the lane. For those looking for greater autonomy, Highway Driving Assist 2 is an excellent option.

Exclusive to the Calligraphy trim, HDA 2 adds lane-change assistance. Once engaged with the turn signal, the system evaluates whether changing lanes is safe and executes the maneuver. Initially, this can be quite startling, as the car autonomously switches lanes at highway speeds, but knowing it won’t initiate any lane changes without the driver’s activation is reassuring. Throughout my trials, HDA 2 performed impressively.

Upon activating the blind-spot view monitor (BSVM) while turning on the signal, a sizable circular display appears in the instrument cluster, showcasing a live feed from a camera mounted on the side mirror. While driving at highway speeds, this image can appear blurry due to rapid movement, which can be a little disorienting. Initially, I viewed the BSVM as a novelty, serving to answer a question I didn’t think existed. Over time and with some adjustment, I began to appreciate its functionality.

When changing lanes, I typically rely on all three mirrors and a shoulder check for safety. However, there are always rare scenarios where another vehicle can remain unnoticed in my blind spot. The BSVM addresses this issue effectively, quickly becoming part of my standard checks before merging. It also proves invaluable in tight situations, such as maneuvering in a parking lot or backing around obstructions like utility poles.

Oldsmobile introduced head-up displays (HUD) in 1988 with the Cutlass Supreme Indy 500 Pace Car, which projected vehicle speed on the windshield using a fluorescent display. Nearly four decades on, HUDs have remained somewhat niche, often available only on select models like the Palisade Calligraphy, though Hyundai may have set a precedent for broader application.

The Palisade’s HUD, located on a recessed dashboard screen, projects information onto the windshield, presenting it as though floating above the hood. This display can show current speed, ADAS alerts, navigation directions, and caller information. Furthermore, drivers can modify the height and brightness of the display. While including all available data may be excessive, simply displaying your speed is transformative for minimizing distractions.

By positioning key information within peripheral vision, drivers no longer need to glance down at the gauge cluster. Similar to the mandatory backup camera, HUDs present a strong case for being standard in all vehicles, as they efficiently deliver important updates while reducing distractions. While the clarity is excellent on sunny days, polarized sunglasses can significantly dim visibility.

Self-parking technologies often face skepticism, as noted by Ford discontinuing its Active Park Assist feature. Thus, Hyundai might want to reconsider the name of the Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) found in the Palisade Calligraphy. It does not parallel park or fit into perpendicular spaces but instead allows the vehicle to move forward or backward in a straight line, helping ease tight parking conditions.

We’ve all encountered the frustration of returning to a vehicle only to find another car parked inches from your door. Depending on the day, you may be tempted to do anything to pry your door open, risking dings and scratches. This scenario can be especially daunting with young children or during a grocery trip.

Enter Remote Smart Parking Assist. By remotely starting the car from the key fob, you can simply press a button to either move the vehicle forward or backward, providing a straightforward solution to tight situations. The Palisade halts promptly when you release the button, and the system includes a limited range of movement. Attempts to maneuver the hefty SUV as if it were a remote-control toy didn’t yield results, but overall, the feature is practical.

I propose that Hyundai should consider renaming the Palisade trim “Chauffeur” since it offers amenities that far exceed standard front and second-row seating. In the front, passengers benefit from heated and cooled seats, complete with a variety of massage options. There are a plethora of buttons and controls located next to these luxurious seats, requiring some trial and error to fully master.

When configured correctly, “Relaxation Mode” activates, tilting the bottom cushion up while reclining the backrest and extending a thigh rest. This feature is ideal for napping while waiting for children after practices. The luxury continues into the second row, which lacks massage functions but offers ample space to stretch. Passengers can opt for the front passenger seat to slide forward, enhancing legroom.

Everyone who experienced this opulent feature remarked that it embodied the true essence of being chauffeured. Even those in the rear seat benefit from heated seats and adjustment options, which mitigate one of the main drawbacks of third-row SUVs. Overall, every seat in the vehicle is comfortable, and while some power functions may be slow, this creature-comfort technology is certainly appealing.