MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

NHTSA safety across every Hyundai Palisade Hybrid model year we cover.

Across the 1 model year of the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid we cover (2026 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 77 on the NHTSA Safety Index. 3 recalls have been issued across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial Reviewed against NHTSA data 2026-07-03

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is a three-row family SUV competing in one of the most hotly contested segments in the American market. Blending hybrid efficiency with the space and presence buyers expect from a large crossover, it targets households that need genuine seven- or eight-passenger capability without sacrificing the modern features and road refinement that define today's premium-adjacent family haulers.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, placing it squarely in the Average band. That is a serviceable score for a large family SUV, but it leaves meaningful room for improvement, and shoppers carrying kids in the third row deserve a clear-eyed look at what the numbers actually show. The crash-test star breakdown tells a mixed story: a strong 5-out-of-5 in the side-impact test is genuinely reassuring for a vehicle this wide, but the 4-out-of-5 frontal rating and the 4-out-of-5 rollover rating are reminders that the Palisade Hybrid is not at the top of its class in federal testing. Rollover performance is worth watching in any tall SUV, and a four-star result here is typical rather than exceptional. Three recalls across the single model year covered signal that Hyundai is still working through early-production issues on this hybrid variant, which is not unusual for a new powertrain integration but is something buyers should track through NHTSA's recall database. The 94 owner complaints include a reported crash and 11 alleged injuries. These are unverified allegations, and the complaint volume alone is not damning for a high-volume model, but the injury figure warrants attention. Bottom line: the Palisade Hybrid is a credible family hauler with a solid side-crash result, but its overall safety profile is average, not class-leading.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Palisade Hybrid as a well-rounded large SUV that delivers a composed, comfortable ride and a genuinely spacious, thoughtfully finished interior for its price point. Most praise its driving refinement and the breadth of standard features, while noting that the third-row access and overall exterior dimensions are competitive with segment peers. Value for the content offered is a common positive theme.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The 2026 Palisade Hybrid scores an NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100 (Average band), meaning it does not stand out as a top safety performer in the crowded three-row SUV segment.
  • Crash-test results are uneven: the 5-out-of-5 side-impact rating is a genuine strength, but the 4-out-of-5 frontal and 4-out-of-5 rollover ratings indicate there are better-tested alternatives if maximum crash-test scores are your priority.
  • Three recalls have already been issued for the 2026 model year, which is worth monitoring. Shoppers should enter their VIN at NHTSA.gov to confirm any open recalls are resolved before or immediately after purchase.
  • Ninety-four owner complaints have been filed, including one reported crash and 11 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the presence of injury claims in early ownership data is a signal to follow complaint trends as the model year matures.

Most-recalled year on record: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid with 3 recalls.

BY YEARPalisade Hybrid by model year