2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL

On paper, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL wins on $1,990 less. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $1,990 price gap, 291 vs 287 hp, 21 vs 20 MPG.

The short answer

The Palisade SEL leads on $1,990 less. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

$1,990
Price Gap
4 HP
HP Diff
1 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL
Starts at $41,950
VS
Higher price
2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL
Starts at $43,940

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
3.8L V6
vs
3.5L V6
Horsepower
291 hp
vs
287 hp
Torque
262 lb-ft
vs
260 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
21 MPG combined
vs
20 MPG combined
Curb Weight
4,506 lbs
vs
4,872 lbs

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$41,950Palisade SEL
$43,940Palisade SEL
Engine
3.8L V6Palisade SEL
3.5L V6Palisade SEL
Horsepower
291 hpPalisade SEL
287 hpPalisade SEL
Torque
262 lb-ftPalisade SEL
260 lb-ftPalisade SEL
City MPG
19Palisade SEL
18Palisade SEL
Combined MPG
21Palisade SEL
20Palisade SEL
Fuel Tank
18.8 galPalisade SEL
19.0 galPalisade SEL
Curb Weight
4,506 lbsPalisade SEL
4,872 lbsPalisade SEL
Wheelbase
114.2"Palisade SEL
116.9"Palisade SEL
Length
196.7"Palisade SEL
199.2"Palisade SEL
Width
77.8"Palisade SEL
78.0"Palisade SEL
Height
68.9"Palisade SEL
69.5"Palisade SEL

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL
Pricing
MSRP$41,950$43,940
Powertrain
Engine3.8L V63.5L V6
Horsepower291 hp287 hp
Torque262 lb-ft260 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG1918
Highway MPG2424
Combined MPG2120
Fuel Tank18.8 gal19.0 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$2,100/yrNo published data
Dimensions
Curb Weight4,506 lbs4,872 lbs
Wheelbase114.2"116.9"
Length196.7"199.2"
Width77.8"78.0"
Height68.9"69.5"
Safety
IIHS AwardTSPTSP
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper5yr/60k5yr/60k
Powertrain10yr/100k10yr/100k
Corrosion7yr/unlimited7yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/unlimited5yr/unlimited

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL and 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL starts at $41,950, $1,990 less than the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL at $43,940. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $35/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,990 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $100/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL is the stronger pick when you prefer the Hyundai approach to the midsize SUV segment.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL or 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL rates 21 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL or 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL produces 291 hp, 4 more than the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL at 287 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL also leads in torque at 262 lb-ft vs 260 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL runs a 3.8L V6; the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL uses a 3.5L V6.

Is the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL bigger than the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL is 2.5″ longer at 199.2″ vs 196.7″. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL has a 2.7″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Palisade trims

Official sources

How the Palisade and Palisade Stack Up

Two midsize SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL ($41,950) and 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL ($43,940) solve similar problems in different ways. The $1,990 gap is about $35/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.

Powertrain: Palisade vs Palisade

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL runs a 3.8L V6; the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL uses a 3.5L V6. The 4 hp difference (291 vs 287) is marginal in daily driving. Both use AWD.

What It Actually Costs to Own

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL saves roughly $100/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $500. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.

Size, Space, and Daily Reality

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL weighs 366 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL when you want to keep $1,990 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade SEL covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL when you prefer the Hyundai approach to the midsize SUV segment. At $35/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or any dealership.

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