Hyundai Palisade trim comparison
2026 Hyundai Palisade SE vs XRT PRO
The Palisade SE starts at $39,435 while the XRT PRO is $49,870. That $10,435 gap buys 4 meaningful differences.
The XRT PRO adds AWD instead of FWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $10,435 by itself. If not, the SE saves you the money.
Stay with the SE if FWD already works for your weather and routine. Move to the XRT PRO only when AWD changes the way you will actually use the vehicle.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $184/month more over 60 months, or roughly $11,040 extra all-in once interest is included. So the call is less about the raw price gap and more about whether AWD matters for where and how you drive versus FWD.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
Both the SE and XRT PRO share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $10,435 for 3 measurable differences, which works out to about $3,478 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 4 specification differences, 3 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SE | XRT PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $39,435 | $49,870 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 287 hp | 287 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 16 |
| Highway MPG | 25 | 22 |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 19 |
| Fuel Tank | 19.0 gal | 19.0 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,100/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,420 lbs | 4,784 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 116.9" | 116.9" |
| Length | 199.2" | 200.4" |
| Width | 78.0" | 78.0" |
| Height | 69.5" | 69.5" |
| Safety | ||
| IIHS Award | TSP | TSP |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Hyundai Palisade SE vs XRT PRO Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Hyundai Palisade lineup, the Hyundai brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 Palisade XRT PRO cost than the SE?
The XRT PRO starts at $49,870 compared to $39,435 for the SE. That is a $10,435 difference, or approximately $184/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SE and XRT PRO have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.5L V6 producing 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2026 Palisade SE come with AWD?
No. The SE comes standard with FWD while the XRT PRO has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2026 Hyundai Palisade come with?
All 2026 Hyundai Palisade trims, including both the SE and XRT PRO, come with Hyundai's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO worth $10,435 more than the SE?
The $10,435 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
Which 2026 Hyundai Palisade trim gets better fuel economy, the SE or the XRT PRO?
The SE is the more efficient of the two at 21 combined MPG, versus 19 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the Palisade XRT PRO Worth $10,435 More?
The Palisade XRT PRO costs $10,435 more than the SE. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value AWD. These features matter to some buyers daily and barely at all to others. Weigh them against your priorities.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
The XRT PRO includes AWD, which adds confidence in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions. It also increases curb weight and slightly reduces fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Palisade SE gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $211 per year or $1,055 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
Despite the differences above, the SE and XRT PRO share engine and transmission, keeping the core Palisade experience consistent across trims.
Bottom Line
$10,435 more for the Palisade XRT PRO gets you 3 real differences. At $184/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Hyundai Palisade SE
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SE best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Hyundai Palisade XRT PRO
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the XRT PRO when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. 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.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.