Hyundai Motor Company is set to make waves in the Australian market with its rugged new offering, the Palisade XRT Pro, a large SUV boasting significantly enhanced off-road capabilities. The automaker recently unveiled the 2026 Palisade XRT Pro at the 2025 New York International Auto Show held at the Jacob K. Javits Center on April 16, with plans to debut the Palisade XRT Pro in Australia in early 2024.
The XRT Pro stands as Hyundai’s premium off-road offering. Built on the new Palisade platform, it features specially designed front and rear bumpers and side skirts that increase ground clearance. The suspension has been beefed up to ensure stable handling on challenging terrain. To further enhance its off-road prowess, the XRT Pro comes equipped with a specialized wheel and tire package.
With the Palisade XRT Pro, Hyundai is squarely targeting Toyota’s off-road icon, the Land Cruiser 300 Series. The Land Cruiser, Toyota’s longest-running nameplate, currently dominates the Australian SUV segment and is renowned for its body-on-frame construction, twin-turbo diesel engine, and an array of advanced off-road technologies.
Olabisi Boyle, Hyundai’s Vice President of Product Planning for North America, emphasized that the Palisade XRT Pro isn’t just designed for off-road adventures, but it’s engineered to excel in everyday scenarios as well. She emphasized that this new model promises a comfortable and composed driving experience, whether it be on rugged trails or navigating city streets.
