Dodge Durango vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2026 Dodge Durango, despite its age, maintained a rugged and timeless appeal. Its design, characterized by chunky fenders and smooth body panels, was refreshed in 2021 with updates to the grille, lighting, and bumpers, while the interior dashboard received an overhaul. The Durango's signature wraparound LED taillight, reminiscent of a racetrack, remained a standout feature. Inside, the Durango's analog controls and logical layout were appreciated, though the interior materials and switchgear showed their age. The upper trims offered leather, carbon fibre, and microsuede, albeit of lower quality, but the driving experience compensated for these shortcomings.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, available in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, integrated seamlessly into the Palisade lineup. The base Luxury trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a prominent grille with LED projector headlights. The Palisade's profile included body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities. The rear design was equally striking, with wide-spaced letters and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade impressed with its thoughtful design and craftsmanship. The interior offered features like H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and optional Nappa leather upholstery on higher trims. The Palisade's interior design was praised for its organic shapes and well-considered storage solutions.

The 2026 Dodge Durango was primarily available with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled to move the nearly 5,000-pound vehicle efficiently. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, producing 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, improved towing capacity and performance, albeit with higher fuel consumption. The SRT Hellcat Jailbreak, with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 generating 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, offered exhilarating performance but at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Durango's handling was commendable, with minimal body roll, but steering accuracy was lacking. All-wheel drive was standard across all models.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive performance, with smooth acceleration and responsive handling. The advanced hybrid system optimized power distribution, enhancing fuel efficiency. The Palisade's cabin was notably quiet, thanks to noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp, offering a balanced feel, while the pedals felt slightly soft. Overall, the Palisade Hybrid delivered a refined and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2026 Dodge Durango offered seating for five or seven passengers, depending on the trim. The third row was tight, reflecting its shared chassis with older models. Cargo space was competitive, with 487 litres behind the third row, 1,226 litres behind the second row, and 2,409 litres with both rows folded. The Durango's interior provided good headroom and legroom in the first and second rows, though seat padding was firm.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others. The second-row legroom was slightly compromised by the battery's position, but the third row remained usable. The Palisade's cabin was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C outlets, and available captain's chairs. The interior featured numerous storage solutions, enhancing practicality.

The 2026 Dodge Durango came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, offering navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Plus and Hellcat trims featured a nine-speaker Alpine stereo, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. However, the Durango lacked advanced features like semi-automated driving and rear-seat entertainment.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It supported HD and Sirius XM radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Palisade included a Driver Talk intercom system and a 14-speaker Bose stereo on higher trims. A standout feature was the built-in dashcam on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The Palisade also introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the use of climate control and infotainment while the engine was off.

The 2026 Dodge Durango received a four-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured a driver's knee airbag and central side airbag but lacked modern driver-assist features. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and rear parking sensors were standard on base trims, with additional features available on higher trims.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims. The Palisade's ADAS tech performed reliably during testing. The 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.