Hyundai will create a milestone as Palisade global sales are expected to cross the 200,000 unit mark for the first time this year. The boom on sale is due to a shift in strategy, mainly due to the introduction of the hybrid model. Let’s see how the popularity of hybrids affects the sales and what it tells us about the current trend in the industry.
The company has launched a hybrid model for this year as the company focuses on offering multiple engine types. Hyundai introduced the Palisade Hybrid in mid-July 2026, and the model is available at the global level.
In the US market, the 2026 Palisade Hybrid is available at $44,160 price. The hybrid models improve fuel efficiency, power the engine with a turbocharged hybrid powertrain in various trims. The three-row upscale has gotten its first full model change since its debut in 2018.
How have Hyundai Palisade sales been so far?
The South Korean automaker launched the first-generation Palisade in 2018 as a 2020 model year for the US, and redesigned the second-generation model recently. Since it was launched, the model has been popular in the mid-size 3-row segment.
The company has reached new heights with the Palisade sale, anticipating reaching 200,000 for the first time in the year. Let’s see the graph of its sales over these years to understand the current sales record:
- The company recorded 107,514 units sold in 2019, followed by 157,133 in 2020, 157,688 in 2021; however, the sales have dropped in 2022 to 151,427 units.
- The company recovered from the drop in sales as it introduced the new facelifted version in 2023. The new facelifted version has increased sales by 10%, taking it to 166,622 units.
- According to a recent statement shared by Hyundai, the company has recorded 192,285 unit sales in the first eleven months of 2025, and they expect the sales to cross the 200,000 mark this year.
What’s the reason for the boom in the Hyundai Palisade?
Hyundai gives credit to the refreshed version of Palisade for the soaring sales record of Palisade this year. The auto industry is pushing towards electrification; however, considering the slower demand for EVs, many automakers are taking the road to hybrid models.
The hybrid models will be easy to navigate through the EV market changing dynamics and sail through the market until it becomes stable. Many countries are embracing the EV policy to boost the adoption, which can affect the company’s strategy for EVs.
The demand for hybrid vehicles has increased as they offer fuel efficiency and also allow people not to have full dependency on batteries or electricity. Hyundai has taken this flexible approach and plans to launch more hybrid models while moving forward with EVs. The hybrid Palisade offers an electric motor for a smoother ride, a spacious interior for seven to nine people, and advanced technologies.
What’s the Hyundai plan for the future?
The Hyundai Palisade sales boost is driven by the hybrid model introduction this year, which has paved the way for the Hyundai strategy. Hyundai has been actively working on electric vehicles; however, considering the Palisade scenario, the company has decided to take the road through hybrid models.
The Hyundai CEO shared their goal at the CEO Investor Day in September, saying they plan to introduce 18 different hybrid models by 2030, from compact cars to luxury vehicles, to meet every person’s demand and stay competitive even when the EV market is slowing down.
The commitment of the 18+ hybrid model will go along with their EV strategy or development, which shows the company is not only relying on EVs. The diversification may seem difficult, but it will give Hyundai the certainty in the uncertain market and changing standards.
What does this mean for the auto industry?
Hyundai is currently standing at the top-five automakers in the 26 global markets and holds a top-three ranking in 12 of the global markets. The rank and hold in the global market do not come instantly; they come from delivering what every segment needs.
Now, the brand has understood the hybrid model approach and taken steps to deliver it alongside its electrification goals. This move from Hyundai is an indication that the flexible approach is what is needed to deal with the current slow demand for EVs.
But the real question remains: will this shift to hybrids be effective, or will it further slow down EV adoption? The real deal will depend on the suppliers, policymakers, automakers, and the regulatory conditions of the EVs.
