2026 Hyundai Palisade Wins IIHS’ 2026 Top Safety Pick+ Award

Hyundai continues to build safe and award-winning models with the Palisade leading the way. This SUV is the latest to take this honor, adding to Hyundai’s total. Customers who live in Mount Washington, Middletown, or Jeffersontown can see the 2026 Hyundai Palisade at Oxmoor Hyundai.

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, or IIHS, is a leading organization in determining which models are safest on today’s roads. Many customers look to the list of Top Safety Picks to determine which models to buy. The Hyundai Palisade is the eighth Hyundai model to win the award for the 2026 model year. Testing criteria are most stringent now, which means that Hyundai continues to exceed safety standards.

The Winning Model

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade received high scores for all areas that are evaluated by IIHS. These areas include small and moderate front overlap, side impact, and pedestrian front crash prevention. The vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention test was updated in 2025 and Palisade excelled in that area as well.

This model is a mid-size SUV with three rows of seating, which appeals to active families. The Palisade offers HTRAC AWD as an option and provides more capability with the new model than what was seen in previous models. A powerful engine produces up to 287 horsepower and allows you to tow a trailer or small camper for more adventures. Families who like to stay active will appreciate a model that’s comfortable and safe.

Hyundai’s Award-Winning Models

The Palisade was the eighth model to be named to the IIHS list. Other models that received the Top Safety Pick+ award include:

• Sonata

• Kona

• Tucson

• Santa Fe

• IONIQ 5

• IONIQ 9

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra received the 2026 Top Safety Pick award. To receive the Pick+ award, a model must meet rigorous testing standards in a variety of crash scenarios.

Reaching Top Safety Pick+ status requires a vehicle to receive a good rating in the moderate front overlap test, which the Palisade achieved for the 2026 model year. This accomplishment is a step up from “acceptable” which is necessary for the Top Safety Pick award. Other tests must also have a good rating with acceptable or higher for the headlights and vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0 front crash prevention. These front crash prevention systems must be standard on all trims to qualify for the awards.

IIHS is an independent organization that focuses on preventing accidents and making the highways safer for travelers. The organization conducts research and evaluation of vehicles and other aspects of highway safety. The awards are highly rated and respected by auto manufacturers, dealers, customers, and others in the industry.

Hyundai Safety Features

Each 2026 Hyundai model includes SmartSense, which are six features that help prevent accidents. These features are:

• Forward Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection

• Lane Departure Warning

• Lane Keep Assist

• Rear Occupant Alert

• Driver Attention Warning

• High Beam Assist

These features provide alerts to help drivers have the time and ability to react to situations and prevent accidents. The sales team at Oxmoor Hyundai can show you how these systems work, how to activate them, and what other safety systems are optional for the model you want.

Contact us to schedule a test drive of the Hyundai Palisade or another model in our new inventory and get to know the safety features that win awards.