Is HTRAC All-Wheel Drive Worth It on the 2026 Hyundai Palisade for Family Travels near Troy, MI?

Oct 14, 2025

Glassman Hyundai – Is HTRAC All-Wheel Drive Worth It on the 2026 Hyundai Palisade for Family Travels near Troy, MI?

For many three-row SUV shoppers, the decision to add all-wheel drive comes down to real-world confidence. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade with available HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive is engineered to make that choice easier for families around Troy, MI who face slick winter commutes, gravel drives to the lake, and infrequent but meaningful off-pavement adventures. Hyundai’s system actively manages torque front-to-rear and pairs with new Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain modes, so traction is optimized for the surface beneath you. The result is calm, predictable control that reduces drama in poor conditions and adds stability while towing or climbing a wet boat ramp.

What sets the Palisade apart is how thoroughly capability integrates with comfort and technology. The powertrain lineup includes a refined 3.5-liter V6 or the first-ever hybrid, which targets up to an estimated 329 total system horsepower. Tow Mode adapts shift strategy to hold gears and smooth out load changes when trailering. Inside, the panoramic curved display with dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bluelink®, Over?The?Air updates, and the available Bose® 14-speaker audio create a serene, connected cabin. Families also appreciate the built-in dual-camera Dash Cam, ten airbags including third-row seatbelt pretensioners, and Advanced Rear Occupant Alert for extra peace of mind at school pickup and weekend stops.

AWD tuning: HTRAC® actively redistributes torque to the axle that needs it, enhancing stability on wet, snowy, or uneven surfaces.

Purpose-built modes: Mud, Sand, and Snow settings fine-tune throttle and torque response to the terrain for added traction and control.

Towing support: Tow Mode holds gears longer and reduces shift frequency under load, ideal for small campers, watercraft, or utility trailers when properly equipped.

XRT PRO upgrades: Available eLSD, increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and enhanced camera views support occasional off-road travel.

Everyday ease: From wireless phone integration to Wi?Fi hotspot capability, your tech stays simple even when the weather is not.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is HTRAC® AWD always engaged on the 2026 Palisade?

HTRAC® actively monitors traction and can vary torque distribution between the axles as conditions change. You select drive or terrain modes to further tailor the system’s behavior for Normal, Sport, Smart, Mud, Sand, or Snow surfaces.

Do I need AWD if I stay on paved roads?

AWD is not mandatory for paved driving, but HTRAC® can add stability and confidence in rain, slush, and snow, and it can help with traction when pulling away from slick intersections or climbing steep, wet driveways. Many families in Southeast Michigan value the added assurance.

Which Palisade model is best for light off-road use?

The Palisade XRT PRO is the most adventure-ready, adding an exclusive electronic rear limited-slip differential, increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, enhanced camera views, and Downhill Brake Control for composure on rutted or steep surfaces.

If you are weighing AWD for your next three-row SUV, consider how often you drive in cold or wet weather and whether towing or uneven surfaces are part of your routine. One thorough test drive on mixed roads will quickly show how HTRAC® adds calm composure without sacrificing the Palisade’s quiet, premium ride. For tailored guidance and a side-by-side comparison of AWD and 2WD behavior, schedule a visit with Glassman Hyundai. We proudly assist families and commuters alike, serving Troy, Farmington Hills, and Dearborn with knowledgeable product specialists who can map a route that fits your daily driving and weather patterns.