The 2026 Hyundai Palisade has been caught cruising Southern California’s roads, fully exposed, and it’s a shameless clone of the Range Rover’s iconic profile and rear design. This second-generation three-row SUV, codenamed LX3, is Hyundai’s bold attempt to mimic luxury at a fraction of the cost—starting around $39,000 compared to a Range Rover’s $90,000-plus sticker. While Hyundai packs in tech and a new hybrid option, the Palisade’s exterior is an unapologetic rip-off, blending Range Rover’s stately aesthetics with budget-friendly practicality to rival the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander.
The Palisade’s silhouette is a near-carbon copy of the Range Rover’s boxy, upright stance. Its side profile mirrors the British icon’s flat roofline, clean window line from A- to D-pillar, and minimalist body surfacing. The rear is where Hyundai’s mimicry shines—or rather, plagiarizes. The Palisade sports vertical LED taillights and a sculpted tailgate that echo the Range Rover’s signature rear, complete with a subtle fender bulge that screams premium off-roader. Up front, a massive rectangular grille and stacked LED headlights add a modern twist, but the Range Rover DNA dominates the overall design, especially in the rugged XRT Pro trim with its all-terrain tires and raised ground clearance.
Inside, Hyundai pivots to a Genesis-inspired cabin, distancing itself slightly from its Range Rover obsession. Dual 12.3-inch displays under a curved panel, wood trim, and ambient lighting create a near-luxury vibe. The stretched 2.7-inch wheelbase boosts second- and third-row legroom, with seating for seven, eight, or nine (Korea-only). The center console’s island design and optional captain’s chairs add versatility, though the focus remains on aping luxury.
Powering this clone is a new 3.5-liter V-6 with 287 hp or a 329-hp hybrid pairing a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder with electric motors, promising 30+ mpg highway. Both use an eight-speed automatic, with all-wheel drive optional. Set to launch in summer 2025, the Palisade delivers Range Rover style and substance at a bargain price. Hyundai’s blatant copying may raise eyebrows, but for budget-conscious families craving that premium SUV look, this “poor man’s Range Rover” could be a game-changer.
What say you Spies? How does it look ON-ROAD to you?
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