Will HTRAC All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Hyundai Palisade help you handle year-round driving around Evansville, IN?

Dec 11, 2025

Dorsett Hyundai – Will HTRAC All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Hyundai Palisade help you handle year-round driving around Evansville, IN?

Confidence in changing conditions starts with traction you can trust. For drivers navigating damp spring mornings, gravel turnoffs to campsites, or snowy commutes, HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is engineered to deliver the surefooted feel you want without complicating your day. By actively distributing torque between the front and rear axles and offering driver-selectable modes, the system helps the Palisade adapt to your route rather than asking you to adapt to the road.

What stands out is the way HTRAC® integrates intelligent control with simple, clear choices. Normal, Sport, and Smart settings are complemented by new Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain modes. Each recalibrates the powertrain’s behavior and torque distribution to match conditions underfoot. Add Tow Mode—tuned to hold lower gears longer and reduce shift frequency—and you gain calm composure when pulling a trailer up a ramp or easing down a rutted lane. For drivers near the riverfront and neighborhoods around Evansville, IN, it’s a balanced approach to traction that feels seamless from the first mile.

Active torque distribution: An electronic clutch can send power between axles to help maintain traction before wheelspin becomes an issue.
Terrain tailoring: Mud, Sand, and Snow settings fine-tune throttle, shift logic, and torque split for changing surfaces.
Tow Mode poise: Transmission behavior adjusts under load to help you maintain stability and smoothness while hauling.
Quiet confidence: Refinements to sound insulation and powertrain tuning complement AWD with a calm, composed cabin.

Shoppers comparing trims will also notice the added capabilities of the Palisade XRT PRO. This model brings hardware upgrades such as increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and an exclusive electronic rear limited-slip differential, plus real-time pitch-and-roll displays and a Surround View Monitor with a forward ground view—features that align naturally with weekend exploration. The available integrated factory tow hitch on select trims keeps your setup clean and functional, so you’re ready for bikes, small boats, or camping gear when your plans demand it.

Connectivity and safety remain central to the Palisade experience. Even when conditions are mixed, Hyundai SmartSense driver-assistance technologies support your awareness with features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Lane Following Assist. The built-in dual-camera Dash Cam adds another layer of peace of mind on unfamiliar roads, and a digital rearview mirror helps maintain rear visibility even when cargo fills the back. The result is an SUV that pairs traction with thoughtful technology to help you feel more prepared across the seasons.

Curious which configuration best matches your routine—hybrid or V6, XRT PRO or a premium family-focused trim? Bring your typical routes and towing needs to a test drive. We will help you dial in terrain modes, demonstrate Tow Mode on a safe loop, and show how the display layout, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and available Bose® audio work together to simplify your day. That way, your decision is based on how the Palisade fits your life in real time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need HTRAC® AWD if I mostly drive on paved roads?

Even for primarily paved driving, HTRAC® AWD adds confidence on wet mornings, leaf-strewn streets, and winter slush. Smart and Snow modes help balance stability and control with minimal input from you.

Which terrain mode should I use in heavy rain?

For wet pavement, Normal or Smart modes generally work best, letting HTRAC® manage torque proactively. Reserve Mud and Sand for soft or uneven surfaces where wheel slip is likely.

Is the factory tow hitch worth it?

If you plan to tow or use hitch-mounted accessories, the integrated factory hitch available on select trims is an elegant, cohesive solution. It pairs well with Tow Mode to support composed acceleration and deceleration while hauling.

Dorsett Hyundai is here to help you test the differences between modes and trims in a single visit. Our showroom in Terre Haute is serving Effingham, Evansville, and Lafayette, and we are glad to tailor a route that mirrors your everyday drive and weekend destinations.