Does HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive on the 2026 Hyundai PALISADE make winter driving easier near Champaign-Urbana, IL?

Dec 23, 2025

Dorsett Hyundai – Does HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive on the 2026 Hyundai PALISADE make winter driving easier near Champaign-Urbana, IL?

Midwest winters can turn I-74, Prospect Avenue, and neighborhood streets around Champaign-Urbana into a mix of snow, slush, and glare ice. The 2026 Hyundai PALISADE brings a confident answer with available HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive, new Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain modes, and a long list of technology designed to keep families moving. At Dorsett Hyundai, we have followed the development of the all-new PALISADE closely because our customers want real capability without sacrificing comfort and luxury.

HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive is engineered for variable Midwest conditions, not just the occasional dusting. Using an electronic clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles, HTRAC® can proactively shift power where traction is strongest. Drivers can tailor responses with Normal, Sport, and Smart settings, and—new for 2026—dedicated terrain modes that fine-tune throttle response, transmission behavior, and torque distribution for Mud, Sand, or Snow. The result is poised, predictable performance when a lake-effect band rolls through or a light snowfall turns to ice overnight.

Beyond the all-weather traction hardware, the PALISADE platform itself is newly refined for stability and peace of mind. The body is longer with a wider stance, and aerodynamic tuning targets a remarkably low coefficient of drag. That planted feel is noticeable when crosswinds sweep across open fields outside Savoy or on US-45 north of campus. For shoppers who want even more go-anywhere confidence, the first-ever XRT PRO trim adds hardware and software upgrades that put traction and ground clearance on your side in deeper snow or on unplowed lanes.

Snow terrain mode optimizes low-speed traction and smooth throttle to help reduce wheel spin on slick starts
Sport setting sends more available torque for a more immediate response when merging onto I-57 in sloppy conditions
Available HTRAC® with Tow Mode helps maintain consistent gearing when pulling a small trailer on winter trips
XRT PRO adds all-terrain tires, an electronic rear limited-slip differential, and extra ground clearance for rutted, snow-packed roads

Capability only matters if the experience is calm and comfortable for everyone on board. The 2026 PALISADE delivers that, too. Laminated windshield and front side glass, targeted insulation, and careful powertrain tuning keep the cabin quiet, which reduces fatigue during long drives on snowy days. Available front and second-row Relaxation seats, heated seating in multiple rows, and an available heated steering wheel bring welcome warmth after a cold walk across the lot. And with standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ plus an available Bose® 14-speaker audio system, road trips to holiday gatherings feel as refined as an evening commute.

The smartest winter feature may be the one that looks after you when you least expect it. The standard SmartSense suite adds breadth for 2026, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and more. Ten airbags—now with third-row seat belt pretensioners and load limiters—help protect passengers across all three rows. A built-in two-camera Dash Cam can continuously record while driving and even capture activity while parked, offering extra peace of mind when you leave the vehicle downtown during an overnight snowfall.

If your winter plans include towing a small camper for a cold-weather getaway, the newly developed 3.5-liter V6 targets a robust maximum towing capacity, and the first-ever PALISADE Hybrid brings strong combined output with refined traction and efficiency. Select trims add a fascia-integrated, factory tow hitch that keeps the design clean and ready for weekend gear. And when it is time to warm the cabin and go, Hyundai Digital Key 2.0 Premium, Bluelink®, and Over-The-Air updates keep your experience connected and convenient through every season.

Engage Snow mode before you pull away to reduce initial wheel slip on icy surfaces
Use HTRAC® Sport for confident merging when slush builds up between lanes
Consider XRT PRO if you regularly drive unplowed or gravel roads after storms
Pair HTRAC® with winter tires for the strongest grip and shortest stopping distances

Our team at Dorsett Hyundai helps shoppers from Champaign-Urbana experience these systems in person. We will walk you through terrain modes, demonstrate driver-assistance features on a test drive, and help you compare the ICE and Hybrid powertrains based on how and where you drive. From school drop-offs in Urbana to weekend trips across the county, the 2026 PALISADE is built to turn winter from a worry into a routine drive.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I still need winter tires if I choose HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive?

All-wheel drive helps you get moving, but tires determine how well you turn and stop. For temperatures consistently below 45 degrees, winter-rated tires are a smart choice. Pairing HTRAC® with winter tires delivers the best overall control on snow and ice around Champaign-Urbana.

Which 2026 PALISADE trims offer the most winter capability?

HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive is available across the lineup. For enhanced traction and clearance, XRT PRO adds all-terrain tires, an electronic rear limited-slip differential, extra ground clearance, and real-time pitch and roll displays. Limited and Calligraphy add comfort and visibility upgrades, including a full-display digital rearview mirror, that are helpful in low-visibility winter conditions.

How does the 2026 PALISADE Hybrid handle cold weather driving?

The PALISADE Hybrid features a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with two integrated electric motors for strong combined output. The system is tuned for smooth, quiet power delivery and confident traction with available HTRAC®. Features like Stay Mode help you use infotainment and HVAC functions while parked, and heated seating options warm the cabin quickly on cold mornings.

Ready to see how HTRAC® and the new terrain modes feel on real roads near Champaign-Urbana? Visit our showroom in Terre Haute or contact our team to schedule a personalized drive. At Dorsett Hyundai, we will help you choose the right configuration—ICE or Hybrid, HTRAC® or front-wheel drive, family-luxury features or adventure-ready XRT PRO—so your next winter is easier, safer, and more comfortable in a 2026 Hyundai PALISADE.