CardinaleWay Hyundai Glendora – Does HTRAC All-Wheel Drive Make the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Safer for Families around Azusa, CA?
Shoppers comparing three-row SUVs often want more than space; they want traction, stability, and a composed ride that keeps every passenger comfortable. Hyundai’s HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive, available on the 2026 Palisade, was engineered to deliver that balance with confident control in varied conditions while preserving a quiet, refined drive feel for daily commutes and long weekends alike.
At its core, HTRAC® uses an electronic clutch with active torque control to shift power between the front and rear axles. That means the system can respond proactively as roads change, rather than waiting for slip. You also get drive modes like Normal, Sport, and Smart to tailor throttle and shift behavior, plus terrain settings for Mud, Sand, and Snow that adjust torque distribution and stability parameters for low-traction surfaces. On the 2026 model, Tow Mode refines transmission logic when hauling to reduce shift hunting and hold lower gears for steady, predictable performance.
- Normal mode for balanced everyday driving
- Sport mode for more responsive steering feel and aggressive torque distribution
- Smart mode that adapts to your inputs automatically
- Mud, Sand, and Snow settings to help manage traction on challenging surfaces
- Tow Mode to optimize power delivery and shifts when trailering
Families in the foothills will appreciate how these modes translate into real-world confidence. Mud mode helps keep momentum in slick trailhead parking, Sand mode aids stability on loose surfaces, and Snow mode supports surefooted starts and stops when winter weather hits higher elevations. Because the system can send torque where it is needed most, you feel less wheelspin and more control, especially when accelerating from a stop or navigating uneven terrain.
Safety is about preparedness, and HTRAC® is designed to work in concert with Palisade’s SmartSense driver-assistance technologies and chassis tuning. The platform’s structural rigidity and careful suspension calibration provide a calm ride, while ten airbags and available features like a full-display digital rearview mirror and built-in dual-camera Dash Cam reinforce your sense of security. If you want even more confidence when plans take you off the beaten path, the Palisade XRT PRO adds ground clearance, an exclusive electronic rear limited-slip differential, and all-terrain tires, along with useful information screens that show pitch, roll, compass, and elevation.
Connectivity complements capability in the 2026 model. With standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, dual 12.3-inch displays, and available Bose® 14-speaker audio, every trip stays organized and relaxed. Bluelink® enables OTA updates so your Palisade can keep getting smarter over time, and Digital Key 2.0 Premium lets you lock, unlock, start, and share access with compatible devices. These features turn all-weather hardware into all-day convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is HTRAC® worth it if I mostly drive on pavement around town
Yes, because HTRAC® can proactively route torque in wet conditions, during quick lane changes, or when merging. The difference shows up as smoother, more confident launches and composure on uneven or slick surfaces, even if you rarely leave the pavement.
What does the Palisade XRT PRO add for drivers who venture onto dirt or gravel
XRT PRO adds more ground clearance, an exclusive electronic rear limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires, and extra capability features like Downhill Brake Control and a Surround View Monitor with forward ground view. It is the most off-road-capable Palisade yet.
Will HTRAC® help with towing stability
HTRAC® enhances traction under acceleration while Tow Mode optimizes shift points to reduce gear hunting. Together with the Palisade’s robust platform and available OEM-integrated tow hitch on select trims, the setup is designed to inspire confidence when you have a trailer attached.
When you want a three-row SUV that blends calm ride quality with intelligent traction, the Palisade with HTRAC® belongs on your shortlist. Schedule a demonstration at CardinaleWay Hyundai Glendora and ask to try terrain modes on a route that reflects your daily life. We are proudly serving Covina, Azusa, and West Covina with tailored test drives and product specialists who can explain the nuances of HTRAC® in simple, practical terms for your family.
Request more 2026 Hyundai Palisade information

