2026 Hyundai Palisade three-row SUV in deep navy blue, parked on an open road with desert mountains in the background — available at Chico Hyundai

March 2026  •  Chico Hyundai  •  Family SUVs & Comparisons

For years, the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot were the default choices for growing families in Northern California. But the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the boldly redesigned 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid have completely changed the conversation — offering premium refinement, advanced technology, and ownership value that leaves the competition behind.

At Chico Hyundai, we currently have an outstanding selection of family SUVs ready for your next adventure — whether that is a weekend trip to Lake Shasta, a school run across town, or a road trip down the coast. With 18 Palisade models, 6 Palisade Hybrids, and 15 Santa Fe Hybrids in stock, there has never been a better time to upgrade your family’s ride.

1. The 2026 Palisade: Luxury Space the Highlander Can’t Match

When you step inside the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, you might mistake it for a luxury European SUV. The Palisade offers an incredibly spacious, whisper-quiet three-row cabin with available premium Nappa leather seating, a 12.3-inch navigation display, and an innovative Ergo Motion driver’s seat designed to reduce fatigue on long road trips. Compared to the Toyota Highlander, the Palisade provides significantly more third-row legroom and cargo space — ensuring every passenger, not just the front two rows, rides in genuine comfort.

Feature 2026 Hyundai Palisade 2026 Toyota Highlander
3rd Row Legroom 31.0 in ✓ 27.7 in
Standard Infotainment 12.3″ Touchscreen ✓ 8.0″ Touchscreen
Powertrain Warranty 10 yr / 100,000 mi ✓ 5 yr / 60,000 mi
Available AWD HTRAC AWD ✓ Standard AWD
Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto Standard ✓ Available (not standard)

2. The 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid: Bold Design Meets Real Efficiency

The boldly redesigned 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid is a genuine game-changer for families who want efficiency without compromise. Unlike the Honda Pilot, which relies on a traditional gas-only powertrain, the Santa Fe Hybrid delivers impressive MPG while offering a commanding, boxy presence that turns heads on every Chico street. With standard HTRAC AWD, it is perfectly suited for everything from city driving to weekend adventures up Highway 32 into the mountains.

The Santa Fe Hybrid features a dual wireless charging pad, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, available panoramic sunroof, and Hyundai’s full SmartSense safety suite — all standard. It is the family SUV that saves you money every day without asking you to give anything up.

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid exterior — available at Chico Hyundai

3. Safety Your Whole Family Can Count On

Both the Palisade and Santa Fe Hybrid come standard with Hyundai SmartSense — a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance features that is included on every single trim level, not just the top-of-the-line models. Whether you are navigating Chico’s busy downtown streets or merging onto Highway 99, SmartSense has you covered.

Hyundai SmartSense — Standard on Every Palisade & Santa Fe Hybrid

  Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection
  Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
  Blind-Spot Collision Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  Driver Attention Warning and High Beam Assist
  Available Highway Driving Assist for confident long-distance travel

4. Our Current Family SUV Inventory at Chico Hyundai

With one of the best selections of family SUVs in Northern California right now, Chico Hyundai has the right vehicle for your family. Every model comes with America’s Best Warranty — the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage that Toyota and Honda simply cannot match.

2026 Hyundai Palisade — 18 In Stock

Three-row luxury SUV with available Nappa leather, 12.3″ display, and HTRAC AWD. More third-row space than the Highlander at a better price.

2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid — 6 In Stock

All the luxury of the Palisade with exceptional hybrid fuel efficiency. The smart choice for families who want premium space and lower fuel costs.

2026 Santa Fe Hybrid — 15 In Stock

Bold redesign, standard HTRAC AWD, and impressive MPG. Three-row seating with a commanding presence — the Honda Pilot cannot compete at this price point.

2026 Santa Fe — 4 In Stock

The gas-powered Santa Fe delivers the same bold redesign and premium features for families who prefer a traditional powertrain. Spacious, capable, and well-equipped.

Your Family’s Next Adventure Starts Here

Visit Chico Hyundai and test drive the 2026 Palisade or Santa Fe Hybrid. Bring the whole family — we want everyone to find their perfect seat. We will appraise your current vehicle on the spot.

View Our SUV Inventory

*Hyundai warranty coverage applies to original owner and is transferable. See dealer for complete terms. Inventory counts are approximate and subject to prior sale. Third-row legroom figures based on published manufacturer specifications. MPG estimates based on EPA ratings; actual mileage may vary. Chico Hyundai  •  (530) 287-6081  •  2562 Cohasset Rd, Chico, CA 95973  •  chicohyundai.com

2026 Hyundai Elantra driving on a Northern California highway near Chico

If you have been driving a Toyota or Honda around Chico, you may assume you are getting the best reliability and value on the market. But the automotive landscape has shifted — and more Northern California drivers are discovering that Hyundai delivers a superior ownership experience, better standard technology, and unmatched peace of mind at a price that genuinely makes sense.

At Chico Hyundai, we are seeing a record number of customers trading in their Corollas, Civics, and Camrys for our modern lineup. The reason is straightforward: Hyundai gives you more car for your money, backed by a warranty that no other mainstream brand can touch. Here is why making the switch to Hyundai is the smartest automotive decision you can make in 2026.

1. America’s Best Warranty — Twice the Coverage of Toyota and Honda

The single most compelling reason to choose Hyundai over Toyota or Honda is the warranty. While both Toyota and Honda offer a standard 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, every new Hyundai comes with America’s Best Warranty — a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty at no extra cost. That is twice the coverage, protecting your engine, transmission, and drivetrain for a full decade.

Warranty Coverage Hyundai Toyota Honda
Powertrain Warranty 10 yr / 100,000 mi ✓ 5 yr / 60,000 mi 5 yr / 60,000 mi
New Vehicle Limited 5 yr / 60,000 mi ✓ 3 yr / 36,000 mi 3 yr / 36,000 mi
Roadside Assistance 5 yr / Unlimited mi ✓ 2 yr / Unlimited mi 3 yr / 36,000 mi
Anti-Perforation Warranty 7 yr / Unlimited mi ✓ 5 yr / Unlimited mi 5 yr / Unlimited mi

2. More Standard Features — Without the Upgrade Tax

Hyundai has redefined what a base model means. When you compare a 2026 Hyundai Elantra to a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla at the same price point, the difference in standard equipment is immediately apparent. Hyundai consistently packs its vehicles with advanced safety features, larger touchscreen displays, and premium interior materials that cost extra — or simply are not available — on competing brands.

From wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to Hyundai’s comprehensive SmartSense driver-assistance suite, you get the latest technology as standard equipment — not as a costly add-on.

2026 Hyundai Sonata bold exterior design — available at Chico Hyundai

3. The Hyundai Competitive Owner Coupon — A Bonus for Switching

Hyundai actively rewards drivers who make the switch from a competing brand. The Hyundai Competitive Owner Coupon offers eligible conquest buyers additional savings — up to $1,500 or more — simply for trading in a vehicle from a competing brand. Combined with current Hyundai incentives, this can significantly lower your purchase price or monthly payment. Ask our team at Chico Hyundai about current conquest offers when you visit.

Why Chico Drivers Are Choosing Hyundai Over Toyota & Honda

  10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty — double Toyota and Honda coverage
  More standard technology and safety features at every trim level
  Hyundai Competitive Owner Coupon — extra savings for switching brands
  Award-winning design that stands out on every Chico street
  18 Elantra & 5 Sonata models in stock — find yours today at Chico Hyundai

4. Bold Design That Turns Heads in Chico

Gone are the days when Hyundai played it safe with conservative styling. The 2026 Elantra and Sonata feature striking, angular exteriors with bold character lines that make the Corolla and Civic look like they are from a different decade. Hyundai’s design philosophy — called Sensuous Sportiness — blends proportion, architecture, styling, and technology into vehicles that are genuinely exciting to look at and drive. When you pull up to work or a weekend event in Chico, people will notice.

2026 Hyundai Elantra — 18 In Stock

Bold, angular design with a driver-focused cockpit. Up to 38 MPG highway, wireless CarPlay, and SmartSense safety — all standard. The Corolla and Civic simply cannot match this value.

2026 Hyundai Sonata — 5 In Stock

A midsize sedan that redefines the segment. Stunning fastback styling, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and available turbocharged power — at a price that undercuts the Camry and Accord.

2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid — 8 In Stock

Up to 52 MPG combined. All the style and tech of the standard Elantra with exceptional fuel savings built in. The smart commuter’s choice in Chico.

2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — 2 In Stock

Exceptional efficiency in a premium midsize package. The Sonata Hybrid delivers up to 52 MPG combined — far ahead of the Camry Hybrid at a comparable price.

Ready to Make the Switch to Hyundai?

Visit Chico Hyundai today, test drive the 2026 Elantra or Sonata, and discover why so many Chico drivers are leaving Toyota and Honda behind. We will also value your trade-in on the spot.

View Our Inventory

*Hyundai warranty coverage applies to original owner and is transferable. See dealer for complete terms and conditions. Inventory counts are approximate and subject to prior sale. MPG estimates based on EPA ratings; actual mileage may vary. Competitive Owner Coupon subject to eligibility requirements; see dealer for details. Chico Hyundai | 2562 Cohasset Rd, Chico, CA 95973