Jones Junction - Does HTRAC All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Make a Noticeable Difference around Abingdon, MD?
The answer shows up the moment the weather turns or the road surface changes—Hyundai’s HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Palisade is tuned for real-world confidence, not just the spec sheet. Around Abingdon, MD, where commutes can shift quickly from dry asphalt to rain-slick streets and unpaved cut-throughs, the system’s active torque control and driver-selectable modes help maintain stable, predictable traction without fuss. What stands out is how naturally HTRAC blends traction, throttle, and shift logic to keep you moving smoothly, whether you are merging onto I-95, pulling away from a wet stoplight, or navigating a snowy morning.
For 2026, the Palisade layers in new Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain settings that tailor power distribution and response to the surface under your tires. Tow Mode further refines shift behavior for trailer duty, holding gears longer and reducing shift hunting so your combination feels composed. Both the refined 3.5L V6 and the first-ever 2.5L turbo Hybrid are available with HTRAC, so you can choose the driving character you prefer without giving up all-weather poise. Inside, the cabin stays calm thanks to laminated glass and sound-deadening, so you can feel the difference in traction without hearing it.
- Rain-soaked commutes: HTRAC® balances torque front-to-rear to reduce slip and keep steering feel predictable as conditions change.
- Unplowed side streets: Snow mode softens throttle response and manages torque split to help you pull away smoothly and turn with control.
- Gravel or beach access: Sand mode optimizes power delivery to maintain momentum in looser surfaces where digging in is a risk.
- Weekend towing: Tow Mode reshapes shift timing for steadier acceleration when your trailer adds weight and aerodynamic drag.
If you want even more hardware, consider the XRT PRO model. It adds an electronic rear limited-slip differential, greater ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, all-terrain tires, and canyon red recovery hooks, plus a fascia-integrated OEM tow hitch. The result is trail-leaning confidence that still feels right at home on daily routes. Even without the XRT PRO, Palisade’s HTRAC tuning is impressively versatile, making quick, subtle adjustments you can sense in how surefooted the SUV feels when the road throws a curve—literal or figurative.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is HTRAC® AWD always on, or do I need to engage it?
HTRAC is an active system that continuously varies torque between the front and rear axles. You can choose drive modes like Normal, Sport, or Smart to influence behavior, and you can select dedicated terrain settings—Mud, Sand, or Snow—when conditions warrant extra traction tuning.
Does HTRAC® make towing easier?
Yes. Tow Mode, available with HTRAC, changes shift mapping to hold lower gears and reduce gear hunting, making acceleration smoother and more predictable with a trailer in tow. This can be especially helpful when merging or climbing grades with a full family and gear.
Can I get HTRAC® with the Hybrid powertrain?
Yes. The 2026 Palisade Hybrid is available with HTRAC® AWD, so you can combine strong, electrified response and long-range confidence with the surefooted traction you want for four-season driving around Abingdon, MD.
What else should I test on a drive if I am considering HTRAC®?
Bring your routine into the test drive. Try a mix of stop-and-go and highway, feel how the Palisade pulls away on a damp surface, and sample the terrain modes in a safe, open area. If towing is in your plans, ask to review Tow Mode logic and the integrated hitch layout to see how it fits your gear.
When you are ready to compare trims and powertrains, Jones Junction is serving Baltimore, White Marsh, and Abingdon with product specialists who can help you weigh HTRAC® benefits alongside seating layouts, connectivity, and safety tech. One focused drive will show how calmly the system manages traction—your cue that everyday confidence is built in.