Is HTRAC All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Hyundai Palisade the Right Choice for Daly City, CA Drivers?

Hyundai of San Bruno – Is HTRAC All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Hyundai Palisade the Right Choice for Daly City, CA Drivers?

For families and commuters weighing their next SUV, confidence in changing road conditions often ranks as high as comfort and tech. Hyundai’s available HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Palisade was engineered to add that confidence without complicating everyday driving, pairing smart power distribution with user-friendly drive and terrain modes.

What sets HTRAC apart is how naturally it works in the background. An electronic clutch routinely varies torque between the front and rear axles, tuning for straight-line launches, hill starts, and cornering stability. When weather shifts or surfaces change, you can quickly select Mud, Sand, or Snow terrain modes that refine throttle response and torque distribution for the surface you are tackling. For drivers who plan to tow, Tow Mode helps the transmission hold the right gear longer and reduces shift hunting under load, contributing to a more composed feel on grades and highway merges.

While most daily drives stay on dry pavement, the right AWD system is as much about reassurance as it is about traction. That is why HTRAC® is paired with a chassis calibrated for predictable responses and braking features, so the Palisade remains composed when you need to thread tight streets, negotiate a steep garage ramp, or ease through a construction zone with dust and gravel. With available camera systems, including Surround View Monitor and forward ground view on certain trims, low-speed maneuvering in tricky spots becomes less stressful too.

Beyond the traction story, Hyundai integrated towing-friendly hardware and software on select trims. The available integrated OEM tow hitch and Tow Mode give you a cohesive setup, so the vehicle, trailer, and driver aids feel aligned. Drivers who head for weekend campsites will appreciate that you can tailor HTRAC® settings to the terrain ahead and then return to Smart or Normal drive modes for the trip home without fuss.

• Rainy commutes: HTRAC® helps reduce wheel slip during acceleration while preserving steering feel as you merge or change lanes.
• Hilly neighborhoods: The system’s tuning supports hill starts and descent stability, contributing to smooth launches and confident control.
• Gravel pull-outs: Terrain modes refine torque delivery to help you pull away cleanly without excessive wheelspin.
• Weekend towing: Tow Mode optimizes shift timing and reduces gear hunting, making grades and merges feel more settled.
• Occasional trailheads: On models like XRT PRO, added ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and eLSD complement HTRAC® for more adventurous routes.

Taken together, HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive is a thoughtful match for Daly City hills, coastal mist, and spur-of-the-moment road trips. It complements the Palisade’s luxury-leaning interior, dual 12.3-inch panoramic curved display, and available Relaxation seats, so you do not have to choose between confidence and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need HTRAC AWD if I mostly drive on highways?

Highway driving still benefits from HTRAC® because the system can refine power delivery during on-ramps, lane changes, and rain-slicked stretches. The confidence it brings in unpredictable conditions can be valuable even if you only face real snow or dirt a few times a year.

How do Terrain modes differ from Drive modes?

Drive modes like Normal, Sport, and Smart tailor the Palisade’s everyday responses and shift logic. Terrain modes — Mud, Sand, Snow — focus on low-traction surfaces and adjust torque distribution and throttle response to help maintain steady forward progress on loose or slippery ground.

Is HTRAC available with both powertrains?

Yes. HTRAC® is available with the new 3.5L V6 and the first-ever 2.5L turbo-hybrid powertrain, so you can match your traction preferences to your performance and efficiency priorities.

What trims best support light off-pavement use?

Every HTRAC®-equipped Palisade benefits from all-weather capability, but drivers planning more adventurous routes should look at the XRT PRO. It adds off-road-oriented hardware such as increased ground clearance, an eLSD, all-terrain tires, and camera views that make rougher paths easier to read.

If you are mapping out your next SUV, HTRAC® is a compelling upgrade for traction, towing poise, and peace of mind with minimal learning curve. It slots into the Palisade’s premium formula without asking you to sacrifice interior refinement or technology features. Hyundai of San Bruno is serving San Francisco, Burlingame, and Daly City with product specialists who can walk you through HTRAC® settings, Tow Mode, and the available camera systems on a route that mirrors your daily drive. Bring your questions — and any gear you plan to pack — and we will help you see how this system can fit your everyday with room to spare.

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