2026 Hyundai Palisade Bentonville, AR Drivers Will Love: Award-Winning Comfort, Power, and Innovation

Two Strong Family SUVs, One Clear Bentonville Advantage in Ownership Family SUV buyers in Bentonville, AR, have plenty to weigh beyond seating and cargo room. Cabin quality, everyday tech, and long-term ownership costs all factor into the decision. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan both offer spacious interiors, driver-assistance technology, and available all-wheel drive in the compact SUV class, making them a natural side-by-side comparison at Crain Hyundai of Bentonville. This comparison focuses on the gas-powered Tucson lineup. The Tucson is also available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, but those powertrains aren't included in the specs below. Full trim details for the gas Tucson are available on the 2026 Hyundai Tucson model research page. Vehicle Comparison 2026 Hyundai Tucson Horsepower 187 hp AWD Availability Available Fuel Economy / Range 26-28 combined mpg (city/hwy) Seating Capacity 5 Top Features 12.3-inch Touchscreen Hyundai Digital Key 2 Hyundai SmartSense Safety Suite Towing Capacity Up to 2,000 lbs (with optional trailer hitch) Find Your Tucson Today 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan Horsepower 201–268 hp AWD Availability Available Fuel Economy / Range 22-34 (range varies by trim) mpg (city/hwy) Seating Capacity 5 Top Features 12.9-inch Touchscreen Standard Adaptive Cruise Control IQ.DRIVE Safety Suite Towing Capacity Up to 1,800 lbs Search Our Used Inventory Cabin Design: Everyday Simplicity vs. European Flair The Tucson's interior leans into clarity. A digital gauge display, column-mounted shifter, and a dedicated climate panel with physical buttons keep everyday controls easy to find without digging through menus. The materials and layout reflect the design language running through Hyundai's current lineup. The Tiguan takes a different approach, borrowing European styling cues and its own column-mounted shifter to free up console space for extra storage. Higher trims add leather upholstery and genuine wood trim, giving the cabin a more upscale personality in a class where interiors can start to blend together. At a Glance: Tucson: Simple, modern dashboard with physical climate controls Tiguan: European-inspired design, available leather and wood trim on higher trims Both: Column-mounted shifters that free up console storage Technology: Two Big Screens, Two Different Philosophies Screens and software increasingly shape how a compact SUV feels day-to-day, and both deliver real depth. Every Tucson trim comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and SEL Premium and Limited trims add a combined 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with navigation. Hyundai Digital Key 2 rounds things out on higher trims, letting a compatible smartphone unlock, start, and even share access to the vehicle. The Tiguan starts with a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen, stepping up to an available 15-inch display running Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit Pro software on higher trims. A rotary volume knob and physical drive-mode controls stick around even as the screens grow, a detail that drivers who prefer tactile controls will likely appreciate. Tech Snapshot: Tucson: Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, available digital gauge cluster with navigation, Digital Key convenience Tiguan: Standard 12.9-inch touchscreen, available 15-inch display, retained physical rotary controls Both: Wireless smartphone connectivity across the lineup Ride and Performance: Refined Cruiser vs. Turbocharged Punch The Tucson and Tiguan reach for different things on the road. Every gas Tucson trim uses a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic and available all-wheel drive. Acceleration is adequate rather than quick. It’s about 8.8 seconds to 60 mph in testing. The tradeoff is a notably quiet, settled ride at cruising speed. The Tiguan splits its lineup by trim. The S, SE, and SE R-Line Black trims use a 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the new-for-2026 SEL R-Line Turbo steps up to a 268-hp version of that same engine with standard all-wheel drive, reaching 60 mph in a considerably quicker 6.7 seconds. Behind the Wheel: Tucson: 187-hp 2.5L four-cylinder across all gas trims, 8.8-second 0-60 Tiguan: 201-hp base turbo, 268-hp SEL R-Line Turbo, 6.7-second 0-60 (top trim) Both: Available all-wheel drive Interior Space: Room to Live With Cargo and passenger room matter every day for families in Bentonville, Rogers, and Springdale, and both SUVs deliver generously for their class. The Tucson fits 9 carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats and 22 with the seatbacks folded down, with a rear seat and cargo area that run larger than many rivals. The redesigned Tiguan gained real length, fitting 9 carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats and 25 with them folded. The previous generation's optional third row is no longer available. Cargo Breakdown: Tucson: 9 suitcases behind rear seats, 22 with seats folded Tiguan: 9 suitcases behind rear seats, 25 with seats folded Both: Seating for five, no third-row option Safety: Standard Protection, Different Emphasis Driver-assistance features are expected in this class now, and both SUVs deliver real depth here. Every Tucson comes standard with automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-keeping assist, while Hyundai SmartSense adds adaptive cruise control and lane-centering on higher trims. Highway Driving Assist 2 adds another layer of ease on longer highway stretches. Every Tiguan trim comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, along with automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. A total of 10 airbags, including driver knee, center, and rear-side airbags, backs up the active safety suite. Safety Highlights: Tucson: Hyundai SmartSense and Highway Driving Assist 2 on select trims Tiguan: Standard adaptive cruise control across the lineup, 10 total airbags Both: Standard automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist Performance, AWD, and Fuel Economy for Bentonville Drivers Efficiency still matters for daily commutes throughout Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, and Fayetteville. The Tucson's 187-hp engine is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel-drive models are rated at 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, for a combined 28 mpg, while all-wheel-drive models come in at 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, for a combined 26 mpg. The Tiguan's 201-hp base engine is also available with front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive, reaching up to 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway in front-wheel-drive trims, and dropping to 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive. The more powerful 268-hp SEL R-Line Turbo, which comes standard with all-wheel drive, is rated slightly lower on the highway at 29 mpg. Efficiency at a Glance: Tucson: 28 combined mpg (FWD), 26 combined mpg (AWD) Tiguan: Up to 26 city/34 highway mpg (FWD, base engine), 29 highway (SEL R-Line Turbo, AWD standard) Both: Available all-wheel drive with competitive efficiency for their output More Power, Less Gas: The Tucson Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid While this comparison focuses on the gas Tucson, it's not the only option in the lineup. Drivers who want quicker acceleration without stepping up to the Tiguan's turbocharged engine can look at the Tucson Hybrid or Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, both of which move quicker than the standard gas engine while adding electrified efficiency. Ownership Value: Where Hyundai Pulls Ahead Warranty coverage separates these two brands more than any single feature does. Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile warranty backs the Tucson with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty plan, plus 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance. Volkswagen covers the Tiguan with a 4-year/50,000-mile limited and powertrain warranty, along with 2 years or 20,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. This is solid coverage, but a clear step behind Hyundai's package. Coverage Comparison: Tucson: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, 3 years of complimentary maintenance Tiguan: 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty, 2 years of complimentary maintenance Tucson holds a clear advantage on long-term coverage Which Family SUV Fits Your Bentonville Lifestyle? Both the Tucson and Tiguan bring genuine strengths to this class, and the right choice comes down to what matters most day-to-day. Drivers who want a quiet, settled ride paired with exceptional warranty coverage may find the Tucson lines up well with their priorities. Others chasing stronger performance, particularly with the Tiguan's available 268-hp engine, or European design character, may lean toward the Tiguan instead. The team at Crain Hyundai of Bentonville can walk you through either option in person. Buyers weighing other options can also see how the Tucson stacks up against the Honda CR-V or the Nissan Rogue. Either way, drivers throughout Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, and Fayetteville get a genuinely well-equipped family SUV built for daily life in Northwest Arkansas. FAQs Q: What's the biggest difference in everyday tech between these two SUVs? A: The Tiguan offers a larger available touchscreen (up to 15 inches) with retained physical rotary controls, while the Tucson pairs its 12.3-inch touchscreen with Hyundai Digital Key convenience for keyless entry and start on higher trims. Q: How does interior design differ between the Tucson and Tiguan? A: The Tucson favors a simple, modern layout with physical climate controls, while the Tiguan brings European styling cues and available leather and wood trim on higher trims for a more upscale feel. Q: Do both SUVs offer all-wheel drive? A: Yes, both the Tucson and Tiguan offer all-wheel drive across their lineups, giving Bentonville-area drivers added confidence in changing weather conditions.

Which Compact Truck Handles Daily Life and Weekend Adventures Best? A full-size pickup isn't always the right fit. Plenty of drivers in Bentonville, AR, want an open bed, real towing capability, and available all-wheel drive without the size or fuel costs that come with a traditional truck. That's exactly the gap the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2026 Ford Maverick were built to fill. Both compact trucks bring genuine capability to the table, but the Santa Cruz leans further into SUV-level comfort and technology, making it just as comfortable on a Monday commute through Bentonville as it is loaded up for a weekend trip to the trails. More trim details and available configurations are covered on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz model research page. Vehicle Comparison 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Horsepower 191–281 hp AWD Availability Available Fuel Economy / Range 20-25 combined mpg (city/hwy) Seating Capacity 5 Top Features Available 281-hp Turbo Engine Hyundai Digital Key 2 In-Bed Storage + Integrated Tonneau Cover Towing Capacity Up to 5,000 lbs Bed Length 4 ft Find Your Santa Cruz Today 2026 Ford Maverick Horsepower 191–250 hp AWD Availability Available Fuel Economy / Range 22-30 combined mpg (city/hwy) Seating Capacity 5 Top Features Available Hybrid Powertrain 13.2" Touchscreen FLEXBED Storage System Towing Capacity Up to 4,000 lbs Bed Length 4.5 ft Search Our Used Inventory Standout Style for a Compact Truck SUV-inspired proportions set the Santa Cruz apart from a traditional pickup silhouette right away. Hyundai's approach blends genuine truck functionality with a shape that feels equally at home parked downtown or heading out toward Northwest Arkansas' outdoor destinations. A more conventional truck look defines the Maverick instead, with upright lines and squared-off styling that communicate utility above all else. First Look: Santa Cruz: Sport-inspired styling with SUV-like proportions Maverick: Traditional compact truck design Both: Genuinely functional despite their different approaches Power for Commuting and Weekend Trips Alike Engine choice plays a real role in how each of these trucks feels behind the wheel. Two gas-powered engines anchor the Santa Cruz lineup, with an available turbocharged engine topping out at 281 horsepower. That extra power shows up clearly during highway merges, passing, or towing recreational gear on a weekend trip. Ford spreads the Maverick's power across a wider range, including a standard hybrid built around efficiency. Drivers cross-shopping the two will notice the Santa Cruz's SUV-adjacent platform delivers a smoother, quieter ride during everyday driving, a byproduct of sharing more DNA with modern crossovers than with traditional pickups. Under the Hood: Santa Cruz: Available 281-hp turbocharged engine Maverick: Standard hybrid powertrain, turbo option available Both: Available AWD for added traction A Cabin Built for Everyday Comfort Most compact truck owners spend more time commuting than hauling, which makes cabin comfort a real factor in day-to-day satisfaction. Materials and design inside the Santa Cruz echo Hyundai's SUV lineup closely, creating a cabin that feels more premium than what many shoppers expect walking into this segment. That quieter ride carries through to longer drives as well, adding to the overall sense of refinement. Practicality drives the Maverick's cabin instead, with durable materials and storage solutions built around utility, though higher trims add extra comfort touches of their own. Cabin Notes: Santa Cruz: Premium cabin feel with a quieter ride Maverick: Functional design with practical storage Both: Comfortable seating for five Tech That Keeps Up With the Day Modern truck shoppers expect real technology, and both of these compact trucks deliver. A 12.3-inch touchscreen anchors the Santa Cruz's dashboard, joined by available digital displays for a cohesive, modern layout. Hyundai Digital Key adds another layer of everyday convenience, letting compatible smartphones access and operate the vehicle directly. A larger standard 13.2-inch touchscreen counters on the Maverick side, paired with straightforward infotainment controls that keep the learning curve low for new owners. Tech Rundown: Santa Cruz: 12.3-inch touchscreen, available dual-screen layout, Digital Key convenience Maverick: Standard 13.2-inch touchscreen Both: Wireless smartphone connectivity Confidence Behind the Wheel Driver-assistance technology continues to shape how shoppers choose between trucks in this segment. Hyundai SmartSense rounds out the Santa Cruz's safety story, bundling adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking into one collection built for everyday confidence. Highway Driving Assist 2 adds a further layer of ease on longer highway stretches. A competitive collection of driver-assistance features comes standard on the Maverick as well, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Safety Snapshot: Santa Cruz: Hyundai SmartSense and Highway Driving Assist 2 Maverick: Standard automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance Both: Advanced safety features built for daily driving Weekend-Ready Capability Truck shoppers eventually want to know what these vehicles can actually do once the weekend hits. Integrated in-bed storage and an available lockable tonneau cover give the Santa Cruz an edge in everyday practicality, protecting cargo while adding real usability. Properly equipped turbo models can tow up to 5,000 lbs, plenty for small campers, boats, or utility trailers. The Maverick counters with its FLEXBED system for customizable cargo solutions and a slightly longer 4.5-foot bed, compared to the Santa Cruz's 4-foot bed. Towing capacity tops out at 4,000 lbs when properly equipped. Capability Notes: Santa Cruz: Up to 5,000 lbs towing, 4-foot bed with integrated storage Maverick: FLEXBED system, 4.5-foot bed, up to 4,000 lbs towing Both: Practical compact trucks built for everyday versatility Fuel Economy for Bentonville Commuters Efficiency remains a real consideration for drivers using either truck as a daily commuter around Bentonville, Rogers, and Fayetteville. Gas-powered Maverick models achieve approximately 22 to 30 mpg combined, depending on configuration, with a separate hybrid variant available for buyers chasing maximum efficiency. The Santa Cruz delivers approximately 20 to 25 mpg combined, prioritizing stronger performance and towing capability over outright efficiency. Efficiency Notes: Santa Cruz: 20–25 mpg combined Maverick: Approximately 22–30 mpg combined, hybrid available Both: Practical daily fuel economy for this segment Ownership Value Over Time Warranty coverage plays a bigger role in ownership satisfaction than many truck shoppers expect going in. Hyundai backs the Santa Cruz with America's Best Warranty, including complimentary maintenance that adds real long-term value. Ford offers a more traditional warranty structure on the Maverick, competitive on pricing but without matching Hyundai's complimentary maintenance coverage. Value Points: Santa Cruz: Longer warranty coverage and complimentary maintenance Maverick: Competitive pricing and strong efficiency Both: Backed by established manufacturer support Which Compact Truck Fits Your Life in Bentonville? Both the Santa Cruz and Maverick bring real strengths to this growing segment, and the right fit often comes down to daily priorities. Drivers focused on fuel economy, affordability, and traditional truck utility may find the Maverick lines up well with their needs. Others who want a more refined cabin, stronger turbo performance, and greater towing capability may find the Santa Cruz fits their weekends and weekdays alike. Either way, drivers throughout Bentonville, Rogers, and Fayetteville get a genuinely capable compact truck built for daily life in Northwest Arkansas. FAQs Q: What sets the Santa Cruz's technology apart in this segment? A: The Santa Cruz offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an available dual-screen layout, and Hyundai Digital Key convenience, giving it a more connected, SUV-like tech experience than many compact trucks offer. Q: Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz more like an SUV or a truck? A: The Santa Cruz blends genuine pickup capability with SUV-like comfort, ride quality, and technology, creating a distinctive alternative to traditional compact trucks. Q: How much can the Hyundai Santa Cruz tow? A: When properly equipped with the turbocharged engine, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 lbs, a strong option for small campers, utility trailers, boats, and outdoor gear.

TL;DR: Hyundai earned eight IIHS safety awards for 2026, including a Top Safety Pick+ for the all-new Palisade. The recognition covers SUVs, sedans, and EVs alike, and comes as IIHS raised its testing standards, especially around rear-seat protection. For Bentonville drivers comparing family vehicles, it's a strong signal of where Hyundai stands on safety. Hyundai just had one of its strongest showings yet in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's annual awards, and it's good news for anyone shopping at a Hyundai dealer in Bentonville. For 2026, the brand earned eight total IIHS safety honors, including a Top Safety Pick+ for the redesigned Hyundai Palisade, the organization's highest possible rating. Earning even one Top Safety Pick+ award is a genuine accomplishment. IIHS raises its testing requirements almost every year, and the bar for 2026 was tougher than ever. Hyundai didn't just clear that bar once. It cleared it across seven different vehicles, plus a Top Safety Pick award for an eighth. For anyone shopping for a Hyundai dealer near me in Bentonville, that kind of consistency across the lineup is worth paying attention to. Hyundai's Full List of 2026 IIHS Award Winners Hyundai's awards spanned SUVs, sedans, and EVs, touching nearly every corner of the lineup instead of just one or two standout models. 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Winners Hyundai Palisade Hyundai IONIQ 5 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Kona Hyundai Tucson Hyundai Santa Fe 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick Winner Hyundai Elantra That spread matters. It suggests Hyundai's safety investments run through the whole brand, not just a flagship model built to win headlines. Visit our model research page for more info on each Hyundai vehicle. Why 2026's Awards Are Harder to Earn IIHS didn't keep its 2026 standards the same as previous years. The organization tightened requirements across several categories, including moderate front overlap and small overlap crash testing, side-impact protection, pedestrian crash prevention, updated vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention, headlight performance, and rear-seat occupant protection. That last category is the big one. IIHS has started scrutinizing second-row passenger protection much more closely, an area that didn't get nearly as much attention in older testing cycles. Automakers can no longer rely solely on strong front-seat results. They need to show real protection throughout the entire cabin, paired with driver-assistance tech that helps prevent crashes before they happen. The Redesigned Palisade Leads the Pack Of all of Hyundai's 2026 winners, the all-new Palisade stands out the most. Built after November 2025, the redesigned three-row SUV earned IIHS's top honor by performing well across every major evaluation, including moderate and small overlap crash testing, side-impact protection, and both pedestrian and vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention. IIHS specifically called out Hyundai's improvements to second-row protection on the Palisade, which lines up directly with the organization's updated focus for 2026. Everything the redesigned Palisade brings to the table, from cabin space to towing capability, shows up in the award-winning comfort and power packed into Hyundai's three-row SUV. Recognition Reaches Well Beyond One Model What makes this year different from a lot of past safety-award cycles is how many vehicles earned recognition. Hyundai's honors touched three-row SUVs like the Palisade and Santa Fe, compact SUVs like the Tucson and Kona, EVs like the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9, and sedans like the Sonata and Elantra. Drivers cross-shopping the compact EV space have plenty of reasons to compare notes, especially how the IONIQ 5 stacks up against the Tesla Model Y. On the sedan side, the Elantra's Top Safety Pick award adds another layer to a car that's already known for value. Shoppers deciding between compact sedans often find it helpful to compare the Elantra to the Honda Civic before making a final decision. SmartSense Plays a Role, Too Hyundai's safety results aren't only about how vehicles hold up in a crash. Every 2026 Hyundai model comes standard with six Hyundai SmartSense features: Lane Departure Warning Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection Rear Occupant Alert High Beam Assist These systems are built to help drivers stay ahead of potential hazards rather than just reacting after something goes wrong, and they factor directly into how vehicles perform on IIHS's updated crash-prevention testing. That combination of prevention and protection is built into Hyundai SmartSense, standard on every new model. What This Means for Bentonville Drivers Eight IIHS awards in a single year, earned under tougher standards than ever, isn't a coincidence. It reflects a consistent approach to safety that runs across nearly every vehicle in Hyundai's 2026 lineup, from family SUVs to daily commuter sedans to EVs. This isn't the first time Hyundai has stood out on the safety front, either. The brand has built a reputation for strong, repeated Top Safety Pick recognition from IIHS year after year. For Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas drivers weighing safety alongside comfort, tech, and value, that track record is hard to ignore. FAQ How is a Top Safety Pick+ award different from a standard Top Safety Pick? Top Safety Pick+ is IIHS's highest honor, requiring stronger performance in crash prevention, headlight quality, and occupant protection than a standard Top Safety Pick award. Which Hyundai models earned a Top Safety Pick award instead of Top Safety Pick+ for 2026? The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick award, IIHS's second-highest safety distinction. What changed about IIHS testing that made 2026 awards harder to earn? IIHS placed new emphasis on rear-seat occupant protection, along with tougher pedestrian safety and vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention testing. Which Hyundai models earned Top Safety Pick+ for 2026? The Palisade, IONIQ 5, IONIQ 9, Sonata, Kona, Tucson, and Santa Fe all received Top Safety Pick+ honors.