2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Mazda CX-50

$37,200 · Crossover

$30,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the spacious 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the nimble 2025 Mazda CX-50 often comes down to prioritizing sheer size versus efficiency and upfront cost. If your family demands maximum interior volume, the Palisade offers a larger footprint at 196.7 inches long and delivers a healthy 291 hp. However, this comes at a premium; the Palisade starts at $37,200, a significant $6,700 more than the CX-50's base MSRP of $30,500. Furthermore, daily running costs favor the smaller SUV, as the CX-50 achieves a superior 28 MPG combined compared to the Palisade's 22 MPG combined. While the Palisade offers more power, the CX-50 compensates with standard All-Wheel Drive and greater utility in tight spaces due to its smaller dimensions, making the trade-off between the 104 hp difference and fuel savings a major consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior 28 MPG combined efficiency versus the Palisade's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade is better suited for families needing more room, evident by its larger overall dimensions and greater passenger capacity (implied by its larger crossover segment classification).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Palisade

Enthusiasts will prefer the Palisade's higher output, boasting 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque compared to the CX-50's 187 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 provides substantially better value, costing $6,700 less and delivering better fuel economy.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You frequently carry three rows of passengers or need maximum towing/hauling capability.
You prioritize horsepower, as the Palisade offers 291 hp for easier merging and highway passing.
You want a larger presence on the road, given the Palisade’s 196.7-inch length.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

Your budget is tighter, as the CX-50 has a $6,700 lower starting MSRP.
Fuel economy is a top concern, where the CX-50 achieves 28 MPG combined vs. 22 MPG for the Palisade.
You need more usable storage space behind the main seats, as the CX-50 offers 31.4 cu ft vs. the Palisade's 18 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Palisade	Mazda CX-50
Length	196.7"	185.8"
Width	77.8"	75.6"
Height	68.9"	63.5"
Wheelbase	114.2"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	3.8 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.2/488.8 mi.	397.5/492.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speaker System	—	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	44.1 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.1 in.	53.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Rear Head Room	40.1 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.7 in.	52.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2025 Mazda CX-50.

How much more fuel-efficient is the CX-50 than the Palisade?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 holds a clear edge in efficiency, netting 28 MPG combined, which is 6 MPG better than the 2025 Hyundai Palisade's 22 MPG combined rating. This difference will result in significant savings over the course of a year, especially for commuters.

Is the Palisade too big for city driving compared to the CX-50?

The Palisade is notably larger, measuring 196.7 inches long compared to the CX-50's 185.8 inches, and it is wider at 77.8 inches. While the Palisade's higher power helps manage city traffic, the smaller CX-50 will generally feel more nimble and easier to park in tight urban spots.

Which vehicle is better for performance driving enthusiasts?

The Hyundai Palisade is the stronger choice for power seekers, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque from its larger engine. The CX-50 produces only 187 hp, meaning the Palisade will feel significantly quicker.

Does the difference in starting price reflect capability?

Yes, the $6,700 MSRP difference is justified by the Palisade's greater power and its overall larger size, likely indicating a third row of seating. However, the CX-50 includes standard All-Wheel Drive, while the Palisade starts in Front Wheel Drive configuration.

How does cargo capacity compare between these two crossovers?

Surprisingly, the smaller Mazda CX-50 appears more versatile for gear, offering 31.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Palisade's 18 cu ft when maximizing rear storage. This suggests the Palisade dedicates more of its length to passenger space.

Do both models use the same type of fuel?

Fortunately, yes, both the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Mazda CX-50 are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fueling needs regardless of which vehicle you choose.