2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$37,200 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 often boils down to prioritizing outright utility versus dynamic driving feel and efficiency. The Palisade offers a more welcoming entry price at $37,200 compared to the CX-90's $38,800, but the Mazda fights back immediately with superior fuel economy, achieving 25 MPG combined versus the Hyundai's 22 MPG combined. Power delivery is intriguing: the Palisade boasts slightly more horsepower at 291 hp, while the CX-90 significantly outperforms in torque with 332 lb-ft versus the Palisade's 262 lb-ft. Furthermore, utility leans toward the Hyundai, which offers 18 cubic feet of cargo space, edging out the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet. Finally, the standard all-wheel drive on the CX-90 versus the front-wheel drive standard on the Palisade is a key factor for buyers facing variable weather conditions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is the better family pick because it offers slightly more cargo capacity at 18 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-90 thanks to its significantly higher torque output of 332 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade provides better initial value, starting at a lower MSRP of $37,200.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You need the lowest starting price, as the 2025 Hyundai Palisade starts at $37,200.
You prioritize slightly more passenger/cargo space, as the Palisade offers 18 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
You are content with FWD and its standard 291 horsepower output.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Better efficiency is key, as the 2026 Mazda CX-90 achieves 25 MPG combined versus 22 MPG for the Palisade.
You desire more pulling power, evidenced by the CX-90's superior 332 lb-ft of torque.
You live where AWD is necessary, as it comes standard on the CX-90.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Palisade	Mazda CX-90
Length	196.7"	200.8"
Width	77.8"	78.5"
Height	68.9"	68.3"
Wheelbase	114.2"	122.8"

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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	3.8 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.2/488.8 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	18.5 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	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
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
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

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.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	44.1 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	58.1 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Rear Head Room	40.1 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.7 in.	55.5 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	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Which SUV is better for winter driving conditions?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 has an advantage here because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The 2025 Hyundai Palisade comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), meaning you might need to opt for a higher trim level to gain AWD capability.

How big is the difference in efficiency between these two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-90 is noticeably more efficient, achieving 25 MPG combined (23 city/28 highway). The Hyundai Palisade trails slightly with a combined rating of 22 MPG (19 city/26 highway), meaning more frequent stops at the pump in the Palisade.

If I haul a lot of gear, which one has more space?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade wins the utility contest slightly, offering 18 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 provides 14.9 cubic feet in the same configuration.

Is there a significant power difference between the standard engines?

Yes, though both use 8-speed automatic transmissions, the Palisade offers slightly more horsepower at 291 hp. However, the CX-90 produces significantly more torque, delivering 332 lb-ft versus the Palisade's 262 lb-ft, which aids in initial acceleration and towing feel.

What is the difference in their exterior footprint?

The Mazda CX-90 is slightly larger overall; it is 200.8 inches long compared to the Palisade's 196.7 inches. The CX-90 is also slightly wider at 78.5 inches.

Which car offers a better entry-level price point?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is the more budget-friendly starting option at an MSRP of $37,200. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 begins its pricing structure slightly higher at $38,800.