2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the MSRP, separating them by $8,935, with the CX-50 starting at $30,500 compared to the Palisade's $39,435. This price difference reflects substantial performance and size variations. The Palisade delivers 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft. Conversely, the CX-50 claims superior efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the Palisade's 21 MPG combined. Size is another key factor; the Palisade is longer at 199.2 inches and taller at 69.5 inches, reflecting its larger segment position, although the smaller CX-50 offers greater cargo volume at 31.4 cu ft compared to the Palisade's 19.1 cu ft (likely due to the Palisade's three rows). The power output gap is substantial, with the Palisade offering 100 more horsepower.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Palisade's 21 MPG.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the choice for families needing more overall space, evidenced by its significantly larger exterior dimensions (199.2 inches in length and 69.5 inches in height).
2026 Hyundai Palisade
Enthusiasts favor the Palisade due to its 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, substantially exceeding the CX-50's 187 hp.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 offers better value by providing higher fuel efficiency (28 MPG) for a $8,935 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Your budget strictly requires a lower entry price point, starting at $30,500.
- Maximum fuel efficiency is paramount, as indicated by its 28 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer utilizing the greater usable storage space of 31.4 cubic feet.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You require significantly higher power figures, possessing 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the larger physical footprint and height (69.5 inches) potentially for greater interior volume or presence.
- The presence of an 8-speed automatic transmission over the CX-50's 6-speed is preferred for operation.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 199.2" |
| Width | 75.6" | 78.0" |
| Height | 63.5" | 69.5" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 116.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 287 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/31 MPG | 19/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 361.0/475.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 19.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 44.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 61.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 61.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 235/65R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
What is the difference in drivetrain configuration between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the 2026 Hyundai Palisade base model utilizes Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), which is a crucial distinction for traction capabilities.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Palisade compared to the CX-50?
The Palisade boasts a substantial 100 horsepower advantage, delivering 287 hp versus the CX-50's 187 hp, translating to significantly quicker acceleration capability.
Is the CX-50 more fuel-efficient despite having AWD?
Yes, the Mazda CX-50 maintains better efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined compared to the Palisade's 21 MPG combined, even with its AWD system.
Which vehicle offers more room for cargo behind the main seating area?
The smaller CX-50 provides more measurable cargo volume at 31.4 cubic feet compared to the larger Palisade's 19.1 cubic feet, suggesting the Palisade sacrifices cargo space for its size and likely third-row seating.
How does the base MSRP impact the overall value proposition?
The $8,935 price gap favors the CX-50 immensely on initial cost. However, buyers must weigh this against the Palisade’s superior power and size advantages before finalizing a value assessment.
Do both models use premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade specify regular unleaded fuel compatibility, minimizing long-term running costs related to fuel grade.
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