2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$39,435 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 showdown pits the spacious, commanding Hyundai Palisade against the agile, torque-rich Mazda CX-90! The Palisade delivers commanding road presence with its substantial 199.2-inch length and boasts 287 hp, making it a comfortable highway cruiser despite netting 21 combined MPG. Conversely, the CX-90 captivates the enthusiast with a stellar 332 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the Palisade's 260 lb-ft, all while sipping fuel more efficiently at 25 combined MPG. The Mazda's standard All-Wheel Drive system is a dynamic advantage over the Palisade's FWD setup. While the Hyundai offers more usable room with 19.1 cu ft of cargo space versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft, the Mazda undercuts it on price at $38,800 compared to the Palisade's $39,435. This is a battle between maximized utility and refined, efficient driving dynamics.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its superior 25 combined MPG rating compared to the Palisade's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade is better suited for families needing utility, offering 19.1 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-90's impressive 332 lb-ft of torque and standard AWD system for spirited driving.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 presents better value by offering a lower starting MSRP of $38,800 and better fuel economy.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You prioritize sheer interior space, benefiting from the Palisade's class-leading 19.1 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want the highest available horsepower rating in this matchup, as the Palisade produces 287 hp.
You prefer a slightly taller stance, with the Palisade measuring 69.5 inches in height.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Maximum driving engagement is key, utilizing the CX-90's powerful 332 lb-ft of torque.
You frequently travel long distances and want the best efficiency, leveraging the CX-90's 28 MPG highway rating.
All-weather security is paramount, thanks to the standard All-Wheel Drive system on the CX-90.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Palisade	Mazda CX-90
Length	199.2"	200.8"
Width	78.0"	78.5"
Height	69.5"	68.3"
Wheelbase	116.9"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	287 hp @ 6400 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 5000 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)	19/25 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	361.0/475.0 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speaker System	—	8
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
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	41.5 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	44.2 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.4 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	58.8 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Rear Head Room	40.7 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.0 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.7 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 Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Which crossover is more powerful based on the provided specifications?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade holds a slight edge in peak power, producing 287 horsepower, while the Mazda CX-90 outputs 280 horsepower. However, the CX-90 compensates with significantly more low-end pulling power.

Is the price difference substantial between the two models?

The price gap is modest, with the Mazda CX-90 starting at $38,800, undercutting the Hyundai Palisade's MSRP of $39,435 by $635.

How significant is the fuel economy difference for daily driving?

The Mazda CX-90 is notably more economical, achieving 25 combined MPG, while the Palisade manages 21 combined MPG. This 4 MPG advantage means fewer stops at the pump for the CX-90 driver.

Does the drive type significantly impact performance or traction?

Yes, the Mazda CX-90 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, offering superior traction in varied conditions, whereas the Hyundai Palisade uses a Front Wheel Drive configuration for its base model.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling gear or luggage?

The Hyundai Palisade is the clear winner for cargo capacity, providing 19.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which is substantially more than the Mazda CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.

How do the exterior dimensions compare?

The vehicles are similarly sized, but the Palisade is slightly shorter in length at 199.2 inches versus the CX-90's 200.8 inches, yet the Hyundai is taller by over an inch.