Head-to-head
2026 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
The Hyundai Palisade wins clearly, 95.4 to 89.1, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, space & cargo. The Mazda CX-90 is ahead on safety and performance.
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2026 Hyundai Palisade
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Palisade Hybrid FWD…
vs
A2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid and hybrid large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the CX-90 4WD, is…
Verdict · default weights
2026 Hyundai Palisade
Clear winThe Hyundai Palisade wins clearly, 95.4 to 89.1, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, space & cargo. The Mazda CX-90 is ahead on safety and performance.
Fuel & range 2026 Hyundai Palisade leads by 33.2
Safety 2026 Mazda CX-90 leads by 13.6
Tech & comfort 2026 Hyundai Palisade leads by 17.9
| Category · weight | 2026 Mazda CX-90overall 89.1 | 2026 Hyundai Palisadeoverall 95.4 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 99.7 | |||||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 66.8 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 95.8 | 82.2 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 90.6 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 96.1 | 94.6 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 82.1 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 89.1 | 95.4 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Mazda CX-90: base trim 3.3 Turbo Select AWD · Hyundai Palisade: base trim SE FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Hyundai Palisade wins
- It lists 36 standard driver-assist features against 24.
- It costs $1,200 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,950 against $3,150).
- It is rated 34 combined against 26 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
Where the 2026 Mazda CX-90 answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (10 against 122 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 83).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- 8 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
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Specifications side by side
53 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $39,300 | $39,435 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 6 | 6 |
| Engine displacement | 3,283 cc | 3,470 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | e-SKYACTIV G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged | 3.5L MPI + GDI DOHC 24-Valve V-Type 6-cylinder |
| Fuel injection system | Electrically Controlled Fuel Injection | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | — | DOHC 24-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 287 hp |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 23 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 25 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 28 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.692 | 3.510 |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8 in | 7.4 in |
| Overall height | 68.3 in | 69.5 in |
| Overall length | 201 in | 199 in |
| Overall width | 78.5 in | 78 in |
| Wheelbase | 123 in | 117 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 74.2 cu-ft | 86.7 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 40 cu-ft | 46.3 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 14.9 cu-ft | 19.1 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 142 cu-ft | 181 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39.7 in | 41.5 in |
| Second-row headroom | 39.3 in | 40.7 in |
| Third-row headroom | 36.9 in | 37.8 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.7 in | 44.2 in |
| Second-row legroom | 39.4 in | 43 in |
| Third-row legroom | 30.4 in | 32.1 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,846 lbs | 4,575 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,846 lbs | 4,420 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 6,854 lbs | 6,327 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Double-Wishbone | MacPherson strut with coil springs |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-Link | Multi-link Independent, separated spring & shocks |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack and Pinion | Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Rack and pinion, column-mounted |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 38.1 ft | 39.2 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 328 mm | 345 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | Electric parking brake | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | 350 mm | 325 mm |
| Rear brake type | ventilated disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 19 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | alloy | forged alloy |
| Wheel width | 8.5 in | 8 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 265/55 R19 M+S | 235/65 R18 106H |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.5 gal | 19 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Mazda Connected Services | Bluelink |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 59.2 in | 61.4 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 58.1 in | 61 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 53.3 in | 55.6 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
150 features · differences first, then sharedSafety28 differ · 44 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Blind-Spot Collision Warning | — | std |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Ped/Cyclist Detection | — | std |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Ped/Cyclist Detection & JT/DO | — | std |
| Lane Following Assist 2 | — | std |
| Driver and front passenger airbag (2) | — | std |
| Front center airbag (1) | — | std |
| Highway Driving Assist – HDA I | — | std |
| Lane Departure Warning System | std | — |
| Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go & Curve Control | — | std |
| Rear view monitor with parking guidance | — | std |
| Downhill Brake Control (DBC) – Driver Selectable | std | — |
| Front (2) and 2nd row (2) side impact airbags | — | std |
| Parking Distance Warning – Forward and Reverse | — | std |
| Parking Distance Warning – Forward and Reverse | — | std |
| Safe Exit Assist w/ rear door indicator | — | std |
| Auto-hold Function | std | — |
| Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Forward Attention Warning | — | std |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Ped/Cyclist Detection & JT/DO | — | std |
| Haptic Feedback steering wheel | — | std |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) | — | std |
| LATCH system - rear seat (3rd row) child safety anchor top upper tethers | std | — |
| Rear View Monitor (static guide lines) | std | — |
| Side air curtains with rollover sensors | — | std |
| Smart Brake Support (Automatic Emergency Braking) | std | — |
| Vehicle stability management | — | std |
| Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) with individual tire indicator | — | std |
| Smart Cruise Control 2 (w/ Emergency Stop) | std | std |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist | std | std |
| Front (2) and 2nd row (2) side impact airbags | std | std |
| Lane Keeping Assist | std | std |
| Side air curtains (front and rear passengers) with rollover sensors (2) | std | std |
| 2x LATCH anchors & 3 tethers (for bench seat) in 2nd row; 2x LATCH & 3 tethers for 3rd row | std | std |
| Driver Attention Warning | std | std |
| Trailer Sway Control | std | std |
| ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) | std | std |
| Driver Knee Airbag (1) | std | std |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control (TCS) and brake assist | std | std |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control (TCS) and brake assist | std | std |
| High Beam Assist | std | std |
| Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) | std | std |
| Rear Occupant Alert (door-logic system) | std | std |
| Immobilizer | std | std |
Infotainment15 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth® hands-free w/ wireless audio streaming | — | std |
| 10.25" full-color center display | std | — |
| 12.3" color touchscreen with onboard Navigation; Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay; HD Radio; SIRIUS XM | — | std |
| Alexa Built-In | std | — |
| Android Auto™ integration (wired) | std | — |
| Apple CarPlay™ integration (wired) | std | — |
| Bluelink® Connected Car System | — | std |
| Dynamic Voice Recognition | — | std |
| High Power USB-Cs: Two 1st row (2x USB-C Power) + Two 2nd row + Two 3rd row | — | std |
| Multiple Device Connection (up to two devices) | — | std |
| Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates | — | std |
| Panoramic curved dual 12.3-in displays (instrument cluster + infotainment as single curved unit) | — | std |
| Passenger Talk In-car intercom | — | std |
| Rear Seat Quiet Mode | — | std |
| USB Inputs - Center Console (2 ports) Type C x 4 (Front x 2 and Rear x 2) | std | — |
| Wifi Hotspot | std | std |
| Audio controls (Volume up/down, Seek up/down, Mode) | std | std |
| Paddle Shifters | std | std |
Convenience5 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Remote engine start (on key fob) | — | std |
| Power Rear Liftgate with programmable height adjustment | std | — |
| Power windows with safety front auto-down/up (+ rear) | std | — |
| Remote release Hood | — | std |
| Power windows with safety front auto-down/up | — | std |
| Proximity key entry with push button start | std | std |
| 12-volt outlet – 2 total: 1 Fr, 1 cargo | std | std |
Climate2 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Row AC vents | std | — |
| PTC Heater | — | std |
| 3-Zone automatic climate control w/ auto defog | std | std |
Seating10 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 8-way power driver's seat | std | — |
| 6-way adjustable driver's seat | — | std |
| 3rd row 60/40 split-fold seats with ingress/egress handles | — | std |
| 3rd row seats - 3 seats (60/40 split fold-down) | std | — |
| 6-way adjustable passenger seat | — | std |
| Max Seating Capacity 8 | std | — |
| One-touch 2nd row seat slide for 3rd row access | — | std |
| Seating – Cloth | — | std |
| Seating – H-Tex® (Leatherette) | std | — |
| Tilting Walk-In Feature (manual) | — | std |
| 2nd Row Bench Seating – 60/40 split fold-flat seats with recline & adjustable head restraints | std | std |
Interior19 differ · 22 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2" Color multi-information display | — | std |
| 7-inch TFT LCD meter display | std | — |
| Dashboard – Slush-molding | — | std |
| Dashboard – Wrapped, artificial leather | — | std |
| Engine Starter Ring - Black | std | — |
| Interior door handles – Metal Paint | — | std |
| Interior Mid Panel - Hard Black | std | — |
| IP Decoration panel - Silver | std | — |
| Upper door panels / console armrest – Premium Soft Touch | — | std |
| Rearview mirror - manual day/night | std | — |
| Steering wheel - Mechanical tilt & telescopic | std | — |
| Cargo area light | std | — |
| Floor mats - carpeted front, 2nd-row and 3rd-row | std | — |
| Headliner/Pillar – Cloth | — | std |
| Hydrographic interior trim | — | std |
| Storage - overhead console with sunglasses holder | std | — |
| Sunvisor – Dual vanity mirror with cover, w/ sliding function, w/ illumination | — | std |
| Trip computer - Odometer, Trip meter A & B | std | — |
| Door storage pockets – Front and rear | — | std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | std | std |
| Sunvisor – w/ illumination | std | std |
| Front seat seatback pockets | std | std |
Exterior20 differ · 26 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| LED headlights (Projector) | — | std |
| 19X8.5J inch aluminum alloy wheels with Silver Metallic Finish | std | — |
| Acoustic side glass – Front | — | std |
| Acoustic windshield | — | std |
| Badging - AWD | std | — |
| Badging - Inline6 - Chrome | std | — |
| Bumper - Front and Rear lower color Black | std | — |
| Door handle welcome lights | — | std |
| Front Grille Mesh - Honeycomb - with Black Finish | std | — |
| LED center positioning light | — | std |
| Outside mirror turn signal indicators | std | — |
| Privacy glass - rear side windows and rear liftgate glass | std | — |
| Rain-sensing windshield wipers | std | — |
| Roof Rails - aluminum with satin chrome finish | std | — |
| Signature Wing - Chrome | std | — |
| Wheel arch Molding - Black | std | — |
| Automatic headlights | — | std |
| Privacy glass – Rear/quarter/back glass | — | std |
| Solar front glass – Front door, windshield | — | std |
| LED Roof-mounted center high-mount wide stop lamp | — | std |
| Heated outside mirrors | std | std |
| LED daytime running lights | std | std |
| LED rear combination lamps/taillights | std | std |
| Rear window defroster with timer | std | std |
| Compact Spare Tire / T155/90R18 | std | std |
| Rear spoiler – Wide Integrated with CHMSL, bodycolor | std | std |
Powertrain10 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| HTRAC AWD (Active on-demand) | std | — |
| Drive Configuration – FWD | — | std |
| Drive Mode Select (Eco, Sport, & My Drive) – Dash-mounted button + toggle switch | — | std |
| e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine | std | — |
| Idle Stop & Go | — | std |
| M Hybrid Boost (48V Mild Hybrid) | std | — |
| Mazda intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive): Sports/Off Road | std | — |
| Off-Road Traction Assist | std | — |
| Shift-by-Wire w/ paddle shifters | — | std |
| Transmission, SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed AT with manual-shift mode | std | — |
Chassis4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front Double Wishbone Suspension | std | — |
| Independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar | std | — |
| Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) | std | — |
| Rear – Self-Leveling suspension | — | std |
Cargo4 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Tow Hitch | — | opt |
| TOW mode – Dash-mounted button | — | std |
| Towing Capacity up to 3,500 lbs. | std | — |
| Trailering Package (trailer prewire, HD engine/trans coolers, sway control) | — | std |
| Underfloor storage compartment | std | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
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Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPMazda CX-90
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 10 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (5), Unspecified (2), Steering (2)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Hyundai Palisade
Safety Signal 83 B
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 3
Owner complaints 122 · 2 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Seats (50), Electrical System (30), Forward Collision Avoidance (17)
Top recalls
- high Seats 26V160000 · 61,307 vehicles
- moderate Seat Belts 26V169000 · 46,787 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 26V047000 · 41,651 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Hyundai PalisadeSE FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39,300 (base trim) | $39,435 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $39,300 – $58,700 9 trims | $39,435 – $58,780 21 trims |
| Powertrains | PHEV, HEV | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | CX-90 4WD | Palisade Hybrid FWD Blue |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 26 | 34 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,150 | $1,950 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 or the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?
The Hyundai Palisade wins clearly, 95.4 to 89.1, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, space & cargo. The Mazda CX-90 is ahead on safety and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Hyundai Palisade scores 95.4 and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 89.1. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 or the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 starts lower — $39,300 against $39,435, a gap of $135 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 or the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?
2026 Mazda CX-90: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. 2026 Hyundai Palisade: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 3 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?
Where the 2026 Hyundai Palisade wins: it lists 36 standard driver-assist features against 24, costs $1,200 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,950 against $3,150), and is rated 34 combined against 26 (EPA mpg or MPGe). Where the 2026 Mazda CX-90 answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (10 against 122 filed with NHTSA) and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 83). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars and 8 seats.