If you’re looking at mid-size 3-row SUVs, you have no shortage of choices. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Hyundai Palisade are both great options. Let’s examine the pros and cons of both to determine which one comes out on top.
The CX-90 comes in six available trims, ranging from the wallet-friendly 3.3 Turbo Select to the well-appointed 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus. The Palisade comes in seven trim levels, from the affordable SE to the pricier Calligraphy model. We’ll find most of what these vehicles have to offer a couple steps up from the base model, so let’s examine the standard features of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport vs. the 2026 Hyundai Palisade SEL Premium with AWD upgrade.
Vehicle Details
The Palisade is equipped with a 287-hp, 3.5L 6-cylinder engine under the hood for 260 lb-ft torque @ 5,000 rpm and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs with trailer brakes (1,650 lbs without). For the drivetrain, we have optional HTRAC AWD with drive mode select and 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. With an estimated 18 MPG city / 24 MPG highway, the Palisade is a practical, if underwhelming choice in terms of fuel efficiency.
On the whole, both the CX-90 and the Palisade are more than serviceable performers in most circumstances.
The Hyundai Palisade also delivers when it comes to safety. The Palisade comes with a driver assist package that includes forward and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, lane following assist, and smart cruise control with stop & go and curve control.
Most drivers won’t be disappointed by the Palisade’s interior. With seating for up to 8 passengers, or up to 86.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, the cabin certainly isn’t cramped. HD radio, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integrations, dynamic voice recognition and more comprise a serviceable infotainment setup.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is stylish and fun to drive without sacrificing versatility or comfort. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is also a great choice if you need bit more room and don’t mind paying a bit more at the gas pump. Both are excellent, but in our opinion, the Mazda CX-90 takes the win.
Browse Our New Vehicle Inventory Below!
