SUV Match Up: 2026 CX-90 vs 2026 Palisade

2026 MAZDA CX-90

2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade

When shopping for large SUVs in Huntersville, NC, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Hyundai Palisade both deserve a close look. Each one offers three rows, modern technology, and family-friendly flexibility, but the CX-90 takes a more premium, driver-focused approach with standard i-ACTIV AWD®, an inline-6 turbocharged engine, refined cabin details, and confident performance across its lineup. At Keffer Mazda, shoppers comparing Mazda vs Hyundai often find that the conversation comes down to feel, capability, and everyday refinement.

Interior Comparison

2026 Mazda CX-90

2026 Hyundai Palisade

  • Rows: Three
  • Max Seating: Eight
  • Max Cargo Capacity: Up to 75.2 cubic feet
  • Upholstery Options: Leatherette, leather, Nappa leather
  • Rows: Three
  • Max Seating: Eight
  • Max Cargo Capacity: Up to 86.7 cubic feet
  • Upholstery Options: Cloth, H-Tex® leatherette, leather-trimmed, premium Nappa leather

Why This Matters:

The Palisade offers more total cargo volume, which is helpful for families who regularly travel with bulky gear. The CX-90 counters with a premium-feeling cabin, upscale material choices, standard three-zone automatic climate control, and seating flexibility that works well for commuting, school drop-offs, and weekend travel. For drivers who want a three-row SUV that feels composed and polished from the driver’s seat, the Mazda CX-90 makes a strong everyday impression.

Power and Performance

2026 Mazda CX-90

2026 Hyundai Palisade

  • Max Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds
  • Max Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds
  • Base Engine: e- SKYACTIV® G 3.3-liter inline 6 turbocharged engine
  • Horsepower: 280
  • Torque: 332 lb-ft
  • Transmission: SKYACTIV®-drive eight-speed automatic with manual-shift mode
  • Base Engine: 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine
  • Horsepower: 287
  • Torque: 260 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
  • Available Engine: e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3-liter inline 6 turbocharged engine
  • Horsepower: 340
  • Torque: 369 lb-ft
  • Transmission: SKYACTIV®-drive eight-speed automatic with manual-shift mode

Why This Matters:

The Palisade delivers smooth V6 power, but the CX-90 gives drivers more performance flexibility. The Mazda also delivers noticeably stronger torque, which helps make acceleration, merging, and passing feel more confident. For shoppers who want a three-row SUV that feels more engaging while still offering family-ready capability, the CX-90 has the edge.

Tech and Entertainment

2026 Mazda CX-90

2026 Hyundai Palisade

Infotainment Screen Options:

  • 10.25-inch full-color center display
  • Available 12.3-inch full-color center display

Audio System Options:

  • Eight-speaker audio system
  • Available Bose® 12-speaker audio sound system

Other Standard Tech Features:

  • AM/FM Radio with HD Radio®
  • Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming
  • USB Type-C inputs
  • Mazda Connected Services
  • Mazda Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi powered by AT&T
  • Remote Engine Start
  • Remote hazard light function
  • Vehicle status alert
  • Vehicle health report
  • Online update
  • Push Notifications
  • Guest Driver Alert
  • Malfunction notification
  • Infotainment system voice command
  • Radio broadcast data system program information
  • SMS text message audio delivery and reply
  • Alexa built-in
  • Multi-function commander control
  • 7-inch TFT LCD meter display
  • Speedometer
  • Tachometer
  • Trip computer
  • Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
  • Push Button Start
  • 12V accessory power outlets
  • Steering wheel-mounted audio, phone, and cruise controls

Infotainment Screen Options:

  • 12.3-inch touchscreen
  • Available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

Audio System Options:

  • Standard audio system
  • Available Bose® 14-speaker premium audio system

Other Standard Tech Features:

  • Onboard navigation
  • HD Radio™
  • SiriusXM®
  • Wireless Android Auto™
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay®
  • Passenger Talk in-car intercom
  • Rear Seat Quiet Mode
  • Multiple device connection
  • Dynamic voice recognition
  • Bluelink+
  • Over-the-air software updates
  • Hyundai Pay
  • Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Bluetooth® hands-free with wireless audio streaming
  • High-Power USB-C ports in the first, second, and third rows
  • 12-volt outlets
  • Proximity Key Entry with Push Button Start
  • Haptic feedback steering wheel
  • 4.2-inch color multi-information display on entry trim

Why This Matters:

Both SUVs bring useful connectivity, but the CX-90 keeps the cabin focused with physical controls and available premium display upgrades. The Palisade offers a larger standard touchscreen, but the Mazda’s setup feels cleaner, less distracting, and more driver-centered. For shoppers who prefer technology designed around driver usability and reduced distraction, the CX-90 feels especially well sorted.

Safety Features

2026 Mazda CX-90

2026 Hyundai Palisade

  • Smart Brake Support
  • Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning System
  • Lane-Keep Assist
  • Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go
  • Driver Attention Alert
  • Rearview monitor with static guidelines
  • Rear Seat Alert
  • Engine-Immobilizer Anti-Theft System
  • Roll Stability Control
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
  • Dynamic Stability Control
  • Traction Control System
  • Trailer Stability Control
  • Hill Launch Assist
  • Hill Descent Control
  • Off-Road Traction Assist
  • Kinematic Posture Control
  • Electric parking brake
  • High Beam Control
  • Blind-Spot Collision Warning
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car, Pedestrian, and Cyclist Detection
  • Junction Turning
  • Driver Oncoming Detection
  • Lane Following Assist
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Driver Attention Warning
  • Forward Attention Warning
  • Safe Exit Assist
  • Parking Distance Warning — Forward and Reverse
  • Highway Driving Assist
  • High Beam Assist
  • Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Curve Control
  • Anti-Lock Braking System with 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
  • Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control Support
  • Brake Assist
  • Hillstart Assist Control
  • Vehicle Stability Management
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Individual Tire Indicator
  • Occupant Classification System
  • Rearview monitor with parking guidance
  • Anti-Theft System with Remote Keyless Entry and Panic Alarm
  • Immobilizer

Why This Matters:

Both SUVs give families a long list of standard driver-assist features, which is exactly what shoppers expect in this class. The Palisade includes several helpful systems, but the CX-90 adds Mazda’s balanced blend of active safety, standard AWD control, Kinematic Posture Control, and driver-focused visibility support. That combination helps the Mazda feel secure, composed, and easy to place on the road.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-90 if you want:

  • Standard i-ACTIV AWD® across the lineup
  • Available 340-horsepower inline-6 turbo performance
  • A premium cabin with upscale material choices
  • A driver-focused three-row SUV with confident handling

Considering the 2026 Hyundai Palisade?

  • A practical choice for shoppers who want maximum cargo space
  • Offers a comfortable cabin with plenty of family-friendly tech
  • The Palisade has a roomy layout, but the CX-90 offers standard AWD, stronger available torque, and a more premium driving feel
  • The Palisade works well for daily family duty, but the CX-90 brings a more rewarding blend of refinement, capability, and performance

Why More Drivers Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-90

  • Standard AWD and turbo inline-6 power
  • Premium interior feel with three-row versatility
  • Stronger available performance than the Palisade

Test Drive the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Today

Compare the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade in person at Keffer Mazda in Huntersville, NC. See how the CX-90 brings premium comfort, standard all-wheel-drive confidence, and refined performance together in one smart three-row SUV. Schedule your test drive today and find the Mazda CX-90 that fits your family, your commute, and your next weekend away.

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*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.