2024 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, setting it apart from the typical family-friendly SUVs. While its design might not have appealed to everyone, those who appreciated its aesthetics likely found much to admire in other aspects of the vehicle. The Palisade was available in several trims, including the SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, Calligraphy, and the new-for-2024 Calligraphy Night Edition. Prices ranged from $36,650 to $53,850, excluding the $1,395 destination charge. The Calligraphy Night Edition, with its exclusive all-wheel drive and blacked-out appearance, was priced at $55,930. This trim featured a luxurious interior with leather and artificial suede inserts, a decadent artificial suede headliner, and sophisticated metal speaker grilles, making it feel like a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, contributing to its low, long, athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather with contrast stitching. However, some materials reflected its competitive pricing. The cabin was upscale, but design-related complaints included a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90's overall sophistication and premium look made it a standout in the midsize three-row crossover SUV segment.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available. The Palisade had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and offered eight inches of ground clearance. Various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, were available, and the AWD system could be locked for off-road conditions. The V6 engine provided ample power and satisfying acceleration, with the transmission always in the right gear. The AWD system expertly distributed power on dirt and gravel roads. The EPA rated the AWD Palisade at 21 mpg combined, but real-world testing averaged 18.8 mpg in Comfort mode. The Palisade's suspension was tuned for a firmer ride, offering excellent outward visibility and a quiet interior on the highway. It displayed some athleticism on mountain roads, with predictable handling and reliable brakes.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models. The 3.3 Turbo S variant delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, with a rear-wheel bias for better dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined. However, real-world testing yielded 21.3 mpg. The CX-90's ride and handling were impressive, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. The vehicle suffered from noise and impact harshness, and the electronic shifter was fussy. Despite these flaws, the CX-90 was a dynamic family hauler with a firm suspension and engaging driving experience.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offered a range of seating options, from cloth seats in the base SE trim to premium Nappa leather with microfiber inserts in the Calligraphy Night Edition. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and memory settings were available in higher trims. The Calligraphy Night Edition featured an Ergo Motion massage function for the driver. Configurable storage options included a shallow console-top tray, a large storage bin, and a wireless smartphone charger. Second-row passengers enjoyed captain's chairs with optional heating and ventilation, while the third row offered more comfort and room than most rivals. The Palisade provided 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with height-adjustable armrests. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. Storage options were limited, with a shallow bin under the center armrest and minimal door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats flattened.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. It supported Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, Bluelink+ connected services, Wi-Fi access, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a rear-seat Quiet Mode. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB-A cable. The Harman Kardon premium sound system provided excellent audio quality. Additional technologies included a digital key function, a digital rearview mirror, and a semi-autonomous remote parking system. The head-up display showed navigation instructions and safety feature status but was incompatible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons on the center console. The voice recognition system was hit-and-miss, but Mazda planned to introduce a new Google Built-in infotainment system in future models. The 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience, and the Active Driving Display offered helpful data, including blind-spot alerts.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with the SmartSense collection of driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Highway Driving Assist paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist for highway travel. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and received top ratings for side-impact collisions from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids met expectations, but the audible warning systems were excessive.