2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 presented a sporty and appealing design, reminiscent of a sport appearance package for the CX-90. It featured redesigned front and rear fasciae, a unique grille insert, new wheels, and dark accents, creating an optical illusion that made it appear slightly smaller than its CX-90 counterpart. Inside, the differences were subtle, with the CX-70 offering exclusive red leather treatment, unlike the CX-90's white leather. The interior boasted quality materials and textures, though the addition of soft-touch lower dashboard panels in higher trims could enhance its affordable luxury appeal. Despite not matching luxury models' sophistication, the CX-70 offered an upscale feel for its price range, available in three configurations: 3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and PHEV, with prices ranging from $41,910 to $58,905.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was available in four trim levels: SEL, SEL Premium, Limited, and Calligraphy, each exuding style and presence. The base SEL trim featured 18-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille with LED projector headlights. The Palisade's profile included body-color, heated side mirrors, with power-folding and auto-dimming features in higher trims. The rear showcased wide-spaced letters and LED taillights, emphasizing its peaceful and efficient driving nature. Inside, the Palisade impressed with H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and three-stage heating elements. Higher trims offered Nappa leather upholstery and additional comfort features. The interior design was thoughtfully crafted, with organic shapes and well-engineered storage solutions, providing a richer feel compared to other non-luxury crossovers.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a PHEV powertrain. The Turbo models delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo S variant offered 340 hp and 369 lb-ft, requiring premium fuel. Both models achieved an estimated 25 mpg in combined driving, aided by 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. The PHEV combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, producing 323 hp and 369 lb-ft, with a 26-mile electric-only range. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, with various drive modes. The CX-70's handling was athletic, though an adaptive damping suspension could improve ride quality. The Turbo S averaged 23.5 mpg, while the PHEV achieved 30.8 mpg, including a full battery charge.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and hybrid system optimized power distribution, enhancing performance and fuel efficiency. The Palisade Hybrid offered a quiet and smooth ride, with noise-absorbing carpet and acoustic glass minimizing cabin noise. The steering was sharp, providing a responsive driving experience, though the pedal feel was softer. Overall, the Palisade Hybrid delivered impressive performance for a three-row crossover, challenging traditional hybrid stereotypes.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 accommodated up to five passengers, with standard heated front seats and triple-zone automatic climate control. Premium Plus trims added heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats offered firm support, though adjustable side bolsters and massagers would enhance comfort. Small-item storage was limited, but cargo space was generous, with 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. Mazda offered various cargo-enhancing accessories, including an organizer and roof-rail crossbars.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid provided 86.7 cubic feet of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others. Second-row legroom was slightly reduced due to the battery's position, but the third row offered competitive space. The Palisade Hybrid featured three-zone climate control, USB-C power outlets, and comfortable seating for up to eight passengers with an optional second-row bench. The cabin included numerous storage cubbies, enhancing practicality and convenience for families.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment screen, with touch-sensing capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mazda Connect system was graphically pleasing and logically laid out, with a control knob and volume toggle on the center console. Alexa Built-in improved voice recognition, and the 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The CX-70 also offered an Active Driving Display and a camera-based digital rearview mirror.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, supporting HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Passenger Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. Higher trims added a 14-speaker Bose stereo and a built-in dashcam. The Palisade Hybrid introduced "Stay Mode," allowing climate control and infotainment use with the engine off, enhancing convenience during stops.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came standard with i-ActiveSense ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and Unresponsive Driver Support. The Premium trim added semi-autonomous steering-assistance features. The CX-70 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the rear doors included a safe-exit alert. At the time of writing, the Palisade Hybrid had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.