2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2026 Hyundai Palisade Comparison

When you need to transport a big family and a minivan is out of the question, a 3-row SUV may be the answer. The Mazda CX-90 brings elegance and some premium features to the school drop-off zone. Meanwhile, a redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade brings a freshened design, bigger interior, and updated technology, making it more competitive than ever.

Which 3-row SUV is best for you and your family? Let’s compare the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade to find out.

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 came out in 2024, replacing the discontinued CX-9 at the top of the lineup. The CX-90 comes with either a mild hybrid or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. We’re focusing on the mild hybrid version in this comparison. Base models use a 280-horsepower, 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-6-cylinder engine with rear-biased all-wheel drive (AWD) and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The mild hybrid system uses an 11-kW electric motor to provide up to 16.6 hp of boost when needed. The S models feature a hotter engine, capable of producing up to 340 hp, when fueled with premium gas.

Mazda CX-90 Highlights

Straight six: Mazda developed a new inline-6 engine specifically for the new large SUV platform underlying the CX-90. A V6 arrangement, like the standard engine used in the Palisade, is much more common, but Mazda praises the inline-6 for its smoothness and lower complexity. Not lost on gearheads is that BMW is famous for its inline-6 engines — a hint that the Mazda CX-90 is a sporty choice in this class.

Electrification leads to efficiency: A mild hybrid system like the one in the CX-90 is not flashy but can have a tangible impact on efficiency. It adds a little punch to the SUV’s acceleration, and the electric motor also helps the transmission shift smoothly, taking over some minor tasks usually handled by engine components. The EPA reports fuel economy test results of up to 25 mpg combined for the CX-90, while the Palisade’s V6 with AWD is rated at 20 mpg combined.

Upscale interior: Mazda has been moving closer to the luxury designation for several years, and the CX-90 makes a good case for a reclassification. A top-of-the-line CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus is loaded with standard features like Nappa leather, ventilated front and second-row seats, and an available “Ambiance Set.” The Palisade matches the CX-90 on many luxury fronts, with available premium Nappa leather, ventilated and heated seats, and 64-color ambient interior lighting.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-90 models near you. 

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade makes a good SUV even better with a larger third row, updated technology, and a handsome design that appears more expensive than it is. It also adds a hybrid powertrain option for the first time, improving both performance and efficiency.

Hyundai Palisade Highlights

Bigger interior: The Hyundai Palisade got roomier with its 2026 redesign, and it has quite a bit more third-row space and cargo room than the Mazda CX-90. Compared to the Mazda, the Hyundai has about two extra inches of third-row legroom and 15 percent more cargo space behind the second row. This makes the Palisade a good choice for families who will use the third row every day.

Excellent warranty: Hyundai has some of the best warranties in the business, period. The Hyundai Palisade comes with 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage, far outpacing Mazda’s warranty coverage.

Hybrid option: The Mazda CX-90 has a pricey plug-in hybrid option, and the Hyundai Palisade just introduced its own conventional (not mild) hybrid with no plugging in required. In our experience, the potent and efficient Palisade Hybrid is well worth the extra cost over the also-good V6, and it actually has lower EPA-estimated fuel costs than the CX-90 PHEV.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Palisade models near you. 

Similarities

Up to 8-passenger seating; features include a wide range of available luxury and technology options.

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 MAZDA CX-90 vehicles and New 2026 Hyundai Palisade vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

Conclusion

The Mazda CX-90 and Hyundai Palisade comparison is an excellent example of the diversity in the automotive landscape. Although the basic description “3-row SUV” applies to each model, the differences between the two are so distinct that the choice between them becomes a very personal one. Both vehicles pack in features, deliver value for the money, and present as family haulers with style and charm.

The good news? You can’t go wrong in this comparison; the right choice ultimately comes down to your personal needs and tastes.