2026 MAZDA CX-90 vs Hyundai Palisade

There’s stiff competition in the three-row SUV class. Several impressive models vie for leadership, including the 2026 Mazda CX-90. Its rivals, like the Hyundai Palisade, have a hard time holding a candle to this Mazda SUV’s mix of power, performance, and safety, though. Middletown Mazda compares these two models in detail.

Powertrains

Under its hood, only one engine is available for the seven-trim roster of the Hyundai Palisade: a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Only one of these trims comes standard with AWD – the rest feature front-wheel drive standard.

By contrast, our new Mazda SUV boasts two robust powertrains, both based on the same powerful e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3-liter inline-six turbocharged engine. The Turbo trims are rated at 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the Turbo S trims achieve up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, every trim comes standard with i-Activ AWD®.

Performance

Despite being a three-row SUV, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 handles incredibly smoothly. That’s because it equips signature Mazda performance upgrades such as Mi-Drive™ and Kinematic Posture Control®, which enable steering and responsiveness akin to a smaller vehicle. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 “Turbo” trims do 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, while the “Turbo S” trims at our Middletown, NY, Mazda dealership clock in at 6.6 seconds. The Hyundai Palisade is noticeably slower, with a 0 to 60 time of around eight seconds.

Safety

Safety is a high point shared by both of these SUVs. In fact, each scored a perfect five-star rating in NHTSA overall crash protection. Their IIHS evaluations reveal a slight gap, though. The Hyundai Palisade received a Top Safety Pick nod, but the 2026 Mazda CX-90 topped it by garnering a Top Safety Pick+ award. Build quality and engineering expertise are two reasons for this achievement. Another is standard i-Activsense® technology, a suite of high-tech driver assistance systems designed for maximum safety.

Choose Your 2026 Mazda CX-90 in Middletown, NY

In a class with many quality competitors, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 excels with a combination of exciting performance, cutting-edge safety features, and a robust powertrain. Head to Middletown Mazda to test-drive this premium three-row SUV and get great financing or a Mazda lease for your purchase.