Hyundai
Palisade
Owner report available
Mazda
CX-90
Owner report available
Hyundai Palisade vs Mazda CX-90
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mazda CX-90 comes out ahead of the Hyundai Palisade on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Palisade
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is widely praised for its exceptional value proposition, offering a high level of comfort, spaciousness, and premium features (e.g., ventilated second-row seats, advanced driver assistance systems, abundant storage) at a competitive price point. Many owners express strong satisfaction with the smooth ride, family-friendly design, and technology content.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim. The Calligraphy trim is noted by the manufacturer as the expected volume seller and represents the fully-featured version.
Known issues
- Excessive engine oil consumption (primarily 2020-2021 models): Severe oil burning, often requiring engine replacement under warranty, typically manifesting around 60,000 miles. Frequency: very frequent.
- Transmission failure: Complete transmission failure reported as early as 87,000 miles; also includes reports of lagging, slipping between gears, and losing power, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Frequency: recurrent.
- Fuel system/engine performance issues: Intermittent loss of acceleration despite engine revving (codes P0087, P0661, P021A0 cited), potentially linked to failing fuel injectors or sensors. Frequency: recurrent.
CX-90
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between driving experience and reliability concerns. The vehicle is very frequently praised for its exceptional driving dynamics, handling, and powertrain performance, often described as feeling more luxurious and sporty than mainstream competitors. The inline-6 turbo engine is noted for its power and smoothness, and the overall refinement and interior quality are recurrent positives.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. The Turbo S powertrain is mentioned for its performance.
Known issues
- New platform reliability concerns: multiple software recalls, unproven long-term durability of the new inline-6 engine, 8-speed transmission, and hybrid systems. Frequency: very frequent.
- Third-row space limitations: cramped and less usable compared to key competitors like the Telluride, Palisade, and Highlander. Frequency: recurrent.
- Interior packaging and storage: poorly laid out interior with limited useful storage compartments and cupholders compared to the previous CX-9 and competitors. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Mazda CX-90 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Hyundai Palisade, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Mazda CX-90 are a dealbreaker, the Hyundai Palisade is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Hyundai Palisade or the Mazda CX-90?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Mazda CX-90 than the Hyundai Palisade. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Hyundai Palisade or the Mazda CX-90?
The Hyundai Palisade seats more passengers than the Mazda CX-90 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Hyundai Palisade is classed as a SUV, the Mazda CX-90 as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Hyundai Palisade or the Mazda CX-90?
The EPA rates the 2027 Hyundai Palisade at 19–34 mpg combined and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 at 25–26 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Hyundai Palisade or the Mazda CX-90?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Hyundai Palisade than the Mazda CX-90. See the known issues comparison above.