2026 Mazda CX 90 vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade, Which Three Row SUV Is Better?
The 2026 Mazda CX 90 starts at $39,300 MSRP, $135 below the 2026 Hyundai Palisade starting MSRP of $39,435. The Mazda includes standard i ACTIV AWD, seating for up to eight, up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity and an available 340 horsepower 3.3 liter Turbo Inline 6 engine. For shoppers who want three row versatility without giving up engaging performance, standard AWD or efficiency, the Mazda CX 90 makes a particularly strong case.
2026 Mazda CX 90 vs Hyundai Palisade at a Glance
| Category | 2026 Mazda CX 90 | 2026 Hyundai Palisade | Mazda Perspective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $39,300 | $39,435 | CX 90 starts $135 lower |
| Standard Engine Power | 280 hp | 287 hp | Closely matched standard output |
| Available Maximum Power | Up to 340 hp | 287 hp | CX 90 offers substantially higher available output |
| AWD | Standard i ACTIV AWD | Available HTRAC AWD on most trims | Mazda includes AWD throughout the lineup |
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG FWD, 20 MPG AWD | CX 90 publishes the higher combined estimate |
| Maximum Towing | Up to 5,000 pounds | Up to 5,000 pounds | Equal maximum published towing capability |
| Maximum Seating | Up to 8 | Up to 8 | Both offer family friendly three row flexibility |
The Mazda CX 90 Starts at a Lower MSRP
Mazda lists the 2026 CX 90 3.3 Turbo Select at $39,300 starting MSRP. Hyundai lists the 2026 Palisade at $39,435 starting MSRP.
The difference is only $135, but the equipment included with the Mazda makes the comparison more meaningful. Every CX 90 comes with i ACTIV AWD, while Hyundai lists HTRAC AWD as available on most Palisade trims.
Standard AWD Adds Value to the CX 90
Mazda makes i ACTIV AWD standard across the CX 90 lineup. That means shoppers do not have to move into a different drivetrain configuration to get all wheel drive.
For families dealing with winter weather, rain and changing road conditions, especially throughout New York and the Hudson Valley, that standard equipment can be an important part of the buying decision.
Inline 6 Turbo Performance Gives the CX 90 a Distinct Advantage
The CX 90 3.3 Turbo models use an e SKYACTIV G 3.3 liter Turbo Inline 6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound feet of torque on regular fuel.
Mazda also offers Turbo S models tuned for up to 340 horsepower and 369 pound feet of torque when using recommended premium fuel.
Hyundai lists 287 horsepower from its 3.5 liter V6 engine for the 2026 Palisade. That gives the Palisade competitive standard output, while the available CX 90 Turbo S gives Mazda shoppers access to considerably more maximum horsepower.
Why the Inline 6 Layout Matters to Mazda
Mazda built the CX 90 around its electrified Large Platform and longitudinal Inline 6 powertrain. The layout supports the rear biased architecture and driving dynamics that distinguish the CX 90 from many mainstream three row SUVs.
Kinematic Posture Control can also help reduce body lift during cornering and improve steering response while maintaining passenger comfort.
The Mazda CX 90 Delivers Strong Fuel Economy
Mazda rates 2026 CX 90 3.3 Turbo models at an EPA estimated 23 MPG city, 28 MPG highway and 25 MPG combined.
Hyundai rates the front wheel drive Palisade at 19 MPG city, 25 MPG highway and 21 MPG combined. Palisade HTRAC AWD models are rated at 18 MPG city, 24 MPG highway and 20 MPG combined.
| Vehicle | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mazda CX 90 3.3 Turbo AWD | 23 | 28 | 25 |
| 2026 Hyundai Palisade FWD | 19 | 25 | 21 |
| 2026 Hyundai Palisade AWD | 18 | 24 | 20 |
For families covering significant highway mileage, the CX 90 combines its standard AWD system with a higher published combined EPA estimate than either Palisade drivetrain configuration.
Both SUVs Can Tow Up to 5,000 Pounds
Mazda publishes a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds for properly equipped CX 90 models.
Hyundai also publishes a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for properly equipped Palisade models with trailer brakes.
That makes towing capability closely matched at the maximum published figure. Mazda adds available Towing mode through Mi Drive on properly equipped CX 90 models, giving drivers another vehicle setting specifically related to capability.
Mi Drive Gives CX 90 Drivers More Ways to Adapt
Mazda Intelligent Drive Select allows CX 90 drivers to choose among Normal, Sport, Off Road and available Towing modes.
These settings adjust how the vehicle responds based on different conditions and driving needs. For a three row SUV that may handle commuting during the week, family trips on weekends and occasional towing, that flexibility helps the CX 90 serve several roles.
Which Has More Seating?
Both vehicles can accommodate up to eight passengers, depending on configuration.
The CX 90 offers flexible three row seating with either a second row bench or available second row captain's chairs. Mazda emphasizes easy third row access and the ability to configure the cabin around different passenger needs.
That flexibility matters for families who sometimes need maximum seating but may prefer captain's chairs for everyday comfort.
The CX 90 Brings Mazda Craftsmanship to a Three Row SUV
The CX 90 cabin is designed around a quieter, more refined experience. Mazda offers premium materials, available Bose audio, available panoramic moonroof and multiple seating configurations.
For shoppers who like the practicality of a mainstream family SUV but want an interior with a more premium atmosphere, the CX 90 sits in an interesting position.
Performance and Comfort Do Not Have to Be Separate
Many three row SUVs are chosen almost entirely around passenger space. Mazda approaches the CX 90 differently by combining family capacity with an Inline 6 engine, standard AWD and chassis technology focused on handling.
That makes it possible to shop for three row versatility without treating driving enjoyment as something that has to be sacrificed.
Which SUV Makes More Sense for Hudson Valley Families?
Families in Poughkeepsie and surrounding communities can encounter very different driving conditions during a normal year. Route 9 commuting, winter weather, highway travel, trips toward Westchester and longer family drives all place different demands on a vehicle.
The CX 90 answers those needs with standard AWD, three row seating, available 340 horsepower, up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity and an EPA estimated 25 combined MPG from its 3.3 Turbo configuration.
That combination gives families from Newburgh, Yonkers, White Plains, Nyack, Danbury and Albany a strong reason to put the Mazda CX 90 high on the shopping list.
Why Choose the 2026 Mazda CX 90?
| Mazda Strength | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| $39,300 starting MSRP | Starts slightly below the Palisade |
| Standard i ACTIV AWD | AWD is included throughout the CX 90 lineup |
| Available 340 horsepower | Turbo S models offer substantially more published power |
| 25 combined MPG | Strong published fuel economy for an AWD three row SUV |
| Up to 5,000 pound towing | Provides meaningful capability for properly equipped models |
| Mi Drive | Normal, Sport, Off Road and available Towing modes provide flexibility |
| Up to eight passengers | Supports larger families and flexible seating needs |
| Inline 6 architecture | Supports the performance focused character of the CX 90 |
2026 Mazda CX 90 or Hyundai Palisade, Our Take
Both SUVs offer three rows, seating for up to eight and maximum published towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Mazda CX 90 separates itself with a slightly lower starting MSRP, standard AWD, higher published combined fuel economy and an available 340 horsepower Inline 6 Turbo powertrain.
For families who want practicality but still care about performance, handling and the experience from the driver seat, the 2026 Mazda CX 90 is the SUV we recommend researching first.
Explore the 2026 Mazda CX 90 at Route 9 Mazda
Route 9 Mazda of Poughkeepsie can help shoppers compare CX 90 trims, seating configurations, performance options and available features.
Explore the 2026 Mazda CX 90 at Route 9 Mazda for additional model research.
You can also browse current new Mazda inventory before contacting Route 9 Mazda about a specific CX 90.
Route 9 Mazda is located in Poughkeepsie, New York, and serves Mazda shoppers from Newburgh, Yonkers, White Plains, Nyack, Danbury, Albany and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mazda CX 90 vs Hyundai Palisade
How much does the 2026 Mazda CX 90 cost?
The 2026 Mazda CX 90 3.3 Turbo Select starts at $39,300 MSRP.
Which starts at a lower MSRP, the CX 90 or Palisade?
The Mazda CX 90 starts at $39,300 MSRP, while Hyundai lists the 2026 Palisade at $39,435 MSRP.
Does the Mazda CX 90 have standard AWD?
Yes. Mazda equips the CX 90 with standard i ACTIV AWD.
How much horsepower does the Mazda CX 90 have?
3.3 Turbo models produce 280 horsepower. Turbo S models can produce up to 340 horsepower when using recommended premium fuel.
How many people does the Mazda CX 90 seat?
The CX 90 offers three row seating configurations for up to eight passengers.
How much can the Mazda CX 90 tow?
Properly equipped Mazda CX 90 models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
What is the Mazda CX 90 fuel economy?
Mazda rates 3.3 Turbo models at an EPA estimated 23 MPG city, 28 MPG highway and 25 MPG combined. Actual mileage will vary.
Which should I research first, the Mazda CX 90 or Hyundai Palisade?
For shoppers prioritizing standard AWD, available Inline 6 Turbo performance, strong published fuel economy and three row versatility, the 2026 Mazda CX 90 deserves the first look.
This page is provided for informational and research purposes only. Vehicle specifications, equipment, pricing, fuel economy, towing capacity, availability and features may change. Manufacturer MSRP is not a dealer selling price. Please contact Route 9 Mazda of Poughkeepsie for exact current information regarding a specific vehicle.
