Mazda CX-90 vs Hyundai Palisade
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-90 starts from $74,385 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Palisade opens at $66,800. That makes the Hyundai Palisade the more affordable entry point by $7,585.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $81,824 and $73,480 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-90 by roughly $3,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-90 and Hyundai Palisade hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mazda CX-90 and 84% for the Hyundai Palisade.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda CX-90 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Hyundai Palisade.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mazda CX-90 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate that you will not find on the Hyundai Palisade. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-90 uses a Petrol producing 254kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.
The Hyundai Palisade responds with a Petrol making 217kW and 355Nm, paired to a 8-speed auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The Mazda CX-90 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 217kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-90 is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-90 measures 5,100mm long on a 3,120mm wheelbase, 105mm longer than the Hyundai Palisade at 4,995mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 257L in the Mazda CX-90 and 311L in the Hyundai Palisade, giving the Hyundai Palisade a 54L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 2025L vs 1297L. The Hyundai Palisade seats 8 vs 7.
For towing, the Hyundai Palisade leads with a 2,200kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,337/year for the Mazda CX-90 and $2,993/year for the Hyundai Palisade. That is a $656 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-90.
Estimated annual total: $2,337 (Mazda CX-90) vs $2,993 (Hyundai Palisade). The Mazda CX-90 saves you roughly $656 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Palisade). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-90 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Palisade if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-90 and Hyundai Palisade trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda CX-90 will save you roughly $656 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Palisade has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-90 and Hyundai Palisade?
The Hyundai Palisade is the cheapest at $66,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-90 by $7,585.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-90 uses the least fuel at 8.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-90 and Hyundai Palisade all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Palisade has the largest boot at 311L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Palisade has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-90 makes the most power at 254kW. The Mazda CX-90 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.8s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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