Hyundai Palisade vs Mazda CX-90
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 Hyundai Palisade starts from $66,800 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-90 opens at $74,385. 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 $73,480 and $81,824 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-90 by roughly $3,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Palisade and Mazda CX-90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Hyundai Palisade and 91% for the Mazda CX-90.
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 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate that the Hyundai Palisade does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Palisade uses a Petrol producing 217kW and 355Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds.
The Mazda CX-90 responds with a Petrol making 254kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 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 Hyundai Palisade measures 4,995mm long on a 2,900mm wheelbase, 125mm shorter than the Mazda CX-90 at 5,120mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 311L in the Hyundai Palisade and 257L in the Mazda CX-90, giving the Hyundai Palisade a 54L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1297L vs 2025L. The Hyundai Palisade seats 8 vs 7.
For towing, the Mazda CX-90 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,200kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m diameter
Good
Based on 10.8m 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 $2,993/year for the Hyundai Palisade and $2,337/year for the Mazda CX-90. That is a $656 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-90.
Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Hyundai Palisade) vs $2,337 (Mazda CX-90). 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 (Hyundai Palisade) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Palisade if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-90 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-90 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. 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, Hyundai Palisade and Mazda CX-90?
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 — Hyundai Palisade and Mazda CX-90 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 Mazda CX-90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
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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