2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Mazda CX-9

A three-row SUV needs to serve a lot of people. The family driver, the front-seat peacemaker, babies, kids, tweens, and teens may all be on board. Can a ride be the family living room and still keep you safe?

The Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Palisade are two class leaders. How are they the same? Different? Is one better? You decide.

1. Family Living Space

   Seating fewer people, some shoppers naturally assume that the Mazda CX-9 offers more space for each person. Actually, that’s not true. With the Palisade, there’s more headroom and more legroom for the teenagers on the second row and the tweens on the third row.

   

   How well do the seats take care of the family? Both models offer dual power chairs with power-heat and power-ventilation. The Mazda offers second-row heated seats while the Palisade is able to offer heated seats for the second and third rows.

   Furthermore, only the Palisade offers second-row ventilated seats. Plus the Palisade Calligraphy has the Ergo Motion chair, offering massage while driving.

2. Driving Competitiveness

   On this issue, there’s something of a tie. The 2023 Mazda CX-9 has a turbo four engine. It generates 227 horsepower with regular fuel and 250 horsepower with premium fuel. The torque rate is 310 lb-ft. Test drivers like how it handles and competes in traffic.

   The 2023 Hyundai Palisade has a powerful 291-horsepower engine that generates a healthy 262 lb-ft of torque. When it comes to competitiveness, it has a wider gear range with its 8-speed automatic to ensure that the driver is happy with the power and handling.

   

   For this 2023 model year, the CX-9 is an all-wheel drive SUV while the Palisade has standard front-wheel drive and available H-Trac all-wheel drive.

3. Trailering Capability

   With trailer brakes, the Hyundai Palisade tow rating is 5,000 lbs. This beats the Mazda CX-9 by some 1500 pounds. This gives the win to the Hyundai.

   Adding value to the Hyundai, a Palisade SE purchase includes the equipment that makes towing safer. This includes a heavy duty cooler for both the transmission and the engine. It also means you have trailer sway control. With all-wheel drive models, there’s a new tow mode on this midsize 3-row SUV.

4. Cargo Ratings

   The 2023 CX-9 offers only 14.1 cubic feet while the 2023 Palisade manages to offer a full 18 cubes. This is the difference between a small trunk and a big one on a sedan.

   With the third row down, the CX-9 has a useful 36.8 cubes of cargo space. The Palisade has an even more useful 46 cubes. In addition, the third row can be power-folded and power-unfolded on the Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims.

   

   Folding the second row, the difference once again favors the Palisade with a remarkable 86 cubes vs 71 cubes in the CX-9. Plus every Palisade has standard power-fold second-row seats.

5. National Reputation

   US News and World Report judges and ranks all SUVs. This year, the 2023 CX-9 is ranked #5 among 3 row SUVs while the Palisade is tied for #1. Among midsize SUVs, the Mazda 3-row is ranked at #3 while the Palisade maintains its #1 status.

   This seems to be another good year for the Hyundai Palisade. Wards put the 2023 on its Best Interiors List, confirming its style and quality. Autotrader named the Palisade as one of its 2023 Best New Cars. Motor Trend ranks it at #3 in its class in the Ultimate Car Rankings.

6. Pricing and Ownership Costs

   Recognizing its lower price and greater value, the Palisade earned the US News and World Report Award for Best 3-Row SUV for the Money. Indeed it starts out less expensive than the entry level CX-9. The Palisade is more affordable than many of its competitors, including the 2023 Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas, Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer, and Ford Expedition.

   

   Lengthy warranty coverage and complimentary oil changes help ensure lower ownership costs for the Palisade. This provides peace of mind as well as a big benefit over time.

7. Luxury Trim Levels

   On the subject of budget, both of these SUVs provide luxury trim levels that save money over similar models by luxury carmakers. The CX-9 Signature and Palisade Calligraphy are outfitted with 12-speaker audio systems and Nappa leather.

   Other standards include power-heated, power-ventilated front seats and a power-heated steering wheel. Another similarity is power-heated second-row seats and 2nd-row window shades.

   Top Mazda dash tech includes a 7-inch LCD meter display and a center 10.25 inch screen with a control dial. Palisade dash tech matches a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen for a total of 24.6 inches. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on both of these 3 row SUVS.

Conclusion

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade certainly looks like the winner in this contest. What do you think?

Schedule a test drive at your San Tan Hyundai dealer.

REVIEWS

”The 2023 Hyundai Palisade shines in nearly every category. It offers a refined and spacious cabin, a long list of standard tech and driver-assistance features, an easy-to-use infotainment system and balanced ride and handling. ”

Read More

”The refreshed Hyundai Palisade remains the comfortable and convenient family hauler it was known and beloved for in the first place.”

Read More