Families comparing 3-row SUVs often look at 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade because both promise comfort, capability, and modern tech. Where the CX-90 separates itself is in how it drives and how thoroughly its engineering supports daily life. Built on Mazda’s large-architecture platform with standard i-ACTIV AWD®, the CX-90 offers confident all-weather traction right out of the box, while its e-SKYACTIV®-G Inline 6 Turbo powertrains provide refined torque and smooth acceleration. A Plug-in Hybrid model is also available for drivers who want electric-only driving capability for short trips, backed by the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer journeys. The Palisade counters with a redesigned cabin, new convenience features, available HTRAC® AWD, and an all-new hybrid powertrain. Yet if you value a more cohesive driving character, a higher degree of chassis polish, and driver-focused features like Kinematic Posture Control and Mi-Drive drive modes, the CX-90 feels a class above. As your local experts at Biggers Mazda in Elgin, IL, we know what matters to families—space, safety, and a vehicle that rewards every mile—and we’re proud to offer a model that excels in all three.
| Feature | Mazda CX-90 (2026) | Hyundai Palisade (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard i-ACTIV AWD® | Yes | No |
| Available Plug-in Hybrid model | Yes | No |
| Inline 6 Turbo engine option | Yes | No |
| Up to 340 hp available | Yes | No |
| Power moonroof available | Yes | Yes |
| 360° View / Surround View camera system | Yes | Yes |
| Max towing up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped | Yes | Yes |
| Kinematic Posture Control | Yes | No |
| Built-in Dual-Camera Dash Cam | No | Yes |
| Three-row seating for up to 8 | Yes | Yes |
The CX-90 reflects Mazda’s KODO design philosophy, which conveys motion even at rest. Proportions are athletic and deliberate, with elegant surfacing and taut lines that catch light naturally. On select trims, the 21-inch alloy wheels add stance without visual bulk, while Piano Black accents and dark chrome molding on the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport project an upscale, sports-oriented character. Available colors like Rhodium White Premium emphasize the sculpted forms, and the available panoramic moonroof enriches the cabin with natural light. The Palisade strikes a confident pose of its own, with a bold vertical LED daytime running light signature, upright A-pillars, and an exterior designed for a remarkably low 0.31 Cd. Larger side glass brightens the rear rows, and certain trims offer integrated roof rails and up to 21-inch wheels for a planted presence. The XRT PRO variant adds rugged cues like exposed recovery hooks and all-terrain tires. If your taste leans toward timeless rather than trendy, the CX-90’s clean sheet metal and refined details will likely speak to you; its sculptural restraint complements the premium materials inside and underscores the SUV’s role as a sophisticated family flagship for our customers in Elgin, IL.
Step into the CX-90 and the cabin’s calm, crafted ambiance sets a premium tone. Mazda’s designers focus on quietness and material quality, with tasteful accents and available Nappa leather-trimmed seating that elevate every commute. Thoughtful details abound, from available Bose® audio that fills all three rows with rich sound to conveniently placed power outlets and USB-C ports that extend charging access to second- and third-row passengers on select models. The layout is intentionally clean and intuitive, keeping the driver’s attention on the road and core controls. The Palisade’s latest interior is also a major leap forward—its horizontal dashboard theme, available Bose 14-speaker system, and dual 12.3-inch displays feel cutting-edge. Hyundai’s available first- and second-row Relaxation seats and power-folding third row deliver family-friendly convenience. Both SUVs seat up to eight, and both offer second-row captain’s chairs. Where the CX-90 gains the advantage is in how the cabin supports the drive itself—low ambient noise, direct ergonomics, and an overall sense of cohesion that communicates premium restraint rather than gadget overload. For shoppers in Elgin, IL who appreciate quiet, tasteful design, that difference is apparent at a glance, and it becomes even clearer after a long day-to-day routine that includes runs to South Elgin and weekend trips to Schaumburg.
Mechanically, the CX-90 is engineered to make every drive feel secure and composed. Standard i-ACTIV AWD® is always engaged, using real-time vehicle dynamics data to proactively distribute torque before slip happens. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) lets you tailor responses with Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes, while Kinematic Posture Control subtly manages body motion in corners to help the SUV feel more settled and confident. Ground clearance is approximately 8.0–8.1 inches depending on wheel size, and the suspension tuning emphasizes control without harshness. The Palisade offers available HTRAC® AWD with Mud, Sand, and Snow Terrain modes, plus Tow Mode to hold gears when pulling a trailer. Its new XRT PRO model incorporates an electronic rear limited-slip differential and additional off-road-oriented hardware. Both SUVs can be equipped with a 360-degree camera system for low-speed maneuvering, and both can be set up to tow confidently when properly equipped. For families who want a sports-sedan sense of connectedness in a three-row package, the CX-90’s chassis tuning stands out. That is exactly what we emphasize at Biggers Mazda—how the vehicle’s underlying dynamics simplify everyday driving and strengthen peace of mind when road conditions change.
Mazda’s approach to performance blends responsiveness and refinement. The CX-90’s e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo comes in two tunes—up to 340 hp on select Turbo S trims—paired to a smooth SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-speed automatic with manual-shift mode. Power builds progressively with a refined exhaust note, and the rear-biased AWD feel supports balanced handling. Drivers who want electric-only capability can choose the available CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid, which is designed for short EV driving and gasoline-electric flexibility on longer trips. The Palisade introduces a new powertrain lineup of its own: a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 targeting up to 287 hp and a first-ever hybrid combining a 2.5L turbo engine with integrated electric motors for up to an estimated 329 hp. An 8-speed automatic is standard on the ICE model, while the hybrid uses a 6-speed automatic designed around its motor-in-transmission layout. Both SUVs target up to 5,000 lbs of towing on their compatible configurations when properly equipped. If your priority is smooth, linear torque with a refined character—and the option of a PHEV—the Mazda powertrain menu is simply more compelling. It is one of the most persuasive reasons that 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade shoppers often end up favoring Mazda after a back-to-back drive.
Safety leadership is a cornerstone for both models. The CX-90 features Mazda’s i-Activsense® suite, including Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, and more. Available technologies like the 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View enhance situational awareness when navigating tight spaces or aligning a trailer. The brand’s recognition speaks for itself—the CX-90 line has earned top-tier industry accolades, and its safety-first philosophy runs through the entire range. The Palisade’s SmartSense platform expands for 2026 with extensive driver-assistance coverage such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Following Assist, and more, plus a built-in Dual-Camera Dash Cam that can record while driving or when parked. Ten airbags, including third-row coverage, and third-row seatbelt pretensioners add meaningful protection. Both vehicles take active safety seriously; what distinguishes the CX-90 is how seamlessly the systems integrate, from predictive AWD behavior to driver monitoring and clear, consistent alerts. For detailed walkthroughs of advanced safety systems and personalized feature setup, our team at Biggers Mazda in Elgin, IL is ready to help you understand exactly how these technologies work in daily life as you consider 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
Between these two, the CX-90 makes the strongest long-term case for families who value a polished drive, standard all-wheel traction, and a cabin that stays serene as miles add up. The available Inline 6 Turbo and the available Plug-in Hybrid expand your options, Mi-Drive and Kinematic Posture Control heighten control without complexity, and the i-Activsense® safety suite brings confidence to every trip. The Palisade counters with fresh tech, a bold aesthetic, an available hybrid, and convenience features like its dash cam and relaxation seating. Yet if your priorities include consistent, composed dynamics and premium restraint rather than novelty for novelty’s sake, the Mazda approach resonates. We invite you to sample the difference with a thorough test drive and personalized walkaround at Biggers Mazda in Elgin, IL. Our product specialists will help you explore seating configurations, safety features, towing setups, and connected services so you can choose with clarity. When your daily life demands a vehicle that remains quiet, capable, and rewarding—through traffic, weather, and weekend loads—the CX-90 rises to the moment, and our team at Biggers Mazda will be here to support you well after the keys are in your hand.
