2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, as Hyundai's largest SUV, had an even more commanding presence following its styling update. The new front fascia, with its bolder strokes and squared-off grille, framed the new headlights, giving the SUV a stronger look. LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights were standard across the lineup, while LED taillights became standard on SEL and higher trims. The top Calligraphy trim was distinguished by premium rear accent lighting, body-color bumpers, a unique grille, and a wider rear spoiler. The new XRT trim featured a dark grille, roof cross rails, and black 20-inch wheels. The interior of the Calligraphy-trim tester was stylish, with premium Nappa leather and a dual-pane sunroof brightening the space. The Palisade offered a range of seating configurations, with second-row captain's chairs in higher trims and a bench option for lower trims, accommodating up to eight passengers.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained an excellent choice in the compact crossover SUV segment. It was stylish and assembled with high-quality materials, giving it the look and feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The model was redesigned and renamed as the CX-50, but the CX-5 continued to exude quality, refinement, and sophistication. The 2.5 Turbo Signature test vehicle featured Rhodium White metallic paint, Caturra Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, and an accessory rear bumper guard, bringing its MSRP to $41,655. The CX-5 offered a choice between a standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a 256-hp turbocharged variant, with eight versions available, all priced competitively within the compact crossover segment.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade came with a single powertrain option: a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This made it more powerful than several competitors, including the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas. The Palisade featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard paddle shifters, and power was routed to the front wheels by default, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. The Palisade's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds, and AWD models included a dedicated Tow Mode. Fuel economy for front-wheel-drive models was 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while AWD models achieved 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 26 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo variant, with a turbocharged engine, provided 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. This engine also used the six-speed automatic and AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The CX-5's turbocharged engine offered a rewarding driving experience, with improved structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and reduced interior noise. The CX-5 excelled on twisting roads, providing a firm, connected ride quality, responsive steering, and brakes.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was spacious enough to seat seven or eight passengers comfortably. It offered 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third, with a total passenger volume of 155.3 cubic feet. The second-row seating facilitated easy access to the third row with a one-touch seat slide feature. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet with all seats in place, 45.8 behind the second row, and 86.4 with the second and third rows folded flat. The Palisade included HVAC vents in all three rows and provided ample cupholders and storage options.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, updated for the 2022 model year, featured improved front seats for better comfort and support. It offered power adjustment for both front seats, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control in higher trims. The Signature trim included Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, rear-seat room, and cargo space were less impressive. The cargo area provided 30.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, which was less than many rivals.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade enhanced its technology offerings with a standard WiFi hotspot and a 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was available in SEL models and standard in Limited and Calligraphy. The Palisade featured a 4.2-inch color driver info display or a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connected vehicle system was standard, offering remote accessibility and management features. The Palisade also introduced Digital Key 2 Touch, compatible with Apple and Samsung devices.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch display, was visually appealing but functionally frustrating. It lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the physical controls on the center console were awkward to use. The system required memorization and conscious thought to operate, making it distracting. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a free three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with new active and passive safety features, including second-row side-impact airbags. Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of safety features was standard, including forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were newly standard. The Palisade also offered navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, and a full-display digital rearview mirror.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with most i-Activsense driver assistance technology standard. Exclusive features for the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5's safety tech operated smoothly and accurately, with an Active Driving Display in higher trims. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.