2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, as Hyundai's largest SUV, had a striking presence on the road, further enhanced by its 2023 styling update. The new front fascia, with its bold strokes and squared-off grille, gave the Palisade a more commanding look. Standard LED accents, daytime running lights, and headlights added to its modern appeal, while the top Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille. The interior of the Calligraphy trim was stylish, with premium Nappa leather and a dual-pane sunroof brightening the cabin. The Palisade offered a range of seating configurations, with the ability to accommodate up to eight passengers in the lower trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its classic design, which had aged well since its second-generation debut in 2017. The new Carbon Turbo trim featured Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats, adding a touch of elegance. Mazda improved the fuel economy for the base engine and introduced wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims. The CX-5 lineup included 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models, with the Turbo offering up to 256 horsepower. The interior was upscale, with premium materials and a comfortable, if snug, seating arrangement for four adults. The CX-5's design and quality elevated it above many mass-market rivals.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was powered by 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's eight-speed automatic transmission could be controlled with paddle shifters, and front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The Palisade excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, and offered a comfortable ride. Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive model was 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while the all-wheel-drive version achieved 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration, allowing the torque to build. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined and an observed 22.9 mpg. The CX-5's suspension was re-tuned for a smoother ride, and it featured Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus for enhanced cornering. The CX-5 was quiet on the highway and offered lively handling in the city, with a ground clearance of 7.9 inches for light off-roading. It could tow up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space, seating seven or eight passengers comfortably. It provided 44.1 inches of legroom in the front, 42.4 in the second row, and 31.4 in the third, with a total passenger volume of 155.3 cubic feet. The third row was accessible via a one-touch seat slide, and the seats folded flat for increased cargo space. The Palisade had 18 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, 45.8 behind the second row, and 86.4 with the second and third rows folded. It featured HVAC vents in all rows and a hands-free smart liftgate on all but the base trim.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, while smaller in its segment, was comfortable for four adults. The front seats were redesigned for comfort and support, with heated seats standard. The rear seat offered good support and a proper sitting position, with rear air conditioning vents and a center armrest for added comfort. The CX-5's cabin design and quality were impressive, rivaling luxury brands. It provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, which was less than most compact crossovers.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. A WiFi hotspot was standard, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system was available. The Palisade offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims and an in-car intercom for easier communication. Hyundai's Bluelink system allowed remote access to vehicle information and controls, and the Digital Key 2 Touch enabled keyless entry and start with compatible devices.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens for traditional controls but allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a console-mounted knob, with quick access buttons for main functions. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine start and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Several trims featured a 10-speaker Bose sound system, enhancing the premium feel of the interior.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with Hyundai's Smart Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot collision avoidance. It featured navigation-based Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist for enhanced safety. The Palisade had not been rated for 2023, but the 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came with advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 had previously earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating.