2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

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 Palisade was equally impressive, with premium Nappa leather in the Calligraphy trim and a dual-pane sunroof that brightened the cabin. The seating configurations allowed for either seven or eight passengers, with second-row captain's chairs available in higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented a rugged alternative to the CX-5, with a design that emphasized its broad-shouldered proportions. It was lower, wider, and longer than the CX-5, with square wheel arches and fake air vents adding to its robust appearance. The CX-50 was available in eight trim levels, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition standing out for its all-terrain tires and earthy color palette. Inside, the CX-50 offered a pleasing design with a BMW-like infotainment screen placement and impressive material quality. However, the interior didn't fully match Mazda's upscale aspirations, with standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats in base models.

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 all-wheel drive was available for an additional cost. The Palisade excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and a dedicated Tow Mode for AWD models. Fuel economy was competitive, with FWD models achieving 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo version offered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, along with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. Turbo models also included a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's driving experience was more aligned with its segment, lacking the sporty dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, making it less ideal for everyday driving.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space for passengers, with 44.1 inches of legroom in the front row, 42.4 in the second, and 31.4 in the third. Its passenger volume was 155.3 cubic feet, and cargo space ranged from 18 cubic feet with all seats up to 86.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Palisade featured a hands-free smart liftgate and HVAC vents in all three rows, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The center console provided practical storage solutions, and the layout of controls was intuitive.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly more legroom but less headroom. It offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. While the CX-50 had a power liftgate for easier access, its cargo area wasn't well-suited for dirty or bulky items. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console. However, the Meridian Edition's rugged looks weren't matched by more durable interior materials.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade boasted advanced technology, including a standard WiFi hotspot and a 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A premium Harman Kardon sound system was available, and the Palisade offered multiple USB ports and a wireless charger. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display were standard in higher trims. Hyundai's Bluelink system provided remote accessibility, and the Digital Key 2 Touch allowed for smartphone-based vehicle access.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims included wireless phone charging and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system's interface was unconventional but provided physical feedback. However, the system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, making it suitable for buyers who preferred simplicity.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was expected to maintain its high safety standards, with the 2022 model earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The 2023 Palisade included Hyundai's Smart Sense suite, featuring forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were newly standard. Highway Driving Assist I and II were available, and a digital rearview mirror was optional.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 received a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in most crash tests. However, it scored lower in the nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian test. The NHTSA had not published complete ratings for the 2024 model. The CX-50 included standard driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.