2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Mazda CX-9

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is tied for number one rankings in three categories at US News and World Report: midsize SUV, 3-row SUV, and Crossover SUV classes.

Not far behind, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 is rated at number five among 3-row SUVs and number 3 among midsize SUVs.

The two SUVs are praised for above-class quality and style. So how are they alike? How are they different? Let’s find out.

1. Are These Big SUVs Fun to Drive?

   With a traditional V6 pitted against a turbo four, it all comes down to numbers. In this case, the CX-9 claims a higher rate of torque, giving it some kick. However, it has a much lower horsepower rate that would seem to even out the two. If you choose to buy premium unleaded for the 2023 CX-9, you can boost your horsepower and torque numbers. However, at 250-horsepower, it still can’t catch the Palisade V6.

   

   Standard all-wheel drive on the Mazda is nice, given its higher price this model year. However, the Palisade can offer front-wheel drive savings as well as its H-Trac AWD option, available on all trims. Furthermore, the Hyundai 8-speed automatic transmission offers a wider gear range than the Mazda’s 6-speed automatic.

2. How Much Can 3-Row SUVs Tow?

   The 2023 Hyundai Palisade can tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes. The 2023 Mazda CX-9 can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This 1500-pound difference is significant to those who may want to pull a family-sized camper or boat.

   Every Palisade has a standard trailer package with prewiring. This includes heavy duty engine and transmission coolers. Trailer sway control is another standard. With H-Trac all-wheel drive, the Palisade driver has a tow mode.

3. What is the Palisade vs CX-9 Cargo Capacity?

   The larger Palisade has an advantage there as well. Behind the third row, it has 18 cubic feet, four more cubes than the small cargo hold on the Mazda CX-9. Both SUVs have an underfloor compartment to assist with organization.

   This space difference continues as seats are folded. A new Palisade has about 6 extra cubes after the second row and a whopping 15 extra cubes behind the first row. You can choose the Palisade SEL or CX-9 Touring to get a power liftgate. Hyundai’s hands-free feature now includes a special quick open capability.

   

   Furthermore, there are power-fold second row seats on every Palisade. Many have power-fold third-row seats as well. This convenience isn’t offered on the Mazda CX-9.

4. How Many People Can the Palisade vs CX-9 Seat?

   With two trim levels less expensive than the entry level CX-9 Touring, the Palisade offers more seats for the money. Plus it offers front and second-row ventilated seats as part of the SEL Premium package.

   

   The CX-9 Touring seats six while the Touring Plus and Grand Touring seat 6 or 7. Passenger volume for this crowd is about 135 cubic feet. Meanwhile, the Palisade has a standard 8-seat SE model and seats 7 or 8 in the SEL trim. The family has about 155 cubic feet of passenger volume.

   In addition to having the most spacious first row, the Palisade offers more headroom and legroom on the second and third rows where it counts the most. Knowing this, most families will opt for more space and more seats. It’s just common sense.

5. Which 3-row SUV Helps Parents the Most?

   Naturally both vehicles have child-safety rear door locks and 2nd-row LATCH attachments. However, there are LATCH attachments on the Palisade third-row as well. This provides more options for child safety seat placement not found on the CX-9.

   Furthermore, Hyundai audio systems have a rear-seat Quiet Mode. This standard feature can redirect the system sound to the front row, leaving the back row quiet enough for kids to sleep soundly -- or listen to their own entertainment.

   Driver Talk is an available in-car intercom that can be quite useful to the Palisade driver. When the SUV stops, the Palisade has a safe exit assist that can help prevent children from leaping out into traffic. There are more safety features, including rear-side impact airbags.

   Only Hyundai offers standard stain-resistant cloth upholstery. This helps parents keep the SUV clean and free of odors.

6. Which Trim Levels are More Luxurious?

   The CX-9 Signature is well-dressed in leather upholstery and well-entertained by a Bose 12-speaker audio system. The front power chairs have power-heat and power-ventilation. Dash tech includes the 10.25-inch main display and a 7-inch LCD meter display. Kids can block the sun with manual shades.

   Whether you choose the Limited or Calligraphy, the Palisade provides two rows of ventilated seats as well as second-row window-shades and three rows of heated seats. The 12-speaker audio system is by Harman Kardon. Dash tech includes the 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel that stretches behind the steering wheel. A synthetic leather-wrapped instrument panel is among the premium soft touches.

   Riding higher on 20-inch wheels, Calligraphy models have a remote parking system and Hyundai’s in-car intercom. The second-row seats have unique winged headrests to keep tweens and teens especially comfortable. Second- and third-row seats have a power-fold mechanism. The driver’s Ergo motion chair brings relief from fatigue.

7. Does Mazda or Hyundai have More Driver Aids?

   In several different ways, Hyundai takes the lead when it comes to driver assistance. Mazda CX-9 SUVs are definitely well-equipped, but they have fewer active standards and fewer overall options.

   Both 3-row SUV brands have a forward collision system with pedestrian detection and an autobrake. They both have a lane departure warning system, a blind spot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert (RCTA). However, the Palisade has an avoidance assist for the RCTA and a junction-turning watch for the forward collision system.

   They both have adaptive cruise control, but only the Palisade integrates its system with navigation to achieve effective curve control. Other Hyundai standards include a speed limit watch and a lane following assist.

   Every Palisade SE has a highway driving assist 1 system to start you on the road to automation. Top trims have Highway Driving Assist II for even more semi-automated travel options.

   Mazdas add a speed limit watch to the top trims. However, it doesn’t have a blind spot view monitor that sends camera footage directly to the rearview mirror. That’s a Palisade exclusive.

   Both offer a reverse autobrake, front/rear parking sensors, and a surroundview camera. Only the Palisade has a remote parking system to make you feel like the future is here and now.

8. Which 3 Row SUV is Least Expensive to Own?

   The Hyundai Palisade starts out with a lower price, a nice way to keep costs down from day one. They maintain a pricing structure that is somewhat parallel to the Mazda CX-9, and they offer more standards and more exclusive features overall.

   

   Tipping the balance toward Hyundai, regardless of initial cost, is the warranty coverage. You get more years of coverage for basic, powertrain, and roadside assistance. You also get complimentary maintenance that doesn’t come with a Mazda purchase.

Conclusion

Now that you know more, you should get behind the wheel. See the Palisade for yourself and decide if it suits your busy lifestyle.

Schedule a test drive at Earnhardt, your Avondale AZ 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. So-so gas mileage is one of its few flaws. ”

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

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