2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai's largest SUV, was a striking presence on the road, especially after 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 enhanced its modern appearance, while the Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille. The Palisade's body-colour mirrors were heated and powered, with approach lighting on the Ultimate Calligraphy. In Canada, 20-inch alloy wheels were standard, with the Ultimate Calligraphy trim offering a new multi-spoke design. The new Robust Emerald colour added a subtle elegance to the lineup. Inside, the Ultimate Calligraphy trim boasted premium Nappa leather, a dual-pane sunroof, and Mercedes-Benz-inspired horizontal quilting and dash lines. The Palisade offered various seating configurations, with second-row captain's chairs standard on the Ultimate Calligraphy, providing comfort and style.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its classic design, which had aged gracefully since its second-generation debut in 2017. The new Suna trim, exclusive to the U.S., featured Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts. Mazda improved fuel economy for the base engine and added wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to several trims. The CX-5 lineup included base and Turbo models, with the Turbo offering 256 horsepower on premium gas. In Canada, trim levels ranged from GS to Signature, with prices from $35,476 to $48,276. The Suna trim, similar to the U.S. version, came with the Turbo engine as standard. The CX-5's interior materials, seating, and technology upgrades over the years resulted in an upscale crossover SUV at a mainstream price.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This made it more powerful than competitors like the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Atlas, and slightly more so than the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. The Palisade's eight-speed automatic transmission featured paddle shifters, and in Canada, all-wheel drive was standard. The HTRAC all-wheel drive system proved capable during a muddy off-road test drive. While not designed for rock-crawling, the Palisade offered a comfortable ride and competitive towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). Its fuel economy was 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.5 on the highway, and 11.2 combined.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. On regular gas, it offered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The CX-5 Turbo's powertrain was more rewarding with a steady acceleration style, allowing the revs to build before delivering torque. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and observed at 10.3 L/100 km. The base engine offered better fuel economy at 9.3 L/100 km combined. The CX-5's driving experience was enhanced by its re-tuned suspension, stiffened frame, and standard all-wheel drive. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology improved cornering and minimized body motions. The CX-5 was quiet on the highway, firm in the city, and fun on twisty roads. It could tow up to 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds).

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade offered ample space for seven or eight passengers, with 1,052 millimetres of legroom in the front row, 1,077 in the second, and 798 in the third. Its passenger volume measured 4,397 litres. The second-row seating featured a one-touch seat slide for easy access to the third row, and ingress/egress handles facilitated entry. The third row and second-row bench seats were 60/40-split and folded flat, with power folding available in higher trims. Cargo space was generous, with 509 litres behind the third row, 1,297 litres behind the second row, and 2,447 litres with all but the front-row seats folded. A hands-free smart liftgate was standard on all but the base trim. The Palisade's interior was designed for comfort, with HVAC vents in all rows and two cupholders per person. The centre console included a phone holder and space for a bag, while physical buttons and knobs were laid out intuitively.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The redesigned seats were comfortable and supportive, with six-way power adjustment for the driver and manual height adjustment for passengers. Leather was standard on all trims except the base GS and GX, with premium Nappa leather on the Signature trim. Heated rear seats and ventilated front seats were available on the GT grade. The CX-5's interior was smaller than some competitors but comfortable for four adults. The rear seat offered good support and a proper sitting position, with soft front seatback material. Rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest with cupholders and a storage tray added to passenger comfort. The cabin's design and quality elevated the CX-5 above most mass-market rivals. Cargo space was 871 litres behind the rear seat and 1,680 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was standard in higher trims. The Palisade allowed up to two devices to connect via Bluetooth and up to seven to charge using USB ports. A wireless charger was standard on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. Drivers enjoyed a 4.2-inch colour driver info display or a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. An in-car intercom and a colour head-up display were also available. Hyundai's Bluelink connected vehicle system offered remote accessibility and management features, including remote start presets and seat heating or cooling.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens for traditional switchgear, with a 10.25-inch display offering limited touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons on the centre console. Mazda Connected Services provided remote engine starting, a find my car feature, and automatic 911 dialing. Several trims featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the SUV's premium interior. While the native voice interface was less intuitive, pairing a smartphone for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto improved the experience.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came with Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were standard on all trims. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go, Highway Driving Assist I, and Highway Driving Assist II were available on higher trims. A full-display digital rearview mirror and safe exit warning were also standard, along with rear seat occupant alert and rain-sensing wipers on the Ultimate Calligraphy.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, a driver monitoring system, surround-view camera, parking sensors, and automatic reverse braking. The CX-5 had previously earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though not in 2024. The NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.