2023 Hyundai Palisade vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh, with its blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield. The cabin was positioned towards the rear wheels, maintaining the subtle allure that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged aesthetic with its pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. The oversized air intakes and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually overwhelming. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, the CX-50 presented an appealing exterior. Later in the year, the CX-50 Meridian Edition was introduced, featuring exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade, as Hyundai's largest SUV, made a bold statement on the road with its updated styling. The new front fascia, framed by new headlights, gave the Palisade a more commanding presence. Standard LED accents and headlights, along with LED taillights on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, enhanced its visual appeal. The squared-off grille added to its assertive look. Body-colour mirrors with features like heated and powered functions were standard, with the Ultimate Calligraphy trim offering premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille. The 20-inch alloy wheels, standard across the lineup, contributed to the Palisade's premium feel. A new colour, Robust Emerald, was introduced for the Ultimate Calligraphy models, adding a touch of elegance to the SUV's palette.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base engine, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It delivered fuel economy figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the CX-50 GT Turbo trim featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel type. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft on regular gas to 320 lb-ft on premium. The turbo engine offered a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's driving experience was smooth, with minimal turbo lag and a firm ride quality. It excelled in off-road conditions, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade came with a single powertrain: a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered competitive power for its class. The Palisade's towing capacity was impressive at 5,000 pounds, supported by a dedicated Tow Mode. Fuel economy figures were 12.6 L/100 km in the city, 9.5 on the highway, and 11.2 combined. The Palisade's HTRAC all-wheel drive system performed well in off-road conditions, though it was more suited for light off-roading. The ride was comfortable, making it ideal for its target audience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 provided a comfortable interior with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added to the comfort. The driver's seat and front passenger's seat were supportive, though more side bolstering would have been beneficial. The back seat offered ample space for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports available on most trims. The CX-50's cargo space was 889 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,595 litres with the seats folded. However, storage options within the cabin were limited.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, comfortably seating seven or eight passengers. It offered generous legroom across all three rows, with passenger volume measuring 4,397 litres. The second-row seats featured a one-touch slide function for easy access to the third row. Cargo space was ample, with 509 litres behind the third row, 1,297 litres behind the second, and 2,447 litres with all seats folded. The Palisade's interior was designed for convenience, with HVAC vents in all rows, multiple cupholders, and a well-organized centre console. A hands-free smart liftgate was standard on most trims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was equipped with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While Mazda Connect traditionally lacked touchscreen functionality, the 2023 model allowed touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display, or head-up display, was available, offering useful data within the driver's line of sight.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade boasted a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system as standard, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was standard on higher trims. The Palisade supported multiple Bluetooth connections and offered numerous USB charging ports. A wireless charger was standard on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The digital instrument cluster and in-car intercom enhanced the driving experience, while the Bluelink connected vehicle system provided remote accessibility and management features.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to some headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance results. Mazda offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, with features like active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control system occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of safety features was standard, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Palisade also featured blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and Highway Driving Assist. The Safe Exit Warning and rear seat occupant alert added to the vehicle's safety credentials.