Mazda CX-70 vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 presented a sporty and appealing design, reminiscent of a sport appearance package for the CX-90. It featured redesigned front and rear fasciae, a unique grille insert, new wheels, and dark accents, creating an optical illusion that made it appear slightly smaller than its CX-90 counterpart. Inside, the differences were subtle, with exclusive paint colours and a red leather interior option not available in the CX-90. The CX-70 lacked a third-row seat, but it offered quality materials and textures, especially in higher trims. However, the absence of soft-touch lower dashboard panels in the most expensive variants was noted. Overall, the CX-70 exuded an upscale feel for a mainstream brand, though it didn't quite reach luxury model sophistication.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was a stylish and impressive three-row crossover. It featured a massive grille with horizontal slats, LED projector headlights, and distinctive LED daytime running lights. The Palisade's profile boasted body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capability in the Luxury Hybrid trim. The rear design was equally handsome, with wide-spaced letters spelling the vehicle's name and LED taillights wrapping around the corners. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid offered a comfortable and thoughtfully designed cabin with organic shapes and quality craftsmanship. It provided features like H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and Nappa leather upholstery in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The Palisade's interior was rich in storage solutions and offered a more comfortable cabin than many competitors.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The gas-only engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the GS-L and GT trims, while the GT-P and Signature trims delivered 340 hp and 369 lb-ft, requiring premium fuel. The PHEV combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, producing 323 hp and 369 lb-ft. The PHEV offered 42 kilometres of electric-only range and averaged 9.4 L/100 km combined. All CX-70 models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with various drive modes. The gas-only CX-70 had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the PHEV could tow 1,587 kilograms. The CX-70's handling was athletic, but the ride could be harsh on imperfect pavement.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery. The hybrid powertrain produced a total of 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The Palisade Hybrid's advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and propulsion systems contributed to its impressive performance. The hybrid system eliminated the starter motor and auxiliary belts, relying on a more capable electric motor. The Palisade Hybrid offered a quiet and smooth ride, with noise-absorbing carpet and acoustic glass reducing road and engine noise. The steering was sharp, but the pedal feel was softer, creating a slight disconnect between steering and pedal inputs.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 provided ample space for up to five passengers, with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone automatic climate control as standard features. The GT-P and PHEV GT trims added heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The CX-70 offered generous cargo space, with 1,122 litres behind the rear seats and 2,132 litres with the rear seats folded. Mazda offered various cargo-enhancing accessories, including an organizer and roof-rail crossbars.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others. The Palisade Hybrid's second-row legroom was slightly reduced due to the battery's position, but it remained spacious. The third-row legroom and headroom were competitive, though not class-leading. The Palisade Hybrid featured dual-zone climate control, seven USB-C power outlets, and a second-row bench seat with optional captain's chairs. The cabin was filled with storage cubbies, including a centre console with a rubberized cargo space and a small shelf ahead of the front passenger seat.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 7-inch partially digital instrument cluster, with the Signature trim offering a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment screen. The Mazda Connect system offered touch-sensing capability only with the 12.3-inch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was graphically pleasing and logically laid out, with Alexa Built-in for voice commands. Most CX-70 models included a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It supported HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Palisade Hybrid featured a Driver Talk intercom system and a 14-speaker Bose stereo in higher trims. A 15-watt wireless charging pad was standard, though it could overheat on warm days. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a built-in dashcam, and the Palisade Hybrid introduced "Stay Mode" for running climate control and infotainment while the engine was off.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came with a comprehensive suite of i-ActiveSense advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency lane-keeping assist. The GT-P trim added a Cruising & Traffic Support system with Unresponsive Driver Support, providing semi-autonomous driving assistance. The CX-70 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but Mazda's safety track record was strong.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a standard suite of ADAS, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The blind-view monitor was standard on the XRT Pro and higher trims. The Palisade Hybrid had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.