Hyundai Palisade vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?

Hyundai Palisade

$66,800 - $93,400

2026 price

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Mazda CX-5

$37,240 - $56,150

2026 price

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Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Hyundai Palisade

2026 Mazda CX-5

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.8L/100km (combined)

7.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Refined ride and handling
Timeless design
Easy to manoeuvre

Comfortable, dynamic drive
Practical family interior
Strong safety package

Dislikes

Rear bench-style seats are firm
Safety systems sometimes clunky
More expensive than rivals

No hybrid option
Engine can feel sluggish
No rear charging ports

2026 Hyundai Palisade Summary

If you’re in the market for an eight-seat family SUV, the Hyundai Palisade has probably already crossed your radar. But now there’s a twist. Hyundai has taken this well-established large SUV and given it a hybrid powertrain.

That puts it up against familiar rivals like the Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid and Kia Sorento Sport+ Hybrid which are both strong players in the family-friendly space. The version we’re looking at for this review is the mid-spec Elite and we're family-testing it to see if the new hybrid powertrain makes for a winning combo.

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2026 Mazda CX-5 Summary

The new-generation Mazda CX-5 is here, promising to be bigger, better and bolder, with fresh styling, sharper handling and more technology. But in a market where hybrid power is becoming increasingly hard to ignore, has Mazda left the CX-5 at a disadvantage? I’ve spent a week with the Evolve grade to find out for you.

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Interested in a Mazda CX-5?

Deep dive comparison

2026 Hyundai Palisade 2026 Mazda CX-5

Verdict

The new hybrid powertrain for the Hyundai Palisade is a welcome addition for families looking for an efficient three-row SUV that doesn’t drive like a brick and looks good at the school pick up or client lunch. Overall, the Palisade remains a solid, all-round package that deserves praise and the eighth seat is an added bonus.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-5 Evolve kicks some goals and with its comfortable on-road handling, robust safety equipment and practical interior, it’s still a solid choice for families looking for a mid-sized SUV. The only thing it’s missing is a hybrid powertrain, which would make this already well-rounded package even more compelling.

Hyundai Palisade vs Mazda CX-5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Palisade vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?