Hyundai Palisade vs Mazda CX-9

Verdict: Hyundai Palisade vs Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 outshines the Hyundai Palisade in terms of reliability, boasting a higher average reliability score of 76/100 compared to the Palisade's 65/100. With only 6 recalls over six years and a lower complaint rate of 15 per 10,000 sold, the CX-9 demonstrates greater dependability than the Palisade, which has 33 recalls and a complaint rate of 31.7 per 10,000 sold. Additionally, the CX-9 incurs slightly lower annual repair costs at $539, as opposed to the Palisade's $573. These factors, combined with fewer common issues, make the Mazda CX-9 the more reliable choice in this comparison.

Reliability problem analysis

The Hyundai Palisade exhibits a higher volume of complaints across several categories compared to the Mazda CX-9, with significant issues noted in service brakes, seat belts, and visibility/wiper systems. Notably, the Palisade's service brakes have 16 crash-linked complaints, suggesting a potential safety concern. In contrast, the Mazda CX-9's primary issue lies with the engine, accounting for 95 complaints, but it has fewer overall safety-related incidents. Both models have some crash-linked complaints in the "unknown or other" category, but the Palisade's broader distribution of issues, particularly in safety-critical components, indicates a more diverse problem profile.

Which one to buy

If you prioritize reliability and fewer recalls, the Mazda CX-9 is a strong contender. With a reliability score of 76/100 and only six recalls, it offers a more dependable experience. The owner complaints per 10,000 sold are significantly lower at 15, reducing the likelihood of encountering issues. Although the repair frequency is slightly higher at 0.6 times per year, the estimated annual repair cost is affordable at $539. This model suits those who value long-term reliability and minimal disruptions.

On the other hand, if you are budget-conscious and can manage occasional maintenance, the Hyundai Palisade might be appealing. Despite its lower reliability score of 65/100 and higher owner complaints at 31.7 per 10,000 sold, it has a slightly lower repair frequency of 0.4 times per year and an annual repair cost of $573. This vehicle is suitable for those who don't mind addressing minor issues in exchange for potential savings on repair frequency.

Cost of ownership

Based on industry estimates, the Hyundai Palisade has an annual repair cost of $573, slightly higher than the Mazda CX-9's $539. Over five years, this difference amounts to $170. However, the Palisade requires fewer repair visits, with an average of 0.4 visits per year compared to the CX-9's 0.6 visits. Additionally, the CX-9 carries a 10% risk of major repairs, a factor not applicable to the Palisade.

For cost-conscious buyers, the Palisade offers better value due to its lower repair frequency and absence of major repair risk, despite its marginally higher annual repair cost.