Mazda CX-90 vs Hyundai Palisade

Verdict: Mazda CX-90 vs Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 70/100 compared to the Mazda CX-90's 51/100. Despite having a longer recall history with 33 recalls over seven years, the Palisade maintains a lower owner complaint rate of 31.7 per 10,000 sold, significantly better than the CX-90's 111.2 per 10,000. Additionally, the Palisade's estimated annual repair cost of $573 provides a clearer picture of ongoing expenses, whereas the CX-90 lacks this data. Overall, the Palisade stands out as the more reliable choice, especially considering its more manageable complaint rate and transparent repair cost estimates.

Reliability problem analysis

The Hyundai Palisade shows a higher volume of complaints with significant issues in service brakes, visibility/wiper, and seat belts, totaling 1908 complaints, including 27 crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 has a considerably lower overall complaint count at 280, with steering being its most problematic area, accounting for 80 complaints, 5 of which are crash-linked. Both models have electrical system concerns, but the Palisade's issues extend more severely into safety-critical components like service brakes and seat belts. The Palisade's higher rate of crash-linked complaints in several categories suggests more frequent safety implications compared to the CX-90.

Which one to buy

If you prioritize reliability and lower annual repair costs, the Hyundai Palisade stands out as the better option. With a reliability score of 70/100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $573, it offers peace of mind for those who want a dependable vehicle. Despite having 33 total recalls, the Palisade has a lower owner complaint rate of 31.7 per 10,000 sold, indicating fewer issues experienced by drivers. This makes it ideal for families or individuals seeking a reliable SUV with manageable maintenance requirements.

On the other hand, if you are drawn to the Mazda CX-90, you should be aware of its lower reliability score of 51/100 and higher owner complaint rate of 111.2 per 10,000 sold. The CX-90 has reported issues with critical systems like steering and the electrical system, which could lead to more frequent repairs. Choose this model if you're willing to take a risk on potential issues, perhaps for the appeal of its design or features, but be prepared for possible higher maintenance involvement.

Cost of ownership

Independent repair cost data indicates that the Hyundai Palisade incurs an average annual repair cost of $573 with a repair frequency of 0.4 visits per year. Although specific figures for the Mazda CX-90 are unavailable, the Palisade's relatively low repair frequency suggests it is a reliable option requiring fewer trips to the mechanic.

Without concrete data for the Mazda CX-90, it's challenging to make a direct comparison. However, the Palisade's predictable repair cost and frequency make it an appealing choice for cost-conscious buyers. Over five years, the Palisade's maintenance costs would total approximately $2,865, offering a clear picture for budgeting.