Bob Penkhus Mazda South - Is Standard AWD the Smart Advantage for Pueblo, CO Families Comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Hyundai PALISADE?
The standard AWD can be a major advantage for Pueblo, CO families comparing the Mazda CX-90 and Hyundai PALISADE, especially for drivers who want confidence built into every trim rather than selected as an available upgrade. The Mazda CX-90 includes standard i-Activ AWD®, a proactive all-wheel-drive system designed to continuously monitor vehicle dynamics and help manage torque distribution before the driver notices a change in traction. The Hyundai PALISADE offers available HTRAC All Wheel Drive on many trims and standard HTRAC capability on XRT PRO, so it remains a capable 3-row SUV. Still, Mazda's approach is simpler for shoppers who do not want to sort through trim availability to get all-wheel-drive confidence.
That distinction matters along Southern Colorado routes. A family SUV may spend one day on city streets, the next on I-25, and the weekend heading toward trail access roads, school activities, or a longer highway trip. In those situations, the Mazda CX-90 feels especially well suited because its standard AWD works together with a rear-biased platform, available Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, and available turbocharged inline 6 power. Rather than feeling like a large SUV that simply has traction assistance, the CX-90 feels engineered around confident control.
How Mazda i-Activ AWD® Changes the Comparison
Mazda describes i-Activ AWD® as more than a system that reacts after wheelspin occurs. It is designed to proactively monitor vehicle dynamics data in real time and automatically control torque distribution for predictable handling. That can be valuable for drivers who encounter uneven pavement, loose surfaces, steep neighborhood grades, changing road conditions, or winding routes outside town. The system is standard on Mazda crossover SUVs, including the CX-90, which gives the vehicle a consistent personality across the lineup.
By comparison, the 2026 Hyundai PALISADE has available HTRAC All Wheel Drive with Terrain Mode. Hyundai's system can help provide traction on rough roads and slippery surfaces, and the PALISADE XRT PRO adds more rugged equipment such as all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, and an integrated tow hitch. For some shoppers, that may sound appealing. However, for a family choosing a refined everyday SUV, Mazda's standard AWD advantage is easier to appreciate because every CX-90 starts with that confidence already included.
Performance Feel: Why the CX-90 Stands Apart
The Mazda CX-90 is not only about traction. It also offers a more premium performance layout than many mainstream 3-row SUVs. Mazda's rear-biased platform helps create balanced handling, while Kinematic Posture Control is engineered to help the SUV feel more composed during cornering. That can make a noticeable difference when driving through curves, merging onto the highway, or carrying passengers and cargo on a longer route. The CX-90 feels composed without feeling disconnected from the road.
The available e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine gives Mazda another advantage. CX-90 3.3 Turbo models deliver up to 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while Turbo S models are tuned for up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when using recommended premium fuel. The PALISADE gas model uses a 287-hp 3.5-liter V6, while PALISADE Hybrid models offer a turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain. Hyundai provides solid capability, but Mazda's inline 6 has a smoother, more premium character that fits the CX-90's upscale mission.
What About Comfort and Family Space?
Both SUVs offer 3-row seating for 7 or 8 passengers depending on configuration, so the right choice is less about whether each vehicle can carry a family and more about how each cabin feels while doing it. The Hyundai PALISADE offers a spacious layout, available 2nd-row captain's chairs, available Nappa leather seating surfaces, available dual pane sunroof, and plentiful USB-C ports. It is designed to make family travel convenient and comfortable.
The Mazda CX-90 answers with a quieter, more elegant cabin environment. Mazda describes the interior as crafted with intention to create a harmonious space for the driver and passengers. Available features include Nappa leather-trimmed seats, Bose® sound, a panoramic moonroof, Mazda Connected Services, and USB-C charging access for passengers in the 2nd and 3rd row on select models. The design feels less like a utility-first cabin and more like a premium lounge built around the person behind the wheel.
- Daily comfort: The CX-90 provides seating flexibility, premium materials, and a calm cabin layout for school runs, commutes, and errands.
- Passenger convenience: Available USB-C charging outlets and available Bose® sound help keep the whole cabin engaged.
- Driver confidence: Standard i-Activ AWD® and a refined driving position make the CX-90 feel composed in varied conditions.
Technology and Visibility for Everyday Driving
Technology is another area where both SUVs are competitive, but Mazda's systems feel thoughtfully integrated. The CX-90 includes Mazda Connect™ Infotainment System features, Bluetooth® connectivity, Apple CarPlay® integration for your iPhone®, Android Auto™ integration, and Mazda Connected Services with a one-year trial. Through the MyMazda App, drivers can access remote features such as Remote Engine Start, vehicle location, door lock and unlock, and available in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
The available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View is especially useful for a larger SUV. It can help provide an enhanced view of areas around the vehicle that may otherwise be difficult to see from the driver's seat. For tight parking lots, garages, school pickup lines, and trailer alignment, that extra visibility can reduce stress. The PALISADE also offers an available Surround View Monitor, available Blind-Spot View Monitor, and other advanced tech features, but Mazda's system pairs neatly with the CX-90's driver-focused feel.
Safety Recognition and Driver Assistance
Family SUV shoppers often ask whether the Mazda CX-90 or Hyundai PALISADE has the safety credentials to support daily peace of mind. The CX-90 is a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, and Mazda notes that both the 2025 CX-90 and CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid EV earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Standard and available i-Activsense® features can include Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Driver Monitoring, Vehicle Exit Warning, Cruising & Traffic Support, and the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View.
The 2026 Hyundai PALISADE also earned 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK recognition and offers Hyundai SmartSense features such as Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Highway Driving Assist 2 on select trims. That means both SUVs take safety seriously. Mazda's advantage is the way its safety features work alongside standard AWD, responsive handling, and a composed platform to create a more reassuring overall drive.
Which SUV Should Pueblo, CO Shoppers Choose?
For many families, the Mazda CX-90 is the more rewarding choice because it combines 3-row practicality with premium driving dynamics. If a shopper wants maximum cargo space above all else, the PALISADE may attract attention. If the goal is a refined SUV that feels confident, balanced, and enjoyable every time the driver gets behind the wheel, the CX-90 has the stronger personality. It offers seating for up to eight, standard i-Activ AWD®, available turbocharged inline 6 power, available Plug-In Hybrid capability, and a cabin that feels intentionally crafted.
Bob Penkhus Mazda South is proud to help shoppers compare these details with clarity, serving Pueblo, Canon City, and Woodland Park with a focus on the Mazda ownership experience. The best next step is to drive the CX-90 and feel how its standard AWD, smooth power delivery, quiet cabin, and premium controls work together. On paper, both SUVs are capable. On the road, the Mazda CX-90 makes a compelling case for drivers who want confidence with a more elevated feel.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the Mazda CX-90 have standard AWD?
Yes. The Mazda CX-90 includes standard i-Activ AWD®, which helps provide confident traction and predictable handling across the lineup.
Does the Hyundai PALISADE offer AWD?
Yes. The 2026 Hyundai PALISADE offers available HTRAC All Wheel Drive on many trims, and it is standard on the XRT PRO trim.
Which SUV has a plug-in hybrid option?
The Mazda CX-90 offers a Plug-In Hybrid EV powertrain with a flexible 27-mile electric range for short trips. The Hyundai PALISADE offers a hybrid model, but not a plug-in hybrid version.
Which SUV is better for drivers who enjoy performance?
The Mazda CX-90 is the stronger pick for many performance-minded drivers because of its rear-biased platform, standard i-Activ AWD®, available Kinematic Posture Control, and available turbocharged inline 6 power.