Santa cruz vs cx-5: which crossover reigns supreme for adventurers?

In the competitive automotive landscape, the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Mazda CX-5 stand out as two formidable contenders in the compact crossover segment. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of utility, style, and performance, but which one reigns supreme? This in-depth comparison will delve into the key aspects of the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Mazda CX-5, helping you make an informed decision.

Interior and Comfort

Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz features a spacious and versatile cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing excellent lumbar support. The infotainment system is user-friendly and features a large touchscreen display.

Mazda CX-5: The CX-5’s interior is equally impressive, with a premium design and high-quality materials. The seats are plush and offer excellent lateral support. The infotainment system is intuitive and integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Performance and Handling

Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The handling is agile and responsive, providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, or a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. All CX-5 models come standard with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The handling is sharp and precise, making the CX-5 a joy to drive.

Safety Features

Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz comes standard with an array of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 also boasts a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. It has also earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

Fuel Efficiency

Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 has slightly better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,753 pounds.

Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,587 pounds.

Price

Hyundai Santa Cruz: The starting price for the Hyundai Santa Cruz is $23,990.

Mazda CX-5: The starting price for the Mazda CX-5 is $26,300.

The Verdict

Both the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Mazda CX-5 offer exceptional value in the compact crossover segment. The Santa Cruz is a versatile and spacious vehicle with a powerful engine and a comfortable interior. The CX-5, on the other hand, boasts a luxurious interior, sharp handling, and excellent fuel economy.

Ultimately, the decision between the Santa Cruz and the CX-5 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize utility, space, and towing capacity, the Santa Cruz is an excellent choice. If you value a premium interior, sporty handling, and fuel efficiency, the CX-5 is the better option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a slightly more powerful engine than the Mazda CX-5.

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy?
A: The Mazda CX-5 has slightly better fuel economy than the Hyundai Santa Cruz.

Q: Which vehicle has more towing capacity?
A: The Hyundai Santa Cruz has significantly more towing capacity than the Mazda CX-5.