Hyundai Santa Fe Vs Mazda Cx-5

The midsize SUV segment is fiercely competitive, with automakers vying to offer the best combination of performance, practicality, and value. Two standout contenders in this category are the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mazda CX-5. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key aspects of these two popular SUVs to help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing your next ride.

Performance

Engine and Power

Both the Santa Fe and CX-5 offer a range of engine options to suit different driving needs. The Santa Fe comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. For more power, you can opt for the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivers 275 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

The CX-5, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also available, producing 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Economy

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Santa Fe and CX-5 are comparable. The Santa Fe with the base engine achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

The CX-5 with the base engine offers slightly better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine achieves 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Comfort

Space and Seating

Both the Santa Fe and CX-5 offer spacious interiors with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The Santa Fe has slightly more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. However, the CX-5’s cargo capacity is slightly larger, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row of seats and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Features and Technology

The Santa Fe and CX-5 come well-equipped with a range of standard features, including an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rearview camera, and a suite of driver-assist technologies.

The Santa Fe offers a few more standard features than the CX-5, such as a sunroof, heated front seats, and a wireless phone charger. However, the CX-5’s infotainment system is more user-friendly and features a larger touchscreen display.

Safety

Both the Santa Fe and CX-5 have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Standard safety features on both SUVs include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Santa Fe offers a few more standard safety features than the CX-5, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Off-Road Capability

If you plan on venturing off-road, the Santa Fe offers a slight advantage over the CX-5. The Santa Fe comes standard with all-wheel drive and has a higher ground clearance of 8.3 inches. The CX-5, on the other hand, has a lower ground clearance of 7.7 inches and comes standard with front-wheel drive.

Price and Value

The Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price of $28,850, while the Mazda CX-5 starts at $26,750. However, the Santa Fe offers more standard features and a slightly more spacious interior.

When it comes to value, the Santa Fe slightly edges out the CX-5 due to its lower starting price and more comprehensive list of standard features.

Choosing the Right SUV for You

Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance and value, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more refined and fuel-efficient SUV, the Mazda CX-5 is a strong contender.

Beyond the Comparison

Hyundai Santa Fe

• Pros: Spacious interior, powerful engine options, competitive pricing
• Cons: Not as fuel-efficient as the CX-5, infotainment system could be improved

Mazda CX-5

• Pros: User-friendly infotainment system, sporty handling, excellent fuel economy
• Cons: Less spacious interior than the Santa Fe, higher starting price

Beyond the Comparison: Features, Safety, and More

Features

• Santa Fe: Standard features include a sunroof, heated front seats, and a wireless phone charger.
• CX-5: Standard features include an infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display and more user-friendly interface.

Safety

• Santa Fe: Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
• CX-5: Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Off-Road Capability

• Santa Fe: Comes standard with all-wheel drive and has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches.
• CX-5: Comes standard with front-wheel drive and has a ground clearance of 7.7 inches.

Price and Value

• Santa Fe: Starting price of $28,850, offers more standard features and a slightly more spacious interior.
• CX-5: Starting price of $26,750, offers a more refined and fuel-efficient experience.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?

A: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a more powerful turbocharged engine option with 275 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?

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

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?

A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a slightly more spacious interior with more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.

Q: Which SUV has a more user-friendly infotainment system?

A: The Mazda CX-5 has a more user-friendly infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display and a more intuitive interface.

Q: Which SUV is better for off-road driving?

A: The Hyundai Santa Fe is better for off-road driving due to its standard all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance.