Which suv reigns supreme? hyundai santa fe vs mazda cx-50: a detailed comparison

In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, midsize SUVs have emerged as a popular choice for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. Among the top contenders in this segment are the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mazda CX-50. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of comfort, capability, and technology. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of these two SUVs to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Styling

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe boasts a bold and modern design with a cascading grille, sleek LED headlights, and muscular lines. Its spacious interior features premium materials and a user-friendly layout.

Mazda CX-50: The CX-50 exudes a rugged and sporty aesthetic with its blacked-out accents, aggressive front fascia, and sharp creases. Inside, it offers a minimalist and upscale cabin with high-quality materials and intuitive controls.

Performance and Capabilities

Hyundai Santa Fe: Available with a choice of gasoline and hybrid powertrains, the Santa Fe offers a well-balanced driving experience. Its standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides adequate power, while the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivers impressive performance. All-wheel drive is available for enhanced traction in all conditions.

Mazda CX-50: The CX-50 comes equipped with a powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers responsive acceleration. Its standard all-wheel drive system ensures confidence on any terrain. Additionally, the CX-50 offers a unique off-road mode that optimizes its performance for rugged adventures.

Interior Space and Comfort

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe seats up to eight passengers in three rows of seats. The second row offers ample legroom and headroom, while the third row is best suited for children or occasional use. The cargo area provides generous space for luggage and gear.

Mazda CX-50: The CX-50 has a more compact interior, seating up to five passengers. The front seats provide excellent support and comfort, while the rear seats offer ample legroom. The cargo area is slightly smaller than the Santa Fe‘s, but it still provides sufficient space for most needs.

Technology and Features

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe is equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a premium Bose audio system. It also offers advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

Mazda CX-50: The CX-50 features a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Mazda Connect infotainment system, which is known for its user-friendliness. It also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a premium Bose sound system. The CX-50 offers a range of advanced safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe Hybrid offers exceptional fuel efficiency, with EPA-estimated ratings of up to 36 mpg combined. The gasoline-powered models have slightly lower fuel economy, with EPA-estimated ratings of 25 mpg combined.

Mazda CX-50: The CX-50 has a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter engine that achieves EPA-estimated ratings of up to 27 mpg combined. However, its all-wheel drive system slightly reduces its fuel economy.

Pricing and Value

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a starting price of around $28,000. It offers a good value proposition with its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and comprehensive technology features.

Mazda CX-50: The Mazda CX-50 starts at around $27,000. It provides a more premium experience with its upscale cabin, responsive engine, and advanced safety technologies. However, its smaller interior and slightly higher price may be drawbacks for some buyers.

The Verdict: Hyundai Santa Fe vs Mazda CX-50 – Which SUV Reigns Supreme?

The Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-50 are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a blend of comfort, capability, and technology. The Santa Fe provides a roomier interior, better fuel efficiency, and a more affordable price point. The CX-50, on the other hand, offers a more upscale cabin, a more powerful engine, and better off-road capabilities.

Ultimately, the best choice between these two SUVs depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, fuel economy, and value, the Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent option. If you prefer a more premium experience, better performance, and enhanced off-road capabilities, the Mazda CX-50 is a compelling choice.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q1: Which SUV has a more comfortable ride?

A1: Both the Santa Fe and CX-50 offer comfortable rides, but the CX-50 may have a slight edge with its more upscale cabin and improved sound insulation.

Q2: Which SUV has a better infotainment system?

A2: The Hyundai Santa Fe‘s infotainment system is more user-friendly and offers a wider range of features, including a larger touchscreen and a more intuitive interface.

Q3: Which SUV is better for towing?

A3: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a slightly higher towing capacity than the Mazda CX-50, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to 3,500 pounds.