Hyundai santa fe vs mazda cx-9: which suv reigns supreme in 2023?

The Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-9 are two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market, each offering a unique blend of style, performance, and features. If you’re in the market for a spacious and versatile SUV, these two models are likely on your shortlist. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Hyundai Santa Fe against the Mazda CX-9 to help you make an informed decision.

Exterior Design

The Hyundai Santa Fe features a bold and rugged exterior design, with a large grille, aggressive headlights, and sharp body lines. The Mazda CX-9, on the other hand, exudes a more sophisticated and streamlined appearance, with a sleek grille, flowing curves, and a sporty stance.

Interior Quality and Features

Inside, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin, with comfortable seats, high-quality materials, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Mazda CX-9 also boasts a spacious interior, but it features a more premium and luxurious feel, with leather-trimmed seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a high-end audio system.

Powertrain and Performance

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6. The Mazda CX-9 comes exclusively with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Both SUVs provide adequate power for everyday driving, but the V6 engine in the Santa Fe offers a bit more muscle for towing and hauling.

Fuel Economy

When it comes to fuel economy, the Hyundai Santa Fe with the four-cylinder engine has a slight edge over the Mazda CX-9, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city / 28 mpg highway compared to 23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway. However, the CX-9’s turbocharged engine provides more power while maintaining similar fuel consumption figures.

Safety Features

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-9 offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Santa Fe comes standard with more advanced features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Price and Value

The Hyundai Santa Fe has a slightly lower starting price than the Mazda CX-9, but both SUVs offer a competitive value proposition in their respective segments. The Santa Fe provides a spacious and well-equipped cabin for a reasonable price, while the CX-9 offers a more premium experience with a higher price tag.

Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-9 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize value, space, and advanced safety features, the Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent option. If you prefer a more premium and luxurious experience, the Mazda CX-9 is the more compelling choice.

The Verdict: A Close Call

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-9 are exceptional midsize SUVs that offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and features. The Santa Fe provides a spacious and value-oriented package, while the CX-9 delivers a more premium and luxurious experience. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific requirements and preferences.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Which SUV has the better fuel economy?

The Hyundai Santa Fe with the four-cylinder engine has slightly better fuel economy than the Mazda CX-9.

2. Which SUV has a more spacious interior?

Both SUVs offer spacious interiors, but the Hyundai Santa Fe has a slightly larger cargo capacity.

3. Which SUV has more advanced safety features?

The Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard with more advanced safety features than the Mazda CX-9.

4. Which SUV is more affordable?

The Hyundai Santa Fe has a slightly lower starting price than the Mazda CX-9.

5. Which SUV is better for towing?

The Hyundai Santa Fe with the V6 engine offers a higher towing capacity than the Mazda CX-9.