Hyundai Santa fe vs Mazda CX 5, Price, Specs, Cargo Space & Reliability

Choosing between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-5 can be tough, but we’re here to help break it down for you.

These small SUVs offer a mix of style, performance, and practicality. Let’s dive into the key features to make your decision easier.

Hyundai Santa fe vs Mazda CX 5

Pricing and Drivetrain Comparison: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Mazda CX-5

One of the key factors to consider when choosing between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-5 is their pricing and drivetrain options.

Hyundai Santa Fe SE FWD:

• Starting Price: $35,345
• Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select Package AWD:

• Starting Price: $30,675
• Drivetrain: All Wheel Drive (AWD)

1. Price Differential: The Hyundai Santa Fe exhibits a notably higher starting price at $35,345, whereas the Mazda CX-5 enters the market with a more modest starting price of $30,675. This pricing delta could significantly influence the decision-making process for potential buyers.
2. Drivetrain Configurations: The Santa Fe opts for a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration, emphasizing a traditional and commonplace setup suited for routine urban driving. On the contrary, the Mazda CX-5 embraces an All Wheel Drive (AWD) system, indicating a more versatile approach catering to varied terrains and driving conditions.
3. Value Proposition: Assessing the value proposition, the CX-5’s lower entry cost coupled with an AWD configuration might be an attractive proposition for consumers seeking enhanced traction, especially in inclement weather or diverse road surfaces. The Santa Fe, while commanding a higher initial investment, offers a FWD setup that may align with the preferences of those prioritizing standard urban driving conditions.

Read – Mazda CX 9 vs Toyota Highlander – 2024 Top SUV Comparison

Engine Performance Comparison

Having had the opportunity to test both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mazda CX-5, the difference in engine performance is palpable and worth noting.

• Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe comes in hot with its turbocharged engine, giving you a powerful 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5 L/152 intercooled turbo I-4. During my test drive, the Santa Fe’s acceleration felt strong and responsive, making highway maneuvers a breeze.
• Mazda CX-5: On the flip side, the CX-5 boasts a regular I-4 engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. While not as mighty as the Santa Fe, the CX-5 showed off a reliable and smooth performance during everyday driving. It’s not the speed demon like the Santa Fe, but it gets the job done for your daily commute.

In summary, the Hyundai Santa Fe impresses with its potent turbocharged engine, ideal for those seeking a powerful and dynamic driving experience.

Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-5 offers a commendable everyday performance, ensuring a reliable and comfortable ride for the more typical demands of daily driving.

The choice between the two depends on whether the preference leans towards a power-packed driving experience or a well-rounded, dependable performance in everyday scenarios.

Read – Ford Edge vs Mazda CX 5 – Specs, Performance, Reliability & Trunk Space

Fuel Economy Comparison

In terms of fuel efficiency, both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mazda CX-5 present competitive performance. The Santa Fe is anticipated to achieve an estimated 24 miles per gallon (mpg) combined, with breakdowns of 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

On the other hand, the CX-5 boasts slightly better fuel efficiency, with an estimated 25 mpg combined, comprising 23 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway.

If prioritizing fuel savings is a key consideration, the CX-5 holds a marginal advantage in this aspect.

Read – Mazda CX 30 vs CX 5 – Dimensions, Interior, Reliability & Price

Interior and Cargo Space Comparison

The Hyundai Santa Fe can seat seven people in three rows, offering a total passenger space of 152 cubic feet. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-5 is designed for five passengers, providing a total passenger space of 103.6 cubic feet. If you need more seats, the Santa Fe with its third row might be the better choice.

When it comes to cargo space behind the front seats, both models are spacious. The Santa Fe gives you a generous 79.6 cubic feet, while the CX-5 offers a commendable 59.3 cubic feet. Consider your cargo requirements when deciding between them.

Read – Mazda CX-30 vs Mazda CX-5 Specs Comparison

Exterior Dimensions Size Comparison

When considering the size dimensions of the Hyundai Santa Fe SE FWD and the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select Package AWD, our advice would depend on your priorities and specific requirements:

1. Hyundai Santa Fe SE FWD:
   • With a longer wheelbase and overall length, the Santa Fe offers a potential advantage in terms of interior space and cargo capacity.
   • The wider width suggests a more spacious cabin, which could enhance passenger comfort during journeys.
2. Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select Package AWD:
   • While slightly shorter and narrower, the CX-5 maintains a competitive size.
   • A higher ground clearance may be appealing for those who prioritize off-road capability or live in areas with uneven terrain.

Our Advice: Consider the following factors when making a decision:

• If you need more interior space for passengers or cargo, the Santa Fe may be the better choice.
• If you prioritize a higher ground clearance and competitive dimensions, the CX-5 is a strong contender.
• Test-driving both models can provide a hands-on experience, helping you assess how the size dimensions align with your preferences and lifestyle.

Read – Mazda CX-5 vs CX-50 2024 Dimensions, Price, Cargo Space & Reviews

Handling and Driving dynamics comparison

When comparing the handling and driving dynamics of the Hyundai Santa Fe SE FWD and the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select Package AWD, there are notable differences:

1. Hyundai Santa Fe SE FWD:
   • Boasts an eight-speed auto-shift manual transmission, contributing to a dynamic and responsive driving experience.
   • The powerful engine, generating 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, ensures a robust performance on the road.
   • Well-suited for drivers who enjoy a more engaging and spirited driving style.
2. Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select Package AWD:
   • Equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and efficient ride.
   • Offers agile handling, making it particularly suitable for city driving and comfortable on longer journeys.
   • While it may not have the sheer power of the Santa Fe, the CX-5 focuses on delivering a refined and enjoyable driving experience.

Considerations:

• If you prioritize a dynamic and powerful driving experience, the Santa Fe may be the preferred choice.
• For those who value a smooth and agile ride, especially in urban settings, the CX-5 is well-suited to meet those preferences.

Ultimately, the choice between the two models depends on your driving preferences, whether you lean towards a more spirited performance or a refined and comfortable ride.

Safety Features comparison

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe SE FWD and the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select Package AWD prioritize safety with features like lane-keeping assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The CX-5 shines in crash tests, earning an impressive 5/5 overall rating, while the Santa Fe scores a solid 4/5 for rollover safety.

Both SUVs offer advanced safety tech for peace of mind, with the CX-5 holding a slight edge in crash test performance.

Which one is more reliable?

The Mazda CX-5 is reliable due to its consistent performance with SKYACTIV technology, strong safety ratings, positive user reviews highlighting minimal maintenance issues, Mazda’s reputation for quality, and competitive warranty coverage. This makes the CX-5 a dependable choice for drivers looking for reliability and peace of mind.

Conclusion

In summary, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a powerful and spacious option, ideal for larger families, while the Mazda CX-5 excels in reliability, fuel efficiency, and agile driving. If you prioritize performance and space, the Santa Fe is a strong choice.

However, for those seeking reliability and efficient daily driving, the CX-5 is a top contender. The decision ultimately depends on individual preferences in terms of power, space, reliability, and fuel economy.

Frequently Asked Questions