2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2025 Mazda CX-30

$28,750 · Crossover

$25,195 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2025 Mazda CX-30 is the $3,555 difference in base MSRP, with the CX-30 starting at $25,195 versus the Santa Cruz's $28,750. Fuel economy presents another notable split, as the smaller CX-30 achieves 29 MPG combined compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined. Power figures are closely matched; both vehicles generate 191 horsepower, though the CX-30 offers slightly more torque at 186 lb-ft against the Santa Cruz's 181 lb-ft. Size constraints also dictate utility: the Santa Cruz is substantially larger, measuring 195.7 inches in length compared to the CX-30's 173.0 inches. This size difference influences passenger and cargo volume, though specific cargo metrics are only listed for the Mazda at 20.2 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy and standard All-Wheel Drive system.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz is favored for families because its 195.7-inch length suggests greater interior and potentially cargo room, despite specific cargo data being unavailable for comparison.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 takes the enthusiast edge by delivering slightly higher torque (186 lb-ft vs. 181 lb-ft) while offering better efficiency.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 offers better value by starting $3,555 lower while achieving 4 MPG better combined efficiency.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...

You require a longer body structure, measuring 195.7 inches, for maximum overall vehicle footprint.
You prefer the efficiency of a front-wheel-drive configuration paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Your priority is the higher base MSRP vehicle, suggesting a potentially different feature set at entry level.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

Maximizing fuel economy is critical, as evidenced by its 29 MPG combined rating.
You need standard All-Wheel Drive capability straight from the base trim level.
A lower initial purchase price of $25,195 is a primary determining factor for your purchase.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Cruz	Mazda CX-30
Length	195.7"	173.0"
Width	75.0"	70.7"
Height	66.7"	61.7"
Wheelbase	118.3"	104.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	191 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/30 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	389.4/531.0 mi.	330.2/419.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	12.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	38.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	55.6 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	54.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.5 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	215/65R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2025 Mazda CX-30.

How significant is the size difference between the 2025 Santa Cruz and the 2025 CX-30?

The size difference is substantial, with the Santa Cruz measuring 195.7 inches long compared to the CX-30's 173.0 inches, resulting in over 22 inches of length disparity between the two crossovers.

Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency ratings?

The Mazda CX-30 is significantly more efficient, achieving 29 MPG combined (26 City/33 Highway) compared to the Hyundai Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined (22 City/30 Highway).

Do both crossovers produce the same horsepower?

Yes, both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2025 Mazda CX-30 share an identical base output of 191 horsepower.

What is the base price advantage of choosing the CX-30 over the Santa Cruz?

The Mazda CX-30 offers a base MSRP of $25,195, providing a direct savings of $3,555 over the Santa Cruz's starting price of $28,750.

How do the drivetrains and transmissions differ between the base models?

The base Santa Cruz features Front Wheel Drive with an 8-speed automatic transmission, whereas the base CX-30 comes standard with All Wheel Drive mated to a 6-speed shiftable automatic.

Does the CX-30 provide competitive torque figures despite its lower MSRP?

Yes, the CX-30 generates 186 lb-ft of torque, slightly exceeding the Santa Cruz's 181 lb-ft, indicating competitive performance potential from the base engine.