2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Mazda CX-30
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz arrives as a sport adventure vehicle, boasting a length of 195.7 inches and a potent 191 hp base engine, carving out a niche with its open-bed utility. In contrast, the nimble 2026 Mazda CX-30 captivates with premium flair in a compact footprint, measuring just 173.0 inches long while offering superior efficiency at 27 MPG combined. The Santa Cruz offers more hustle with 181 lb-ft of torque, but the CX-30 counters with standard All-Wheel Drive and slightly better fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG highway versus the Santa Cruz's 30 MPG. While the Santa Cruz commands a higher starting price of $28,750 compared to the CX-30's $25,975, the Hyundai's larger dimensions suggest more cabin and bed flexibility for adventurous souls. Both utilize regular unleaded fuel, but their differing philosophies—utility versus refinement—define their appeal.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is the superior commuter due to its smaller footprint (70.7 inches wide) and better fuel economy (27 MPG combined).
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers significantly greater overall physical size (195.7 inches long) suitable for more passengers or gear.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz provides more base power with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, suggesting a more spirited drive despite having FWD.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 starts $2,775 cheaper and includes standard AWD, making it the better bang for the buck.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You require the unique functionality of a truck bed for hauling outdoor gear or project supplies.
- You prefer the slightly higher base output of 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque from the powertrain.
- You prioritize maximum overall length (195.7 inches) for cabin space or bed utility.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You value efficiency, as the CX-30 achieves a better 27 MPG combined rating.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for better traction out of the box.
- You want to maximize savings, as the CX-30 has a significantly lower MSRP of $25,975.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Mazda CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 173.0" |
| Width | 75.0" | 70.7" |
| Height | 66.7" | 61.4" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
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 | 186 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | 24/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 304.8/393.7 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 | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| 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 2026 Mazda CX-30.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 wins the efficiency battle, delivering 27 MPG combined versus the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz’s 25 MPG combined rating. This translates to slightly lower running costs for the Mazda driver.
How much more space does the Santa Cruz offer over the CX-30?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is substantially larger; it is 195.7 inches long compared to the Mazda's 173.0 inches, offering greater exterior bulk. Furthermore, the Santa Cruz offers an open bed while the CX-30 has 20.2 cu ft of enclosed cargo capacity.
Is the base AWD system worth the price difference?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 includes All-Wheel Drive standard, whereas the base 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz features Front Wheel Drive. Considering the CX-30 is nearly $2,800 less expensive, its standard AWD offers substantial added value for adverse weather driving.
Does the base engine output significantly affect driving dynamics?
The Santa Cruz base engine produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, slightly edging out the CX-30's 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. While both are geared toward practicality, the Santa Cruz has a higher peak horsepower figure.
Which vehicle uses a more traditional automatic transmission?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, giving it two extra gears compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-30's 6-speed unit, which may contribute to its slightly better highway fuel economy rating.
If cargo access is key, which vehicle is better?
For open-air hauling, the Santa Cruz's truck bed is the clear advantage over the CX-30’s traditional enclosed SUV cargo area. However, for secure storage, the CX-30 offers 20.2 cubic feet.
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