2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 often boils down to prioritizing utility versus traditional crossover feel. The Santa Cruz starts at a lower MSRP of $28,750 compared to the Mazda's $29,900, offering a lower entry point. Power is comparable, with the Santa Cruz delivering 191 hp versus the CX-50's 187 hp, though the Hyundai manages slightly less torque at 181 lb-ft against Mazda's 185 lb-ft. For fuel economy, the CX-50 edges out the Santa Cruz with a combined 26 MPG versus 25 MPG. A significant structural difference is size; the Santa Cruz is nearly 10 inches longer at 195.7 inches, which impacts maneuverability but aids in overall utility due to its bed design. Conversely, the CX-50 provides a more compact footprint at 185.8 inches long, along with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), a key advantage over the Santa Cruz's standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mazda CX-50
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined 26 MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive for all-weather confidence.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is better for families needing space, as its longer 195.7-inch length likely translates to more flexible interior or usable bed space.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Enthusiasts will lean toward the Santa Cruz because it offers 191 hp, slightly more than the CX-50's 187 hp, suggesting a marginal performance edge.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers better initial value with a lower MSRP of $28,750 compared to the Mazda's $29,900.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You absolutely need the lowest starting price, as the Santa Cruz lists at $28,750.
- You plan on hauling dirty or bulky items frequently, benefiting from the truck bed design.
- You prefer a longer vehicle, measuring 195.7 inches, for potentially more overall volume.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- You prioritize standard traction in varying conditions because the CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- You are looking for marginally better fuel efficiency, achieving 26 MPG combined versus 25 MPG.
- You need a more agile vehicle, as the CX-50 is almost 10 inches shorter than the Santa Cruz.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 185.8" |
| Width | 75.0" | 75.6" |
| Height | 66.7" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 110.8" |
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 | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 185 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 | 24/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 381.6/477.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 15.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 10.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | P225/65R17 |
| 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-50.
Which vehicle is better for city driving and parking? (2025 Santa Cruz vs 2026 CX-50)
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is generally better for tight city environments because it is shorter overall at 185.8 inches compared to the Santa Cruz's 195.7 inches. Shorter vehicles are usually easier to maneuver and squeeze into smaller parking spots.
Does the difference in horsepower matter significantly between these two crossovers?
Not substantially for daily commuting; the Santa Cruz has 191 hp while the CX-50 has 187 hp, a negligible 4 hp difference. Both use regular unleaded fuel and are tuned for balanced, not performance, driving.
Why is the Mazda CX-50's MSRP higher if its horsepower is lower?
The Mazda CX-50 has an MSRP of $29,900, higher than the Santa Cruz's $28,750, likely because it includes standard All-Wheel Drive, which is typically an extra-cost option on the base Santa Cruz.
How does the fuel economy stack up for long highway trips?
Both vehicles achieve 30 MPG on the highway, so the difference is minimal for long-distance cruisers. However, the CX-50 technically wins on overall efficiency with 26 combined MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 25 combined MPG.
If I carry passengers versus cargo, which one should I choose?
If you prioritize covered cargo space that is easily accessible, the CX-50 is a traditional crossover with 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity. If you need open-air or highly configurable hauling, the Santa Cruz's truck bed design is superior.
Is the Santa Cruz's FWD configuration a drawback compared to the CX-50's AWD?
For most drivers, the Santa Cruz’s Front Wheel Drive (FWD) is fine for dry conditions and daily use. However, the CX-50's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) offers better security and traction during snow, ice, or moderate off-pavement excursions.
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