2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

$25,195 · Crossover

$29,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 thrills with its standard 191 hp and efficiency, delivering a slick 29 MPG combined in a nimble, premium-feeling package, whereas the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz grabs attention by blending SUV practicality with an open bed, despite its slightly thirstier 25 MPG combined rating. The CX-30 feels taut and athletic, featuring standard All-Wheel Drive and a tight 173.0-inch length perfect for urban maneuvering. Conversely, the Santa Cruz leans into utility, offering a much larger footprint at 195.7 inches long and utilizing a standard Front Wheel Drive setup paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the CX-30 starts at an appealing $25,195, the Santa Cruz commands a $4,305 premium at $29,500, creating a clear choice between nimble, economical polish and rugged versatility.

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 fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The larger 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, with its greater overall dimensions, likely offers more necessary passenger and incidental space for families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 offers standard All-Wheel Drive and a slightly higher torque rating (186 lb-ft vs 181 lb-ft) in a more compact, driver-focused chassis.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 presents better value by offering the same 191 horsepower rating for $4,305 less than the Santa Cruz.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize fuel savings, benefiting from the CX-30's 29 MPG combined rating versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG.
Your budget is firm, as the CX-30 starts significantly lower at $25,195.
You prefer the security and handling of standard All-Wheel Drive for varied road conditions.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...

You absolutely require the utility of an open bed, which the Santa Cruz uniquely provides.
You need maximum passenger or overall interior space, indicated by the Santa Cruz's larger 195.7-inch length.
You prefer the smoother shifting characteristics of the Santa Cruz's 8-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6000 rpm	191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	181 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	Mazda	Hyundai
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Front Head Room	38.1 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	54.5 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	Mazda	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	53.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-30 more powerful than the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

No, both vehicles output an identical 191 horsepower. However, the CX-30 slightly leads in torque, producing 186 lb-ft versus the Santa Cruz's 181 lb-ft.

Which vehicle is better suited for navigating tight city streets?

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 is likely the superior choice due to its significantly shorter overall length of 173.0 inches, making parking and maneuvering easier than the longer 195.7-inch Santa Cruz.

How does the standard drivetrain compare between these two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-30 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, offering enhanced traction potential. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz defaults to Front Wheel Drive in its base configuration.

What is the exact cost difference between the base models?

There is a substantial price gap of $4,305 between the two; the CX-30 begins at $25,195 while the Santa Cruz has an MSRP of $29,500.

Is the cargo area substantially different if I skip the Santa Cruz's truck bed?

The available cargo capacity for the CX-30 is listed at 20.2 cubic feet. While the Santa Cruz's internal cargo capacity isn't specified, its larger exterior dimensions suggest a potentially greater volume behind the rear seats than the CX-30.

Are both vehicles restricted to premium fuel?

Fortunately, neither vehicle demands expensive fuel, as both the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline.