2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

$28,770 · Crossover

$29,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 exhilarates with its precision handling wrapped in an elegant crossover shell, offering a robust 187 hp and standard AWD capability, though slightly less torque than its rival. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz excites drivers by blending SUV utility with an open bed, boasting 191 hp from its base engine and a more highway-friendly 30 MPG. The Mazda is the more compact offering at 180.1 inches long, focusing on maneuverability, whereas the Santa Cruz stretches to 195.7 inches. Both start near the $29,000 mark, with the CX-5 priced at $28,770 and the Santa Cruz at $29,500. While both achieve a respectable 25 MPG combined, the Mazda's smaller footprint suggests easier urban navigation, contrasting with the Santa Cruz's larger 75.0-inch width and unique open-bed versatility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5, being significantly shorter at 180.1 inches, is superior for navigating and parking in dense commuter environments.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers greater overall length (195.7 inches) and width (75.0 inches), suggesting a potentially more spacious cabin for family cargo.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The standard All-Wheel Drive system and the Mazda's established reputation for superior driving dynamics give it the edge for enthusiastic drivers.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 offers a lower starting MSRP of $28,770 and includes AWD standard, representing better baseline utility than the FWD-based Santa Cruz at $29,500.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You prioritize handling precision and a premium feel associated with the Mazda brand.
Your budget is tighter, as the CX-5 starts at a lower MSRP of $28,770.
Standard All-Wheel Drive is a non-negotiable requirement for your driving conditions.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...

You need the specialized, open utility offered by the Santa Cruz's unique truck bed configuration.
You value the slightly higher base horsepower rating of 191 hp.
Maximizing highway efficiency is key, as the Santa Cruz manages 30 MPG highway versus the CX-5's 29 MPG highway.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-5	Hyundai Santa Cruz
Length	180.1"	195.7"
Width	72.6"	75.0"
Height	66.1"	66.7"
Wheelbase	106.2"	118.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
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	187 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	✓	✓

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/29 MPG	22/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/443.7 mi.	389.4/531.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 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	✓	—
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Air Conditioning	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Cruise Control	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume 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	39.7 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 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	39.0 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	56.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.3 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	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

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-5 and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.

Which vehicle is better suited for fitting into tight city parking spots?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is significantly easier to manage in tight spaces because it is only 180.1 inches long, making it notably shorter than the 195.7-inch Hyundai Santa Cruz.

How does the standard drivetrain affect performance between the two models?

The CX-5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), providing better traction in varied conditions, while the Santa Cruz comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) for its base trim.

Is there a noticeable difference in power delivery between the two crossovers?

The 2026 Santa Cruz edges out the CX-5 in raw power with 191 hp compared to the CX-5’s 187 hp, though both are paired with different automatic transmissions (8-speed vs. 6-speed).