2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

$30,500 · Crossover

$34,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between a rugged, efficient compact crossover like the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and a roomier, more powerful newcomer like the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe often comes down to prioritizing space versus running costs. The Santa Fe, while starting $4,300 higher at $34,800, boasts a substantial 277 hp compared to the CX-50's 187 hp. Daily driving favors the Mazda, which achieves 28 MPG combined, significantly better than the Santa Fe's 24 MPG combined, even though both use regular unleaded. Practical considerations show the CX-50 is smaller in length (185.8 inches vs. 190.2 inches) but surprisingly offers more than double the usable storage with 31.4 cu ft versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft cargo capacity. Ultimately, buyers must weigh the Santa Fe's raw power advantage against the CX-50's superior fuel economy and lower entry price for everyday practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is better for families because its increased height (67.7 inches) and longer body suggest superior passenger comfort, despite the disappointing stated cargo volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe appeals more to enthusiasts by offering 90 more horsepower (277 hp) and 311 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 provides better value by having a $4,300 lower MSRP and significantly better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You want to save money upfront, as the CX-50 has a $30,500 MSRP.
Fuel efficiency is paramount, given its 28 MPG combined rating versus the Santa Fe's 24 MPG.
You prefer having standard All-Wheel Drive right out of the box.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You need maximum available acceleration, thanks to its 277 hp engine.
You value a taller stance and overall size, as the Santa Fe is 67.7 inches high.
You prefer the smoother shifting feel of an 8-speed automatic transmission over a 6-speed.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Hyundai Santa Fe
Length	185.8"	190.2"
Width	75.6"	74.8"
Height	63.5"	67.7"
Wheelbase	110.8"	110.8"

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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	277 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	311 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)	25/31 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	354.0/513.3 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 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	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
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	8	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	44.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	59.5 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	56.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	40.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	42.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	54.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

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	235/60R18
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	—	✓
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-50 and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe really that much more powerful than the 2025 Mazda CX-50?

Yes, the Santa Fe has a clear power advantage, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, whereas the CX-50 produces 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. This substantial 90 hp difference means the Santa Fe will feel much quicker off the line.

Which car is better for saving money at the gas pump?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is the clear winner here with a 28 MPG combined rating, compared to the Santa Fe's 24 MPG combined. While both take regular unleaded, the CX-50's 4 MPG advantage will lead to fewer stops at the pump.

Does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe have better cargo space?

Surprisingly, no, based on the provided specs, the Mazda CX-50 offers significantly more standard cargo space at 31.4 cu ft compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. Buyers looking for sheer utility might prefer the smaller CX-50.

What is the difference in purchase price between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe commands a higher entry price of $34,800, which is $4,300 more expensive than the 2025 Mazda CX-50 starting at $30,500. This price gap reflects the Santa Fe's extra power.

Which vehicle includes All-Wheel Drive standard?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, making it better equipped for slippery conditions immediately. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is listed with Front Wheel Drive as standard.

How does the size difference affect their driving dynamics?

The CX-50 is shorter in length at 185.8 inches, which usually translates to a more nimble feel, while the taller Santa Fe (67.7 inches high) will likely have more presence but potentially more body roll.