2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 bursts onto the scene with a powerful 280 hp engine and 332 lb-ft of torque, promising a premium, engaging drive, though its base MSRP starts higher at $38,045. Conversely, the freshly redesigned 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a compelling value proposition, starting at a lower $34,800 while delivering a respectable 277 hp. The Mazda stakes its claim with superior torque and standard All-Wheel Drive, paired with a 25 MPG combined rating, contrasting with the slightly more economical Santa Fe's 29 MPG highway rating, despite being FWD. Both utilize 8-speed automatics, but the CX-90's length of 200.8 inches suggests more substantial road presence than the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches. The Mazda prioritizes potent, engaging dynamics; the Hyundai focuses on accessible, modern utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers better highway fuel economy at 29 MPG and a lower initial cost, making daily drives more efficient.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 provides a more commanding presence with its 200.8-inch length and standard AWD for varied conditions.
2025 Mazda CX-90
With 332 lb-ft of torque and standard AWD, the Mazda delivers superior power transfer and dynamic capabilities.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe undercuts the Mazda by $3,245 while offering comparable horsepower (277 hp vs. 280 hp).
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You crave maximum performance, highlighted by the 332 lb-ft of torque standard in the CX-90.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability right from the base model.
- You desire the longer, more substantial body style, measuring 200.8 inches in length.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- Your budget is tight, as the Santa Fe starts $3,245 less expensive than the CX-90.
- Maximizing highway fuel efficiency is critical, reaching up to 29 MPG.
- You prefer the traditional confidence of a front-wheel-drive layout for everyday driving.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-90 | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 190.2" |
| Width | 78.5" | 74.8" |
| Height | 68.2" | 67.7" |
| Wheelbase | 122.8" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.3 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 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 | 8-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) | 24/28 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 444.0/518.0 mi. | 354.0/513.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 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 (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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 44.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.2 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/55R19 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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-90 and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
What is the major performance difference between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 boasts a slight edge with 280 hp and significantly more torque at 332 lb-ft compared to the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe's 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
How do the fuel economies compare for highway driving?
The Hyundai Santa Fe leads in highway efficiency, achieving 29 MPG, while the Mazda CX-90 is rated slightly lower at 28 MPG, despite having standard AWD.
Is one vehicle inherently better for overall utility based on specs?
The Mazda CX-90 is longer at 200.8 inches versus the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches, suggesting a difference in passenger or cargo volume, although their listed cargo capacities are nearly identical (14.9 vs 14.6 cu ft).
What accounts for the $3,245 difference in starting price?
The price gap is likely attributable to the Mazda's standard All-Wheel Drive configuration and its higher output engine, as the Santa Fe starts with Front-Wheel Drive and slightly lower power figures.
Do both vehicles use the same type of transmission?
Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe employ an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for gear changes.
Which vehicle is less thirsty for premium gasoline?
Both the CX-90 and the Santa Fe are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires the typically higher cost of premium gasoline.
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