2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a range of trim levels, including Essential, Preferred, Luxury, and Ultimate, with the latter two featuring a turbocharged engine for enhanced power and performance. All-wheel drive was standard on most trims in Canada, except for the Essential, where it was an optional upgrade. The Santa Fe's design was bold and experimental, with features like a unique grille shape and stacked lighting elements, which might not appeal to everyone. Inside, the Santa Fe boasted a dramatic interior with a dual-cowl dashboard and high-contrast colour schemes, although the materials used were not as premium as the design suggested. Despite this, the build quality was excellent, and the controls were refined.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, focusing on smooth, sleek lines that gave it a sophisticated appearance. The exterior differences among the trim levels were minimal, with features like LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers standard on the base model. Higher trims added luxury touches such as leatherette seats and a power liftgate. The CX-5's interior was well-executed, with high-quality materials and a premium feel, especially in the Signature trim, which featured Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. The overall design was cohesive and stylish, making the CX-5 a visually appealing choice.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 185-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, but the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine was the preferred choice for those seeking more power, delivering 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a more responsive driving experience, especially at higher altitudes. The eight-speed automatic transmission offered smooth power delivery, and the AWD system improved handling. Fuel efficiency varied depending on the engine and drivetrain, with the turbocharged AWD model consuming 12.0 L/100 km in the city and 9.2 on the highway. The Santa Fe was competent in daily driving, offering a smooth ride and decent handling, but it lacked the engaging driving dynamics of some competitors.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine provided spirited performance, especially in Sport mode, and was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. AWD was standard on higher trims. Fuel efficiency for the turbocharged AWD model was 10.8 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 on the highway. The CX-5 was known for its engaging driving experience, with responsive handling and a sporty feel, although the stiff suspension could be a drawback for some.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was designed with family needs in mind, offering thoughtful storage solutions and stain-resistant fabric in cloth-seat versions. The test vehicle featured comfortable, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and the rear seats provided ample legroom and reclining options. However, the Santa Fe's cargo space was somewhat limited, with 1,017 litres behind the rear seats and 2,019 litres with the seats folded. The hands-free smart liftgate was a convenient feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable and stylish interior, with good headroom in both rows but limited legroom for rear passengers. The climate controls were straightforward and easy to use, although the larger shifter took up more space than necessary. The CX-5's cargo capacity was below average for the segment, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded. Despite this, the CX-5 offered a power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, stereo control knobs, and shortcut buttons. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, with additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services available on higher trims. The Ultimate trim added a larger display, navigation, and a premium sound system. The Santa Fe also offered a head-up display and a sophisticated voice recognition system.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a standard 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but the operating system was not as intuitive as some competitors. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo was a drawback, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The infotainment controls were positioned in the centre console, which could be inconvenient for shorter drivers. Despite these issues, the CX-5's infotainment system offered essential connectivity features.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was a safe choice, earning a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. It offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and a Blind View Monitor. The Santa Fe also featured an ultrasonic occupant alert system to prevent leaving children or pets in the vehicle.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Additional options included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.