2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's more daring models. Despite its understated appearance, it remained an attractive SUV, with its wide upper and lower grilles and thin LED headlights providing a distinctive look. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in the U.S., featured a black interior with Nappa leather seats, offering a high-quality feel, though the dark, monotone cabin could benefit from a lighter interior option for visual contrast. The seats were comfortable, with heated and cooled front seats standard in the Calligraphy trim, and the second row also featured seat heaters.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 boasted an artful design with a long hood and dramatic flanks, though its appearance was somewhat marred by excessive gray body cladding. The GT Turbo trim, tested with a tasteful interior combination of off-white leather and chocolate brown accents, exuded an upscale feel akin to an entry-level luxury SUV. The cabin was loaded with quality materials, though the front passenger seat offered limited adjustment options. The CX-30's design was appealing, but the exterior's ruggedness was more of a facade, giving way to a refined and elegant interior.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine, available in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, provided immediate acceleration with no discernible turbo lag, making it a standout in its class. The Santa Fe's drive-mode selector allowed for customization, and the handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering. The turbo version could tow up to 1,587 kg, though trailer brakes were necessary for maximum capacity.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered three powertrains, with the base GX trim featuring a 2.0-litre engine producing 155 horsepower. The GS and GT models had a 2.5-litre engine with 191 horsepower, while the GT Turbo boasted a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and AWD were standard, and the vehicle provided robust acceleration, though the powertrain could be caught flat-footed in heavy traffic. The CX-30's handling was enjoyable on twisty roads, but the suspension struggled with speed bumps, and the small fuel tank limited its range.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in interior space, offering 1,060 millimetres of rear-seat legroom and 1,032 litres of cargo space behind the second row. Folding the seats down expanded the cargo area to 2,041 litres. The Santa Fe's two-row configuration provided ample space and comfort, with standard features like an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added luxury features such as a head-up display and a panoramic sunroof, though the wide centre console slightly reduced driver leg space.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30, while comfortable for the driver, offered limited legroom for rear passengers. The cargo space was modest, with 572 litres available behind the rear seats and 1,280 litres with the seats folded down. The CX-30's interior featured standard dual-zone climate control and a power moonroof, but the front passenger seat lacked adjustability. Storage options were reasonable, though the cargo area lacked additional storage solutions. The GT and GT Turbo trims included paddle shifters and a power liftgate, though the latter was unnecessary given the limited cargo space.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe impressed with its in-vehicle technology, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in the top trims. The infotainment system was customizable, though voice recognition had mixed results. The Santa Fe's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) included features like forward-collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist, providing peace of mind during drives.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had notable flaws, including the lack of a touchscreen and conversational voice recognition. The system required frequent glances away from the road, and the absence of a tuning knob was inconvenient. Despite these issues, the 8.8-inch display was well-integrated, and the system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The GT Turbo trim added a navigation system and a 14-speaker Bose audio system, though the infotainment experience was less intuitive than the Santa Fe's.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist, enhancing the driving experience. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS, underscoring its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 also prioritized safety, with improvements to side-impact protection and a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. The GX trim included blind-spot monitoring, while higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The CX-30's safety systems worked well, though an unexpected forward-collision warning during testing highlighted the system's sensitivity. Overall, the CX-30 offered a robust safety package, though some features were only available on higher trims.