2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Mazda CX-30

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's more daring models. While it maintained an attractive appearance, it didn't stand out as much as other vehicles in the brand's lineup. The SUV continued with the same design as the 2022 model, available in four trim levels in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The U.S.-spec Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in Stormy Sea paint, showcased a wide grille and thin LED headlights, giving it a distinctive front look. Inside, the black interior with Nappa leather seats provided a high-quality feel, though it was somewhat dark and monotone. The seats were comfortable, with heated and cooled options in the front and heated seats in the second row, making it adaptable to varying weather conditions.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 aimed to ensure it wasn't mistaken for a car, with its excessive charcoal-coloured plastic cladding. Despite this, the CX-30 was appealing with its short overhangs, long hood, and sculpted sides. The interior exuded a class-above feel, with style and refinement akin to an entry-level luxury SUV. The gauges were clear, and the infotainment screen was integrated into the dashboard. In Canada, the CX-30 was available in four trims, with two engine options. The test vehicle, in Suna trim, featured a unique Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta and Black interior, which was polarizing but worked well for an SUV.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options, both 2.5-litre four-cylinders. The Preferred trim featured a naturally aspirated engine with 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims included a turbocharged version, delivering 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque, with an eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided a significant performance boost, with immediate acceleration and no turbo lag. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean, and it offered a comfortable ride. The turbo version could tow up to 1,587 kg, provided trailer brakes were used.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 250 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque. The power delivery was smooth, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm, creating a gradual build-up of speed. The CX-30 used a six-speed automatic transmission, providing flawless shifting and standard AWD. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with observed consumption at 13.3 L/100 km. The CX-30 was fun to drive, offering a nimble and connected ride, with excellent visibility and standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring. It handled well on back roads, though it wasn't performance-tuned.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered ample rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and a competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row. Folding the seats expanded the cargo area to 2,041 litres. The Santa Fe excelled in seat comfort, with standard heated front seats and an eight-way power driver's seat. Higher trims included features like a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof was a highlight, though the wide centre console slightly reduced driver leg space.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's interior featured quality materials and logical controls, with a three-gauge digital instrumentation setup. The cabin was stylish, with gloss black trim and metallic accents. However, the interior space was cramped, especially in the back seat. The driver and front passenger enjoyed comfort, with a power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. Cargo space was 572 litres behind the back seat, expandable to 1,280 litres with the seats folded. The CX-30 offered practical storage solutions, though it wasn't overly generous.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, with a standard 4.2-inch display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital cluster in higher trims. All models featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon audio system in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The infotainment system was customizable, though voice recognition had mixed results, particularly in music selection and temperature adjustments.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's GT and Suna trims featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen's distance from the driver was a drawback. Mazda's system relied on steering wheel and voice controls, but the voice recognition was limited to on-screen prompts. The CX-30 included a two-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, USB-C ports, a wireless charger, and a Bose audio system in higher trims.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came 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. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS, with high marks in crashworthiness tests.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. The CX-30 earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance, and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS.