2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

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 touch. The interior of the Santa Fe, particularly in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, featured a dark and monotone black leather setup, which, while high-quality, could benefit from a lighter colour option for visual contrast. The Nappa leather seats were a highlight, offering comfort and style, with heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats enhancing the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 maintained its appealing design from its 2017 debut, with minor updates keeping it modern. The Suna trim, exclusive to the U.S., featured Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats, adding a touch of exclusivity. The CX-5's interior was noted for its upscale materials and design, rivaling luxury brands. Despite being a compact crossover, it offered a comfortable ride for four adults, though it was snug compared to larger models. The CX-5's cabin quality and design elevated it above many mass-market rivals, providing a premium feel.

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 hp and 311 pound-feet. The turbocharged engine, paired with an eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission, provided a significant performance boost, with immediate acceleration and no noticeable turbo lag. 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, provided trailer brakes were used.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, while regular gas offered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the torque to build. The CX-5's fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km, though the base engine offered better economy. The CX-5's handling was refined, with a smooth ride and excellent cornering capabilities, thanks to Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology. It could tow up to 900 kg, suitable for light towing needs.

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's interior was equipped with comfort features like an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added luxury touches like a head-up display and a panoramic sunroof. However, the wide centre console could encroach on driver leg space, and the seat height adjustment might push drivers too close to the steering wheel.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, while smaller in interior space, provided a comfortable ride for four adults. The rear seats offered good support, and the cabin's design and quality were on par with luxury vehicles. The CX-5's cargo space was 871 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with higher trims offering Nappa leather and ventilated front seats. The centre console was padded for comfort, though the cupholders were somewhat awkward to use.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in 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 higher trims. The infotainment system was customizable, though voice recognition had mixed results, particularly in noisy environments. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included advanced features like a head-up display and wireless device charging.

Mazda's approach in the 2024 CX-5 focused on minimizing driver distraction, with traditional controls for key functions. The 10.25-inch display allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity available in several trims. The infotainment system was navigated using a central knob and buttons, though the native voice interface was less intuitive. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting and other features, while a 10-speaker Bose sound system enhanced the audio experience in higher trims.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe was equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist for enhanced cruise control. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS, with high marks in crashworthiness tests.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 also featured a robust set of ADAS, with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist as standard. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 had previously earned a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, though it did not receive this accolade in 2024. NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.