2024 Mazda CX-90 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 touch. The interior of the Santa Fe, particularly in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, featured a high-quality look with black leather seats, though it was somewhat dark and monotone. The Nappa leather seats were both comfortable and visually appealing, and the inclusion of heated and cooled front seats, along with heated second-row seats, added to the overall comfort.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 embraced a more luxurious and elegant design, drawing inspiration from its smaller siblings, the CX-30 and CX-5, but on a grander scale. The CX-90's exterior was imposing, with a large grille, wide-set front end, and sizeable wheels that commanded attention. Inside, the top-tier models boasted interiors that rivalled luxury brands, with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic accents. The CX-90's interior design was both stylish and comfortable, with a focus on high-quality materials and a spacious layout.

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 a significant performance boost, with immediate acceleration and smooth power delivery. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering, and the dual-clutch transmission performed without any clunkiness. The turbocharged Santa Fe could tow up to 1,587 kg with trailer brakes, making it a versatile option for those needing towing capabilities.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system. The upgraded 3.3-litre inline-6 turbo engine in the GT-P and Signature trims produced 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, offering a thrilling driving experience with an exceptional exhaust note. The CX-90's PHEV model combined a 2.5-litre engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, delivering 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an all-electric range of 42 kilometres. The CX-90's handling was impressive, with agile cornering and a comfortable ride, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension and transverse engine layout.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritized spaciousness and comfort with its two-row configuration, offering 1,060 millimetres of rear-seat legroom and 1,032 litres of cargo space behind the second row. Folding the second row expanded the cargo capacity to 2,041 litres, and an underfloor storage compartment added to its practicality. The Santa Fe's interior featured an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control, with additional convenience features like a hands-free smart liftgate and a head-up display in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, with the Turbo Signature trim featuring a six-seat layout. Cargo space varied depending on the seating arrangement, with up to 2,129 litres available in models with a two-seater third row. The CX-90's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage options, comfortable seats, and high-quality materials. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space and comfort, making the CX-90 a pleasant environment for passengers.

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 the top trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and logical menu arrangements. However, the voice-recognition system had mixed results, particularly with music and temperature commands.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on reducing distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's quirks could be distracting. The CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition to adjust settings automatically, and it supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in higher trims, providing a more familiar interface for users.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard 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 top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a five-star overall rating and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 featured the i-Activsense suite of ADAS, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The CX-90 Signature trim added cruising and traffic support, providing a hands-on driver support system. While the CX-90 had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, its predecessor, the CX-9, received high safety ratings, suggesting the CX-90 would perform well in future tests.