2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling was characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and a rakish windshield, with the cabin positioned towards the rear wheels, embodying the subtle seductiveness typical of Mazda's vehicles over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged aesthetic with its blistered and boxed fender swells, prominent lower body and wheel arch cladding, and faux skid plates. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually overwhelming. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, these elements created an appealing exterior. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition later in the model year added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's recent models. While it maintained an attractive appearance, it lacked the standout looks of other vehicles in the brand's lineup. The Santa Fe continued with the same design as the 2022 model, available in four trim levels in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, tested in the U.S., sported a distinctive Stormy Sea paint and a wide grille design that was a hallmark of Hyundai's family of models. The interior of the Calligraphy trim was dark and monotone, though the Nappa leather seats provided comfort and style. The Santa Fe's cabin offered a high-quality feel, with features like heated and cooled front seats and a spacious second row, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base engine, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It delivered fuel consumption figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the CX-50 GT Turbo trim featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, generating between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel used. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. The turbocharged engine provided smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase from 907 kg to 1,587 kg. The CX-50's driving modes and G-Vectoring Control technology ensured a natural driving experience, though the differences between modes were subtle. The CX-50's ride quality was slightly firmer, and it demonstrated some torque steer during tight turns. Despite this, the CX-50 felt more like a sporty wagon than an SUV, with a ground clearance nearly matching that of Subaru's Forester and Outback.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe also offered two engine choices. The base engine, a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder, produced 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged version, available in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, delivered 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, working with an eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission. The turbocharged Santa Fe provided a significant performance boost, with immediate acceleration and passing power, especially in Sport mode. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering. The turbocharged engine's brisk acceleration was not accompanied by excessive noise, and the dual-clutch transmission operated smoothly. While the Santa Fe's off-road capabilities were not tested, it offered a towing capacity of up to 1,587 kg with the turbo engine, provided trailer brakes were used.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior was well-equipped for comfort, featuring power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added to the comfort on warmer days. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, though additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports available on most trims. The CX-50's cargo space measured 889 litres behind the rear seats and 1,595 litres with the seats folded, though the narrow space between the wheel wells limited its utility.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, provided generous rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and a competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo area to 2,041 litres, with additional underfloor storage. The Santa Fe's seats were comfortable, with an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats as standard. Higher trims offered features like a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting added to the cabin's appeal. However, the driver's seat height adjustment could push occupants too close to the steering wheel, and the wide centre console limited leg space.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While Mazda Connect historically lacked touchscreen control, the CX-50 allowed touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's interface was often frustrating, with controls that could be distracting. The available Bose 12-speaker sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display offered useful information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, offering 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 user-friendly, with clearly marked icons and extensive customization options. The voice-recognition system had mixed results, performing well for navigation tasks but struggling with music and climate control commands. The Santa Fe's technology package was comprehensive, with features like wireless device charging and a digital instrument cluster in higher trims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight and pedestrian collision avoidance issues. The CX-50 offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize vehicles cutting into the lane.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. It came equipped with a wide range 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 with adaptive cruise control and stop-and-go capability. The Santa Fe's safety features provided peace of mind, with reminders for rear-seat occupants and safe-exit warnings.