2023 Mazda CX-50 vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, maintained the subtle allure that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a ruggedness with its pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. These elements, combined with oversized air intakes and vents, created a performance-oriented look that was visually appealing. The standard black grille and mirror caps, along with optional 20-inch alloy wheels, enhanced its exterior charm. Later in the year, the CX-50 Meridian Edition added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, further emphasizing its adventurous spirit.

Inside, the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design. The interior featured quality materials, polished metallic trim, and a mix of analog and digital gauges. The black leather seats with caramel-coloured stitching added a touch of elegance, while the vertical air vents and dashboard layout provided a modern feel. Despite a few design quirks, such as the off-centre air vent, the interior was well-received. The CX-50's cabin offered a comfortable and stylish environment, making it a standout in the compact crossover segment.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a bold departure from its predecessors. While previous Hyundai models hinted at a gradual aesthetic evolution, the Santa Fe embraced a distinct boxy design. This new look, described by Hyundai's design chief as an "elegant-looking and premium-looking" box, prioritized storage capacity and aerodynamics. The Santa Fe's upscale appearance turned heads, with its sophisticated colour palette and anodized-finish badging. The XRT trim added dark chrome and black cladding, enhancing its rugged appeal. Wheel options ranged from 18-inch alloys to 21-inch wheels on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim.

Inside, the Santa Fe offered a premium experience. The all-terrain XRT and Ultimate Calligraphy trims impressed with their attention to detail. While some surfaces used hard materials, the overall cabin was filled with soft, padded areas, creating a luxurious feel. The headliner fabric added a touch of decadence, reminiscent of a cozy winter scarf. The Santa Fe's interior design focused on comfort and functionality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a refined driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, catering to different driving preferences. The base GT model featured a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provided a balance of affordability and fuel efficiency, with consumption rates of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the GT Turbo trim offered a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel type. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft, providing smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's driving dynamics were likened to a modern Mazda6 station wagon, offering a firm yet comfortable ride.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, introduced a hybrid powertrain as the entry-level option in Canada. The 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine delivered an estimated 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup offered impressive fuel economy, with consumption rates of 6.8 L/100 km in the city, 6.9 on the highway, and 6.9 combined. The gas-only engine, available on upper trims, was a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe's driving modes, including Normal, Sport, and Snow, catered to various driving conditions. The XRT trim added off-road capabilities, making it suitable for adventurous journeys.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior was designed for comfort and practicality. The GT Turbo model came equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors, making it well-suited for Canadian winters. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control ensured comfort in warmer weather. The driver's seat and front passenger's seat 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 area provided 889 litres of space, expandable to 1,595 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritized cargo space, inspired by the "chabak" concept of car camping. Its longer wheelbase and body dimensions translated to a spacious cargo area, complete with an extra-wide tailgate. The Santa Fe's interior accommodated up to seven passengers, with the first and second rows offering generous space. Depending on the trim, the second row featured either a bench or reclining captain's chairs. The cargo area offered 413 litres of space, expandable to 2,267 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Santa Fe's design focused on creating a relaxing and organized environment, with features like a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display, standard in Canada, provided access to remote engine starting and collision notification. While Mazda Connect lacked touchscreen control, the CX-50 allowed touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose sound system delivered a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display projected essential information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a curved panoramic display, a first in its segment. The touchscreen display offered intuitive controls, crisp graphics, and easy phone pairing with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a 12-speaker Bose stereo, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims featured wireless charging and Hyundai's BlueLink system, allowing vehicle access via smartphone. The Santa Fe's technology package enhanced convenience and connectivity for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance. The CX-50 came with 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 slower vehicles cutting in, highlighting a need for improved sensitivity.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Hyundai's vehicles typically performed well in safety evaluations. The Santa Fe offered a robust suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, and blind-spot monitors. Higher trims added advanced features like a 360-degree camera system, rain-sensing wipers, and remote automatic parking. The Santa Fe's driver monitoring system, a first for Hyundai, enhanced safety by tracking driver alertness and issuing warnings if necessary.