2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Mazda CX-30

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was designed to stand out as a crossover, with its distinctive charcoal-coloured plastic cladding on the lower body, which some found excessive. Despite this, the CX-30 maintained an overall appealing aesthetic with its short overhangs, long and low hood, and sculpted flanks. The interior of the CX-30 was a highlight, offering a level of style and refinement comparable to entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase and flat hood. Its pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps aligned with Hyundai's design language, offering a modern touch. The rear design, however, suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal. Inside, the Santa Fe provided ample space, especially in the third row, and offered a variety of upholstery options depending on the trim. The fit and finish were generally good, though some squeaks and rattles were noted during testing.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Despite these impressive figures, the power delivery was smooth rather than immediate, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting, and the standard AWD system ensured power was distributed to all four wheels. However, the CX-30's fuel economy was less impressive, with observed consumption at 13.3 L/100 km, limiting its range due to a small 48-litre fuel tank.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the Santa Fe felt stable in corners, it exhibited noticeable turbo lag and occasional delayed downshifts. The XRT trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities with 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance. However, the Santa Fe was not designed for rugged off-roading, performing best on graded dirt roads.

Inside the 2024 Mazda CX-30, the design was marked by quality materials and logical controls. The cabin featured gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching, with Terracotta leather seats adding a touch of colour. While front-seat comfort was commendable, rear-seat space was limited. The cargo area offered 572 litres of space, expandable to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in interior space, offering the most third-row legroom in its class. The second-row seats featured adjustable cushion angles, and both the second and third rows could be folded for increased cargo capacity. With all seats in use, the Santa Fe provided 413 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,267 litres with the second row folded. The widened rear opening facilitated easy loading of bulky items.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's GT and Suna trims featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring platforms. However, the screen's distance from the driver and passenger was a drawback. Mazda Connected Services offered a two-year complimentary subscription, and the GT and Suna trims included USB-C ports, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital gauge cluster, with navigation available on higher trims. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensured connectivity, while multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad catered to charging needs. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered additional features like a digital rearview mirror and head-up display. Bluelink app connectivity provided remote access to vehicle functions and over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control, with additional features available on higher trims. The CX-30 earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance assist. Higher trims added features like Highway Drive Assist and Blind View Monitor. The Santa Fe received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS, with some areas rated "Acceptable."