2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its familiar design from the second-generation model that debuted in 2017, with only minor updates. Despite its age, the styling remained modern and appealing, reflecting traditional Mazda aesthetics. The test vehicle, a U.S. version of the new-for-2024 Suna trim, featured exclusive Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts. Mazda enhanced the CX-5 by improving fuel economy for the base engine, removing a previous wheel design, and adding wireless charging and connectivity features to several trims. The lineup included models with a base 187-horsepower engine and a 256-horsepower turbocharged variant, all equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. In Canada, the CX-5 was available in various trims, with prices ranging from $35,476 to $48,276, including fees. The Suna trim, similar to the test unit, came with the Turbo engine as standard and was priced at $47,026. The CX-5 offered an upscale experience at a mainstream price, with upgraded interior materials, seating, technology, and more.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in Canada in XRT, Luxury, and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, debuted its fifth generation in 2024, maintaining its chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase and flat hood. The SUV featured pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps, aligning with Hyundai's design aesthetic. The rear design, however, suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim had specific wheels, ranging from 18 to 21 inches, with the off-road-focused XRT trim adding chrome and black accents. Inside, the Santa Fe offered seating for seven, except in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which featured captain's chairs. The interior had a good fit and finish, though some squeaks and rattles were noted. The SUV included physical dials for HVAC temperature, but fan speed buttons were less intuitive. Overall, the Santa Fe provided a spacious and well-equipped interior, with room for customization based on trim levels.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo delivered 256 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm with premium gas, while regular gas offered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing revs to build before utilizing the torque. However, the CX-5 Turbo was not fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and observed consumption of 10.3 L/100 km. The base engine offered better efficiency at 9.3 L/100 km combined. The CX-5 provided excellent outward visibility, making it easy to maneuver, and featured a re-tuned suspension for a smoother ride. It also included Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology for enhanced cornering. The SUV was quiet on highways, firm in the city, and fun on twisty roads, with a decent 20 cm ground clearance for off-road trails. It could tow up to 900 kilograms.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-litre engine with an electric motor for 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners with firm brakes and responsive steering, though turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some getting used to. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and 21.2 cm ground clearance, improving off-road geometry. While not a rugged rock crawler, the Santa Fe handled graded dirt roads well. The XRT trim could tow up to 2,040 kilograms, while other trims managed 1,587 kilograms.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with redesigned seats providing comfort and support. The driver's seat had six-way power adjustment, and passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather upholstery was standard on most trims, with premium Nappa leather on the Signature trim. Heated rear seats and ventilated front seats were available from the GT grade. The CX-5 was smaller in its segment but comfortable for four adults, with supportive rear seats and soft front seatback material. The cabin design and quality elevated the CX-5 above many rivals, with good storage space despite awkward cupholders. The cargo area offered 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with seats folded, less than most compact crossovers.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, and a 115-volt outlet. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe excelled in space, offering the most third-row legroom in its class. The second-row seats had adjustable cushion angles, and both second and third rows could be folded for increased cargo space. Folding the third row provided 1,148 litres, and folding the second row expanded it to 2,267 litres. With all rows occupied, 413 litres of space remained. The rear opening was widened to 127.5 cm, with a height of 81 cm, facilitating easy loading. Most trims could tow 1,587 kilograms, with the XRT trim capable of 2,040 kilograms.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens for traditional switchgear, offering a setting for touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while driving. Wireless connectivity for these platforms was available in several trims. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons, with a Star button for quick access to specific settings. Mazda Connected Services included remote engine starting, a find my car feature, and automatic 911 dialing. The Suna trim featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the SUV's premium interior.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment and a digital gauge cluster, with navigation available on Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. Multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad accommodated devices, with the Ultimate Calligraphy trim supporting two phones. A digital key feature allowed unlocking and starting the car via phone or Apple watch. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered a digital rearview mirror and head-up display. Bluelink app connectivity provided climate control presets, alerts, and over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, a driver monitoring system, surround-view camera, parking sensors, and automatic reverse braking. The CX-5 had a five-star NHTSA rating, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating, but did not receive the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation for 2024.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping and following assist, driver attention monitor, and safe exit assist. Higher trims added rear parking collision avoidance assist, side park distance warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The top trim featured blind spot avoidance and Blind View Monitor. The NHTSA gave the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it "Good" in most categories, with "Acceptable" for headlights and LATCH.