2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was a standout in the compact SUV segment, boasting an attractive design that borrowed heavily from the CX-5 but with enhancements like distinct fender flares and a wider grille. These features gave it a sportier and more athletic stance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 offered a traditional layout with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. The interior was further accentuated by distinct stitching and exclusive red leather upholstery in the hybrid model, adding a touch of flair. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention for some, as its placement could feel awkward.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in three trims in Canada, presented a chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase and flat hood. Its pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps and taillights aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic, though the rear proportions were criticized for being mismatched. Each trim featured specific wheels, with the XRT trim adding chrome and black accents for an off-road look. Inside, the Santa Fe offered seating for seven, except in the top Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which featured captain's chairs. The interior materials ranged from leatherette to Nappa leather, depending on the trim, and while the fit and finish were generally good, some squeaks and rattles were noted during testing.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. It featured all-wheel drive, though it wasn't designed for serious off-road use. The hybrid powertrain, borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, provided a smart balance between the base 187 hp engine and the 256 hp Turbo models. Acceleration was comparable to the RAV4 Hybrid, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 to 8 seconds. The CX-50's sportier suspension tuning offered engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a firm ride quality that remained smooth and quiet on highways.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, tested with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, produced 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, with standard all-wheel drive across the lineup. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handled shifting, though some turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-litre engine with an electric motor for 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, enhancing off-road capabilities. However, the Santa Fe was better suited for graded dirt roads rather than rugged terrains.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable driving experience but fell short in practicality and space compared to competitors. While front seat space was ample, rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers. Personal storage was adequate, but cargo capacity was limited to 826 litres behind the rear seats, significantly less than rivals like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sportage. Despite this, the CX-50's space was usable, with a standard power liftgate and convenient features like remote rear seatback releases.

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 folded, the Santa Fe provided up to 2,267 litres of space, while still offering 413 litres with all rows occupied. The widened rear opening facilitated easy loading of large items. Most trims could tow up to 1,587 kilograms, with the XRT trim capable of towing 2,040 kilograms.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system controlled by a centre console dial, a setup preferred by some for its ease of use. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad standard on hybrid models. Base trims included an eight-speaker audio system, while the GT trim boasted a 12-speaker Bose premium system.

In the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, all gas-powered versions came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital gauge cluster, except the base Preferred trim. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included built-in navigation and additional features like a digital rearview mirror and head-up display. The Santa Fe also offered Bluelink app connectivity for remote vehicle management and over-the-air updates for software.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned top safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA in most evaluations and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, all functioning smoothly during testing.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance assist. Additional features like Highway Drive Assist and Blind View Monitor were available on higher trims. The NHTSA awarded the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it "Good" in most categories.