2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Canadian trim levels included GS-L, GS, GT, GT-P, and Signature, with pricing ranging from $48,846 to $67,886. The test vehicle in the U.S., equivalent to the mild hybrid’s Signature trim, featured extra-cost Soul Red paint, bringing the Canadian MSRP to $67,286. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to its athletic look. Inside, the CX-90 continued its premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear, though some materials reflected its price point. Ergonomic issues included a confusing electronic shifter and a non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system, but overall, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in XRT, Luxury, and Ultimate Calligraphy trims in Canada, debuted its fifth generation in 2024, maintaining its chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose. The H-shaped LED headlamps fit well with Hyundai's design aesthetic, and brighter colours like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue offered alternatives to the typical greyscale SUV palette. The rear design, however, suffered from mismatched proportions, with pixelated H-shaped LED taillights positioned too low. Each trim had specific wheels, ranging from 18 inches on the XRT to 21 inches on the Ultimate Calligraphy. Inside, the Santa Fe offered room for seven, except in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which featured second-row captain's chairs. Upholstery options varied by trim, from leatherette to Nappa leather. While the fit and finish were generally good, some squeaks and rattles were noted. The inclusion of physical HVAC dials was appreciated, though fan speed buttons were less intuitive.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in standard-output models. The high-output version, standard on GT-P and Signature trims, delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. Power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, which biased power to the rear wheels for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Fuel economy ratings were 9.3 L/100 km combined for the standard engine and 9.5 L/100 km for the high-output version. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 42 km of electric range and a 9.4 L/100 km combined rating once the battery was depleted. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour when cold. Noise and impact harshness were also issues, detracting from the upscale impression. Despite these flaws, the CX-90's suspension provided a firm, communicative ride, and switching between driving modes enhanced the experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total of 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, also with standard AWD. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, with firm brakes and responsive steering, though turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The gear selector, a stalk on the steering column, required some acclimation. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and 21.2 cm of ground clearance, improving off-road geometry. While not a rugged rock crawler, the Santa Fe handled graded dirt roads and small obstacles well.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite lacking heat and humidity during testing, took time to cool, indicating a subpar three-zone climate control system. In Signature trim, it featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and a heated steering wheel. The front-seat ventilation was nearly as ineffective as the air conditioning, but once cooled, the eight-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable for long trips. A panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. However, limited seat-track travel could make installing rear-facing child seats challenging. The third row, accessible via long rear doors, was best for children on longer trips. Storage was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the centre armrest, and small door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,155 litres with the third row folded and 2,129 litres with the second row down, which was small for the segment.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim was well-equipped with 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 offered the most third-row legroom in its class, with adjustable second-row seat cushion angles. Folding the third row provided 1,148 litres of space, 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 loading of large items. Most trims could tow 1,587 kilograms, while the XRT trim increased towing capacity to 2,040 kilograms.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a traditional design, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. Lower trims used traditional gauges and smaller infotainment screens. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Mazda’s Active Driving Display, which provided helpful data and blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment and a digital gauge cluster in all gas-powered trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and quick response times. Navigation was available in the Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. Multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad, capable of charging two phones in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, were included. A digital key feature allowed unlocking and starting the car with a phone or Apple watch. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display. Bluelink app connectivity was standard, providing remote climate control, location alerts, and over-the-air updates.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, a safe exit warning system, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system, available on higher trims, combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist, though it had some issues with speed reduction and lane marking detection.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping and lane following assist, a driver attention monitor, and safe exit assist. Additional features, such as rear parking collision avoidance assist and Highway Drive Assist, were available on higher trims. The Highway Drive Assist feature, combining adaptive cruise control and lane following assist, was generally smooth but occasionally inconsistent in heavy traffic. The top trim included a blind spot avoidance feature and a 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" scores for headlights and LATCH.