2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-5 are great options for anyone looking for a two-row SUV having an upscale feel and is still quite practical. The Hyundai Santa Fe can be available with several different powertrains while the Mazda CX-5 comes with two, and beyond this, there are many trim options to consider. Through this article, the readers will be better able to assess which model best meets their needs.

 

The Powertrain

The Santa Fe from Hyundai packs a punch with its available engine options, ranging from the standard 2.5-liter to a turbocharged upgrade that delivers an impressive 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Drivers can choose between front wheel drive or all wheel as well as two different transmission types for tailored performance: eight speed automatic or a wet dual clutch system with manual shifting capabilities offered through SHIFTRONIC mode plus Drive Mode Select function allowing drivers even more control over their ride experience.

The Santa Fe Hybrid is a powerful package - boasting 226 horsepower and all-wheel drive capability, topped off with the convenience of an automated six-speed transmission. For those looking to take complete control, SHIFTRONIC manual shifting allows you to shift gears at your own pace in this dynamic machine.

The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid brings together an impressive mix of power and efficiency - a winning combination for drivers! Featuring the same 1.6L turbo engine as its hybrid counterpart, it also boasts a larger electric motor and battery granting it up to 261 hp in total; all backed by 6-speed automatic transmission with All Wheel Drive Mode Select capabilities. Whether you're looking for practicality or performance - this is your car.

The Mazda CX-5 offers two available engines, both with a displacement of 2.5 liters - one standard and the other turbocharged. Drivers can select between 186 hp and 320 lb.-ft. torque on the lower end to an adrenaline rush 256 hp plus 360 lb.-ft of torque in the higher trims for ultimate power performance!

Mazda's CX-5 provides a comprehensive driving experience with its standard all-wheel drive and i-ACTIV AWD program. Sport and Off Road modes on the top half of trims let you customize your journey, while the six speed automatic transmission offers manual shift ability for those who like to be in control. Even with these impressive features, G Vector Control Plus technology is added for an even more enhanced traveling experience.

The Mazda CX-5 may not appear to be particularly tough, but it can certainly perform well at managing obstacles, towing up to 2,000 pounds, if needed. That is the precise towing capacity of the regular Hyundai Santa Fe, the hybrid Santa Fe, and the plug-in hybrid Santa Fe. However, fully outfitted turbocharged Santa Fes can pull up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 packs a standard engine that offers decent fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on highways. If you prefer some turbo power, it dips to 22/27 respectively; however, if your travels demand more grip - all wheel drive reduces those numbers further still to 21/25 for both the base and powered models. Similarly, Hyundai's Santa Fe with two available engines has respectable mileage ratings ranging from 25/28 (front–wheel driven) down to 22 / 28 or even lower when fitted out with an AWD system – although not as efficient overall as its rival from Mazda.

The new Santa Fe Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrids have the potential to revolutionize transportation, with an impressive fuel economy of up to 36 mpg in the city, 31 on highways and 76 MPGe. Plus they can travel approximately 30 miles before having to switch into gas mode - a major plus! And charging is simple too; just plug it in overnight while you're sleeping or at home when not using your car for maximum convenience.

Drivability

These SUVs are enjoyable to operate, having an admirable amount of reactivity, with some accelerating faster than others. They have excellent visibility and spacious cabins, and many people love their versatility.

The Santa Fe is about 188 inches from front to back, while the CX-5 is about 180 inches long. Additionally, the Hyundai SUV is slightly taller and wider than the Mazda. This means that parking may be slightly more difficult, but the internal room is larger.

With the Hyundai, there is plenty of leg room as well as cargo space. It has more than 41 inches of second-row leg room and a rear cargo area that has a volume of 36.4 cubic feet. When the rear seatbacks have been folded down, cargo capacity expands to 72.1 cubic feet.

Cruise around town with up to seven passengers in the roomy Mazda SUV. Second-row occupants get a generous 40 inches of space for their ride, and there's plenty more storage behind them: 30.8 cubic feet courtesy of the cargo hold! Need even more? Drop down those back seats and experience 59.3 cubes - just don't expect quite as much volume if you opt for any other car besides Hyundai's Santa Fe masterpiece.

Both of these vehicles have many practical features. People will appreciate that the Santa Fe and CX-5 come standard with LED headlights and automatic high beams. The CX-5 even has automatic rain-sensing wipers.

Inside their cabins, there are plenty of things to appreciate. Push button start is found on every trim of the CX-5 and almost every trim of the Santa Fe. Mid-level trims of both models can have smart entry systems, power-adjustable driver's seats, and heated front seats. Higher trims can treat people to heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheels, and heated rear seats. One thing that the Santa Fe has that the CX-5 does not is an available driver seat leg cushion extension for extra comfort.

Technology makes so many tasks much easier. The CX-5 has a 10.25-inch color display plus Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Its entry-level trim has two USB ports in the front row, while all the others have a pair of ports up front and another pair of USB ports in the back row.

With higher trims of the Mazda, there could be many impressive components. This includes wireless charging, integrated navigation, and Bose sound systems with ten speakers and special audio-enhancing technology.

The Hyundai starts off with an eight-inch touchscreen, but its higher trims have 10.25-inch touchscreens with built-in navigation. Like Mazda, Hyundai has given its higher trims a premium sound system. The Harman Kardon system consists of 12 speakers and also has special technology to improve sound quality. Bluetooth and smartphone compatibility are standard with the Santa Fe as well. All Santa Fes has four USB ports, with some having wireless charging.

Safety

Driving has become safer than ever with Hyundai and Mazda's commitment to driver-assistance technologies! Customers can enjoy more peace of mind behind the wheel as these automakers provide SUVs loaded with features that increase safety, helping them avoid collisions or reduce impact if unavoidable.

Both versions include an incredible assortment of safety features. They come standard with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. In addition, they can alert drivers when they are approaching other vehicles too quickly or appear to be straying out of their lanes.

Despite sharing some similar tech features, the CX-5 and Santa Fe have several distinct differences. While all trims of the Mazda come with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert as standard, these elements are optional on entry level versions of Hyundai's model - but only theirs include assistance systems to go along with them! Additionally, drivers can find extras like a safe exit aid program or a view monitor for keeping an eye out in their blind spots if they opt for the Santa Fe.

With their 360-degree monitors, the Santa Fe and CX-5 can make even difficult maneuvers a breeze. To take safety to an extra level these cars also feature head-up displays (Mazda calls it an active driving display). This offers drivers crucial information without having to look away from the road. Furthermore, Mazda's advanced tech in the CX 5 allows for traffic sign recognition plus helpful reminders - making any drive more safe and secure.

The Santa Fe brings the convenience of effortless parking to a whole new level with an intelligent, one-touch system. Even in tight spots where you don't even have enough room to open your door after squeezing into that tricky spot, all it takes is pushing a button and voilà! You can step away from your car knowing it's parked perfectly – no stress or hassle required.

Which Has the Best Value?

When it comes to value, the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Santa Fe provide plenty of choice. The entry level CX-5 starts at an affordable $26,250 – that's even with all wheel drive included! Alternatively there are eight different models in the range for those looking for something more luxurious; ranging from mid-level trims starting around thirty thousand dollars up to two turbocharged options costing between 36k & 39k - each packed full of extra features not be found on other cars.

The Santa Fe comes in five trims, the priciest of which is the Calligraphy at $41,410. It offers a bit more size and power than its competitor, as well as an advanced safety package that could be preferable to some drivers. For those looking for something greener on their wallet - both literally and figuratively - there are three hybrid options ranging from $34k-$40K; while these may seem pricey upfront compared to traditional vehicles they can end up saving money over time with reduced fuel costs.

The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid presents two excellent options for buyers looking to save the planet and their wallets. Featuring a powerful performance, above average range, and besting its Mazda CX-5 counterpart in horsepower – all at affordable prices starting from $40,000 - this hybrid is sure to please any eco savvy driver.

Though the Santa Fe may boast a higher level of luxury, it comes at a price; those who are wanting to cut back on their expenditures would be better served by choosing the Mazda CX-5. When confronted with expensive hybrid and plug-in variants, shopping for an economical SUV does not come without tradeoffs - but careful budgeting can still ensure you get value for your money.

 

Which is Better?

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 is the perfect option if you're looking for a budget-friendly car that still has plenty of features to offer. It's equipped with advanced technology, top notch safety systems, and an incredibly comfortable cabin - plus all midlevel trims come complete with desirable extras like heated front seats and power adjustable seating.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Mazda CX-5 falls short; while it's an affordable option, those looking for a greener ride would be wise to opt instead for either Santa Fe hybrid or plug-in models. Though there may be more of an initial investment in these types of vehicles up front, over time their improved efficiency is sure to bring about worthwhile savings.

Another point is that the Santa Fe is the more powerful and larger SUV. It's a more robust vehicle with much more cargo space than the CX-5. If capability and size are important to someone, then the choice would be pretty clear - Santa Fe would be ideal.