Clash of the midsize titans: hyundai santa fe vs mazda cx-8

The Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-8 are two popular midsize SUVs that offer a compelling blend of style, practicality, and performance. If you’re considering one of these vehicles for your family, this comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision.

Interior and Comfort

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe boasts a spacious and well-appointed cabin with ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long journeys. The infotainment system is user-friendly and features a large touchscreen display.

Mazda CX-8: The CX-8’s interior is equally spacious and features high-quality materials. The seats are plush and provide excellent lumbar support. The infotainment system is intuitive and offers a wide range of connectivity options.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe is available with a variety of powertrain options, including a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, a 2.5L turbocharged engine, and a 3.8L V6 engine. Fuel economy ranges from 22 mpg in the city to 29 mpg on the highway.

Mazda CX-8: The CX-8 is powered by a 2.5L turbocharged engine that delivers impressive performance and fuel efficiency. It gets up to 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Safety and Reliability

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe has earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a host of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Mazda CX-8: The CX-8 also received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS. It offers a similar suite of advanced safety features as the Santa Fe.

Features and Technology

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe comes standard with a generous list of features, including a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a hands-free tailgate. Available features include a navigation system, a premium audio system, and a wireless charging pad.

Mazda CX-8: The CX-8 also offers a range of impressive features, such as a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, and a Bose premium audio system. Available features include a sunroof, a navigation system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Cargo Capacity and Towing

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe offers 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. It has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Mazda CX-8: The CX-8 provides 16.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 74.2 cubic feet with all seats folded down. It has a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.

Pricing and Value

Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe has a starting price of $28,190. The top-of-the-line Limited trim level starts at $43,040.

Mazda CX-8: The CX-8 has a starting price of $30,150. The top-of-the-line Signature trim level starts at $43,750.

Final Verdict

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-8 are excellent choices for families seeking a midsize SUV that combines practicality, performance, and style. The Santa Fe offers a more spacious interior, a wider range of powertrain options, and a slightly lower starting price. The CX-8, on the other hand, boasts a more refined interior, a turbocharged engine with impressive fuel economy, and a slightly higher towing capacity. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The Mazda CX-8 has a slightly better fuel economy than the Hyundai Santa Fe, getting up to 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway compared to the Santa Fe’s 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a more spacious interior than the Mazda CX-8, with more legroom and headroom for all passengers.

Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-8 have received five-star safety ratings from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ designations from IIHS, indicating that they offer excellent protection in the event of a crash.