My one collegiate psychology course did not adequately prepare me to describe the seemingly subtle differences between choice overload, over-choice, choice paralysis, the paradox of choice, or the “center stage effect,” but essentially, these terms describe how people generally get overwhelmed by too many similar options. Whether it’s a selection of jams in a grocery store or a bevy of seemingly similar cars on a dealer’s lot, people get overwhelmed when presented with too many choices. So, I certainly feel for anyone trying to purchase a compact SUV in today’s absolutely flooded market without any idea of what model they want or need.
For those people, or others simply looking to whittle down their list, TopSpeed is here to help. Amid the saturated compact SUV segment, the 2023 Hyundai Sante Fe and 2023 Mazda CX-50 stand out as two of the top overall choices. Both provide positive driving dynamics, practicality, plenty of tech and creature comforts, reasonable pricing, and attractive styling. But which is better overall?
I recently set out to find out and tested the top trim of each model, the Premium Plus CX-50 and Santa Fe Calligraphy, both fitted with upgraded engines and all-wheel drive. Though not all will spring for the most expensive offerings of either model, the offerings still line up closely in the spec sheet across the lineup. However, they do seem to be designed for two different types of buyers.
The Santa Fe Is Far More Spacious For Passengers And Cargo
It is worth noting that the Santa Fe is often looped into the midsize SUV category with the Mazda firmly entrenched in the compact segment, but there’s no standard for this, and the models still align closely on the outside (and most buyers in the market for a smaller SUV are more interested in execution, not fairly meaningless designations). For instance, the CX-50 has a two-inch longer wheelbase but is a little less than three inches shorter overall between the two. It’s a similar story in other categories. Additionally, the next largest Mazda crossover is the CX-9, which features three rows and is notably larger than the Santa Fe. So, for those engrossed by the CX-50's stylish good looks or have an interest in a practical, two-row Mazda, the CX-50 is the best bet.
But on the inside, the Santa Fe has notably more room, 111.5 cubic feet of passenger volume compared to 98.3 in the Mazda. This equates to several inches more leg, shoulder, and hip room in both rows of the five-seaters. For hauling stuff, the Santa Fe offers five more cubic feet of cargo area behind the second row (36.4 cu.-ft.), and that figure swells to a 15.8 cubic-foot advantage for the Hyundai behind the front seats. Mazda’s SUVs are typically on the smaller side, and the CX-50 continues the trend. But for hauling people and stuff, the Santa Fe is notably more pragmatic.
The Santa Fe Packs More Power
For those who value performance, the CX-50 and Santa Fe offer turbocharged four-cylinder engines in higher trims, and the power edge goes to the Hyundai. The Santa Fe’s 2.5-liter turbo cranks out 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. That is significantly more than the 256 horsepower offered in the Mazda, though it must be noted, that figure is with the CX-50 filled with 93 octane. Its output is 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque using regular unleaded. The Santa Fe’s more powerful engine pairs with an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic. The Mazda is fitted with a six-speed automatic.
Despite less grunt, the CX-50’s engine feels lively around town with respectable acceleration and quick throttle responses. The Santa Fe’s added ponies are noticeable and will scoot the Hyundai from a stop to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, slightly better than the 6.6 seconds I logged in the CX-50.
No matter the choice, both engines provide respectable power for mid-size SUVs, and the bump in power over their standard engines will be well worth the price for many. The turbocharged engines are also practically a requirement for those who need to tow. The CX-50 and Santa Fe have a max towing capacity of 3,500 pounds in turbo guises while their lower engines can manage just 2,000 pounds.
The Mazda Delivers Better Driving Dynamics
The Hyundai gets the edge in pure power, but for driving pleasure, it can’t match the CX-50. Mazda has long been renowned for providing exceptional feel and handling prowess, and the slightly larger version of the CX-5 is no exception. The steering is perfectly weighted and communicative, the suspension transfers just enough road feel to the driver’s backside without a harsh ride quality, and the poise of the Mazda in corners delivers the type of fun missing from its segment. The only major complaint to lodge is the brake pedal is extremely firm and lacks a linear feel. But up against the overall competency of the CX-50’s handling, this downside can be overlooked.
The Santa Fe is still no slouch, it stays composed enough through corners, and its steering, though not as communicative, is much lighter, something most mainstream SUV buyers will appreciate. And when the situation calls for more relaxed driving, the Santa Fe does provide a slightly more comfortable ride with a softer suspension than that of the Mazda. So, for driving pleasure, the Mazda is certainly the more attractive option, but the Santa Fe is slightly more supple for those who won’t push their family haulers to the edge of their agility.
Both Are Packed With Amenities, But The Hyundai Is More User-Friendly
When springing for the top trims of either model, they come with a lost line of features. Both have ventilated and heated front seats (also heated in the rear), power liftgates, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a panoramic moonroof, wireless charging, and a lot more. While each has its own distinctive features, they align closely on the features list, and that ultimately gives the edge to the Santa Fe for its ease-of-use. The Mazda’s display can only be fiddled with through a rotary dial, which is fine, but the system lacks intuitiveness. For instance, changing the radio station requires going through two menus, and setting a point on the navigation system is like dialing a 24-digit phone number with a rotary phone. In opposition, the Hyundai has a wide array of physical buttons to couple with its touchscreen, making such tasks far easier.
The CX-50 Looks Uber-Stylish Over The Santa Fe
Though looks are subjective, you may be hard-pressed to find someone who prefers the Santa Fe’s looks over the Mazda, both inside and out. That’s not to say the Santa Fe isn’t attractive, its angular front end, high beltline, and sharp profile character make for a handsome presentation. But the CX-50 is also handsome with a butch front end and wheel arches, and though it's more understated than the Hyundai, its sleek yet muscly design draws more eyes. Both cabins are modern, but Mazda has seemingly perfected harmonious simplicity.
Safety Features Compared
The NHSTA has yet to test the 2023 CX-50, so we cannot compare its rating to the Santa Fe’s overall five-star safety rating. However, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 did receive a Top Safety+ Pick rating from the IIHS. But for driver’s aids, the Hyundai does get the edge, though both come with plenty. What sets the Santa Fe apart is Hyundai’s Blind Spot View Monitor, which provides a feed from a side-mirror mounted camera of its blind spot on the digital gauge cluster, allowing you to check blind spots while keeping your eyes on the road.
For convenience, Santa Fe also includes Remote Smart Parking Assist, which effectively allows the Santa Fe to enter or exit a parking space without anyone in the car — nice to have when someone has parked six inches from its door. Otherwise, both models still come with smart cruise control, a host of monitoring and crash-avoidance systems, a panoramic view monitor, and more, so either choice still comes with peace of mind.
Overall — Two Similar Choices With Different Buyers In Mind
So, which SUV the winner here, the CX-50 or Santa Fe? Well, just to add to the confusion of shopping around in the midsized market, both are solid choices. Which is better ultimately depends on what you want. The CX-50 provides the kind of driving pleasure that just no other mainstream midsized can, its design is top-notch, and its simplistic but handsome cabin feels truly upmarket. The Mazda is more for the commuter or someone with a small family who places a premium on looks and driving dynamics over sheer practicality but still wants legitimate pragmaticism.
The Santa Fe is more geared toward the person who would rather sacrifice some pleasure behind the wheel for more space, slightly more features, and a more intuitive approach to using them. Perhaps, then, the family man or woman who has been around long enough to know what they really need from their midsized SUV. Ultimately, the question is not which is better, but which is better for your wants and needs. Because, after all, they are both great options in the midsized SUV market.