Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Mazda CX-50 – Differences & Prices Compared

Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz: Redefining the Pickup Experience

When you think of pickups, the image that often comes to mind is a robust, utilitarian vehicle primarily designed for heavy-duty applications. However, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is reshaping that narrative by blending the reliability of a traditional pickup with the comfort and features of an SUV. As we dive into the details of this innovative model, it's easy to see why it stands out in the crowded automotive landscape.

Engineered for Performance

Under the hood of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, you'll find a series of powerful gasoline engines. The line-up includes versions with either 191 or 281 horsepower, catering to various needs and preferences. These engines are mated to a highly responsive automatic transmission that ensures a smooth driving experience whether you're on city streets or the open highway.

Adaptable Drive Options

The Santa Cruz offers both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations, providing flexibility for different driving conditions. This adaptability is ideal for those who require a vehicle capable of performing well in diverse environments, from urban commutes to rougher terrains.

Fuel Efficiency Meets Capability

Despite its robust performance, the Santa Cruz is designed with fuel efficiency in mind. City driving fuel economy ranges from 18 to 22 mpg, while highway mileage stands at 26 to 30 mpg, making it a practical choice for daily drivers. A 17.7-gallon fuel tank ensures fewer stops at the pump, allowing you to focus on the journey ahead.

Spacious Yet Compact

With dimensions of 195.9 inches in length, 75 inches in width, and 66 inches in height, the Santa Cruz strikes a perfect balance between spaciousness and maneuverability. It comfortably seats five passengers, offering ample room for both occupants and cargo.

Advanced Features and Innovation

In true Hyundai fashion, the Santa Cruz is packed with modern features designed to enhance comfort and safety. These include advanced infotainment systems, top-tier safety technology, and interior amenities that elevate the driving experience.

The Modern Pickup You've Been Waiting For

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is more than just a pickup; it's a lifestyle choice for the modern driver. By providing a harmonious blend of power, efficiency, and innovative features, it challenges the conventional standards of its class. As it paves the way for the future of pickups, the Santa Cruz promises to be a game-changer in the automotive world.

Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50: Elevating the SUV Experience

The Mazda CX-50 is setting a new standard in the midsize SUV category, infusing the brand’s signature driving dynamics with a spacious, versatile design. With its powerful performance options and advanced technological features, the latest CX-50 series significantly enhances Mazda's lineup, providing a compelling choice for drivers looking for reliability and excitement wrapped in a sophisticated package.

Performance and Powertrain: Driving Dynamics Elevated

Under the hood, the Mazda CX-50 offers a choice between two robust power outputs. The baseline models, including the 461794, 461795, 461796, and 461797, come with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine delivering 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. These versions offer an impressive blend of power and efficiency, with a commendable fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

For those seeking a more exhilarating drive, the upper-tier variants – the 461798, 461799, and 461800 – boost performance with a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine, yielding 227 horsepower and a muscular 310 lb-ft of torque. This configuration ensures thrilling acceleration and a dynamic driving experience, all while maintaining respectable efficiency at 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

Craftsmanship and Dimensions: An SUV Designed for All Adventures

The Mazda CX-50 is meticulously crafted to enhance every journey, whether it's a city commute or an off-the-beaten-path exploration. It boasts a length of 185.8 inches, a width of 75.6 inches, and a height of 63 inches, which allows it to strike a perfect balance between an assertive road presence and maneuverability. The SUV comfortably seats up to five passengers, ensuring ample space for both passengers and cargo.

Its all-wheel-drive system provides greater traction and stability, making it well-suited for diverse driving conditions. Combined with a curb weight ranging from 3,741 to 3,915 lbs and a fuel tank capacity of 15.9 gallons, the CX-50 is built for long journeys without frequent stops.

Innovation and Technology: Sophistication Meets Functionality

Mazda has committed to integrating cutting-edge technology in the CX-50 to enhance connectivity and convenience. The SUV's interior is designed with high-quality materials and features an intuitive layout that enhances the driver's focus and enjoyment. Connectivity options abound, ensuring passengers stay linked to the world at all times, with seamless integration of smartphones and critical vehicle functions accessible via a crisp infotainment display.

Additionally, safety and driver-assistance technologies are comprehensively included to provide peace of mind. From advanced active safety features to top-tier passive systems, the CX-50 is engineered to protect passengers and assist drivers in discerning road scenarios.

The Final Verdict: A Versatile Performer

With a perfect blend of performance, style, and practicality, the Mazda CX-50 is an outstanding choice in the competitive SUV segment. Whether you are an urban driver seeking efficiency and comfort or an adventure enthusiast after performance and excitement, the CX-50 offers a model to suit varying needs. Mazda's dedication to delivering premium driving emotions is evident in this vehicle, making it an alluring option for the savvy car enthusiast.