Hyundai Santa Fe vs Mazda CX-90
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Santa Fe starts from $53,000 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-90 opens at $74,385. That makes the Hyundai Santa Fe the more affordable entry point by $21,385.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $58,300 and $81,824 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Santa Fe by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Hyundai Santa Fe and 91% for the Mazda CX-90.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Santa Fe and 6 in the Mazda CX-90.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Santa Fe features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-90 gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with Apple CarPlay and BOSE audio that you will not find on the Mazda CX-90. The Mazda CX-90 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Santa Fe uses a Petrol producing 141kW and 232Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Mazda CX-90 responds with a Petrol making 254kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The Mazda CX-90 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 141kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-90 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Santa Fe measures 4,830mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 270mm shorter than the Mazda CX-90 at 5,100mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 625L in the Hyundai Santa Fe and 257L in the Mazda CX-90, giving the Hyundai Santa Fe a 368L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1949L vs 2025L.
For towing, the Mazda CX-90 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 12.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the Hyundai Santa Fe and $2,337/year for the Mazda CX-90. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Hyundai Santa Fe) vs $2,337 (Mazda CX-90). The Hyundai Santa Fe saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Santa Fe) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Santa Fe if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-90 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Hyundai Santa Fe will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Santa Fe has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-90?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the cheapest at $53,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-90 by $21,385.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Santa Fe uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-90 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the largest boot at 625L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-90 makes the most power at 254kW. The Mazda CX-90 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.8s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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