2021 Hyundai SANTA FE vs. 2021 Mazda CX-9
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE and 2021 Mazda CX-9 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE and the 2021 Mazda CX-9.
In comparing the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE's and the 2021 Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and overall quality score. The 2021 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE's and the 2021 Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE is a better car than the 2021 Mazda CX-9.
Pricing: A used 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE ranges from $19,894 to $31,196 while a used 2021 Mazda CX-9 is priced between $23,983 to $33,989.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE loses 45.7 percent of its value and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 loses 47 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE retains 1.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Mazda CX-9.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 8.7 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-9's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 3 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 4 out of 31. Out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Hyundai SANTA FE is ranked 4 and the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 5. The Hyundai SANTA FE is also ranked 6 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 7 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 8.6 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-9 the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Mazda CX-9 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai SANTA FE.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE’s base engine makes 191 horsepower, and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The SANTA FE is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 526 miles. The CX-9 is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 532 miles.This gives the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more The 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$27,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$34,160
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$25,004
Price Range:
$19,894 - $31,196
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
715
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
42,458
# Good or Great Deals:
279
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$28,692
Price Range:
$23,983 - $33,989
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
724
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
37,932
# Good or Great Deals:
238
Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
20.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Mazda CX-9
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
64.4%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
8.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 39Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
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4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
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6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 21Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
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15 out of / 31Ranking
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16 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
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20 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
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21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 59Ranking
57 out of / 67Summary Review
Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.
Summary Review
Mazda’s CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV that’s slightly smaller but more engaging to drive than most of its direct competitors.
Pros and Cons
- New engines for 2021 including a hybrid
- Cutting-edge infotainment
- Excellent safety ratings
- Only two rows for 2021
Pros and Cons
- Outstanding standard features make CX-9 a near-premium vehicle
- The Turbocharged engine is a reviewer’s favorite
- Aging infotainment setup
- Smaller than most of its segment peers
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels
Calligraphy, Limited, SE, SEL
2021 Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature, Sport, Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
250 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
320 foot-lbs @ 2500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 28 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
470 / 526 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
418 / 532 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
36.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
72.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
147.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
14.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
149.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3649 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
66.3 inches
Length:
188.4 inches
Wheelbase:
108.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4236 lbs
Width:
77.5 inches
Height:
69 inches
Length:
199.4 inches
Wheelbase:
115.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Twilight Black
Blue
Stormy Sea
Gray
Hampton Gray / Portofino Gray
Red
Calypso Red
Silver
Shimmering Silver
White
Quartz White
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Gray
Machine Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Interior Colors
Beige
Beige
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
