Used Mazda CX-50 vs. Used Hyundai Santa Fe: An Honest Comparison From the Dealer Who Sells Both
Almost nobody can compare these honestly — dealers usually sell one brand or the other. Doug’s in Lynnwood sells and services both, so here is the straight version, and you can drive a used Mazda CX-50 and a used Hyundai Santa Fe back-to-back in one appointment.
The used Mazda CX-50 (2023+) comes with standard AWD and an outdoors-oriented design, while the used Hyundai Santa Fe (2019–2023) is the roomier hauler — 36.4 vs. 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
The Santa Fe offers a hybrid rated around 32–34 mpg combined; the gas CX-50 runs about 25–28, with a hybrid arriving on 2025 models.
If you need three rows, only the 2024-and-newer Santa Fe redesign offers them — ask us to compare either against the three-row CX-90 in the same visit at Doug’s in Lynnwood.
At a glance
| Specification | Mazda CX-50 | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Generation covered | 2023+ generation | 2019–2023 generation (two rows; the 2024+ redesign added a third row) |
| Seats | 5 | 5 (2019–2023); 7–8 on the 2024+ redesign |
| Cargo space | 31.4 cu ft behind the rear seats; 56.3 cu ft max | 36.4 cu ft behind the rear seats; 72.1 cu ft max (2019–2023) |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard on all trims | FWD standard, AWD optional |
| Powertrains | 2.5L 4-cyl (187 hp); 2.5L turbo (227–256 hp); Hybrid available 2025+ | 2.5L 4-cyl (191 hp); 2.5L turbo (277–281 hp); Hybrid (226 hp) available 2021+ |
| EPA fuel economy | EPA about 25–28 mpg combined (gas); about 38 for the Hybrid | EPA about 24–26 mpg combined (2.5L); about 32–34 for the Hybrid |
| Factory warranty for used buyers | 3-yr/36k-mi basic + 5-yr/60k-mi powertrain from original sale; both transfer in full to used buyers. | 5-yr/60k-mi basic transfers to used buyers; the 10-yr/100k-mi powertrain warranty is original-owner only (second owners: 5-yr/60k powertrain). |
| Known for | Standard AWD with an outdoors-oriented, lower-roof design; up to 3,500-lb towing (turbo) | Space per dollar and hybrid availability in the midsize class |
Sources: manufacturer specifications and EPA estimates for the model generations noted above. Figures vary by year and trim — we’ll confirm the exact numbers for any specific vehicle on our lot.
What ownership actually costs
- Fuel: use the EPA combined figures in the table — over 12,000 miles a year, a 5-mpg difference is roughly a tank a month.
- Warranty: Mazda’s remaining coverage transfers in full. Hyundai’s basic 5-yr/60k transfers, but the famous 10-yr/100k powertrain warranty is original-owner only — as a used buyer, plan around 5-yr/60k powertrain on either brand.
- Maintenance: both are mainstream brands with similar routine service costs, and both are serviced in-house at Doug’s — no dealership-hopping for warranty or recall work.
- Insurance: varies more by trim, driver, and ZIP code than by brand — get real quotes on the exact VIN before you decide.
Which one is right for you?
The Mazda CX-50 fits you if…
- Trailheads and pass weekends: standard AWD and roof-rack-ready design
- You prefer a newer vehicle (2023+) with a firmer, sportier feel
The Hyundai Santa Fe fits you if…
- You want maximum space per dollar in a midsize SUV
- A 32–34 mpg hybrid family SUV is the goal
Both, in stock right now
Used Mazda CX-50 at Doug’s
In stock as of Jul 10, 6:18 am
No exact matches for this pick right now, so here are the nearest alternatives. New inventory arrives regularly — see everything in stock.
Browse the full inventory — it refreshes from the dealership feed several times a day.
Used Hyundai Santa Fe at Doug’s
In stock as of Jul 10, 6:18 am
No exact matches for this pick right now, so here are the nearest alternatives. New inventory arrives regularly — see everything in stock.
Browse the full inventory — it refreshes from the dealership feed several times a day.
Fair questions
Can I test drive a used Mazda CX-50 and a used Hyundai Santa Fe in one visit?
Yes. Doug’s Mazda and Doug’s Hyundai are one lot family in Lynnwood, so one appointment covers both — back-to-back, same loop, no second dealership visit.
Which has the better warranty for a used buyer?
It depends on age and mileage, not just brand. Mazda’s 3-yr/36k basic and 5-yr/60k powertrain coverage transfer in full. Hyundai’s 5-yr/60k basic transfers too, but its 10-yr/100k powertrain warranty applies to the original owner only. We’ll show you the exact remaining coverage on any specific vehicle.
Is the Mazda CX-50 or the Hyundai Santa Fe cheaper to run?
Check the EPA figures in the table above — hybrids are the standout savers where available. Routine maintenance costs are similar for both brands, and both are serviced in-house at Doug’s.
Is this comparison biased toward one brand?
We sell and service both, so we have no reason to steer you either way — the facts above come from manufacturer specs and EPA estimates, and the better choice genuinely depends on how you’ll use the vehicle.
Drive the Mazda CX-50 and the Hyundai Santa Fe back-to-back — one appointment
Same lot family, same visit, no repeated negotiations. Tell us a time that works and we’ll have both vehicles ready.