Mazda CX-60 vs Hyundai Santa Fe

The competitive SUV segment continues to offer Jamaican drivers a difficult choice between luxury-leaning refinement and family-focused utility. Two contenders, the Mazda CX-60 and the latest Hyundai Santa Fe, present distinct approaches to the modern mid-size crossover, each with a strong set of characteristics designed to appeal to different priorities on our roads.

Background and Design Philosophy

The Hyundai Santa Fe has established a solid reputation over its history as a practical, reliable, and continuously evolving family SUV. The current, latest generation marks a bold transformation, moving away from previous sleek contours to embrace a more rugged and boxy aesthetic. This departure suggests a focus on utility and an assertive road presence, drawing inspiration from off-road focused vehicles.

In contrast, the Mazda CX-60 is a newer entrant representing the brand’s concerted effort to push into the premium segment. It is the debut vehicle on Mazda’s new rear- and all-wheel-drive platform, which supports a longitudinal engine layout. Its design is an evolution of Mazda’s celebrated Kodo philosophy, prioritising elegant, sculpted lines, and a powerful, cab-rearward proportion that hints at its sporty underpinnings.

Exterior Design: Rugged Utility vs Premium Elegance

The exterior of the latest Santa Fe is dominated by its blocky silhouette and attention-grabbing details. The most talked-about feature is the unique ‘H’-shaped LED daytime running lights that define its front and rear, making an immediate statement. Its overall look is functional and deliberately bold, ensuring it stands out, particularly with a wide, confident stance.

The Mazda CX-60 employs a less aggressive, more sophisticated design language. It features a prominent, higher aspect front grille and sleek, sweeping LED headlamps, upholding a dignified elegance. The long bonnet and rear-wheel-drive proportions lend it a more athletic and distinctly premium appearance, reflecting its focus on driving dynamics and Japanese craftsmanship.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Inside, the Santa Fe excels in pure practicality and family-centric features. It offers a spacious cabin with an emphasis on clever storage, including a dedicated handbag space beneath the centre console. Technology is showcased via a curved touchscreen display for infotainment, alongside a separate digital climate control panel with dedicated rear-row temperature adjustment. Crucially for larger Jamaican families, the Santa Fe remains a true seven-seater with foldable third-row seating, and features like a high-resolution 360-degree camera system are a major plus for parking.

The CX-60, on the other hand, delivers a cabin focused on a driver-centric and luxurious atmosphere. It often features superior materials like Nappa leather and real wood trim on higher-end trims, elevating the perceived quality. The infotainment is displayed on a large screen, but Mazda retains a strong preference for a rotary Multimedia Commander dial over constant touch operation while driving, a nod to reduced driver distraction. Cargo space is generous, starting at 570 litres, which is excellent for a five-seater mid-size SUV, making it ideal for hauling luggage or market goods.

Driving Experience: Power vs. Polish

The driving experience is where the fundamental differences between these two vehicles are most apparent.

Engine and Horsepower

The Santa Fe in the 2.5GDI configuration is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated gas engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup offers ample power with a significant 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The engine for the Santa Fe is definitely faster, suggesting brisk acceleration and strong pulling power, suitable for quickly moving past traffic.

The Mazda CX-60 is available globally with a variety of sophisticated powertrains, including a 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine (around 189 hp) or more powerful mild-hybrid options. While the base petrol engine may offer less outright horsepower than the Santa Fe’s 2.5GDI, Mazda’s focus is on engine-chassis harmony and a more immediate, connected feeling to the road.

Suspension and Handling

In terms of ride quality, the Mazda has a more refined ride. The CX-60’s new platform, featuring a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, is equipped with Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) – a system that subtly uses brake force to mitigate body roll in corners. This technology is designed to make the vehicle feel planted and stable, offering a genuinely luxurious and engaging driving feel that rewards the enthusiast driver while maintaining comfort.

The Santa Fe prioritises ride comfort, employing shock absorbers tuned to deliver a “luxurious driving experience”. While it manages body roll effectively for a vehicle its size, its focus is clearly on isolating passengers from road imperfections, providing a smooth and cushioned journey that aligns well with its family-hauler mandate. The steering-column mounted gear selector also adds a touch of modern design to the cockpit.

What it comes down to

The choice between the Mazda CX-60 and the latest Hyundai Santa Fe hinges on individual priorities.

The Santa Fe presents itself as the ultimate practical family utility vehicle. Its bold, rugged design, abundant features, generous seven-seat space, and faster engine make it a compelling choice for those whose daily life demands maximum utility and brisk performance.

The CX-60, conversely, caters to the driver seeking a premium, refined experience. Its elegant design, high-quality cabin materials, driver-focused controls, and sophisticated suspension system offer a more engaging and luxurious drive, making it the top contender for those who prioritise a sense of craftsmanship and polished handling.

Both vehicles demonstrate significant steps forward for their respective brands, offering Jamaican consumers distinct paths in the evolving mid-size SUV landscape.