Hyundai Santa Fe 84·Mazda CX-50 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Mazda CX-50 about $11,003 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $11,003 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Hyundai Santa Fe counters with more power (277 vs 187 hp) and seating for 7.
Go with the Mazda CX-50 for the better long-term value; consider the Hyundai Santa Fe if you prioritize stronger acceleration and more passenger space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe versus 2026 Mazda CX-50.
Metric
Hyundai Santa Fe
Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid Score
84
86
Cost of Ownership
81
90
Powertrain
62
67
Driver Assistance
32
32
Livability
71
60
Safety
97
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$53,690
$42,687
Depreciation (5-yr)
$18,997
$11,631
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,034
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,320
$9,535
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$5,274
$4,499
Registration (5-yr)
$1,000
$895
Starting Price
$35,050
$29,900
Horsepower
277 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
27 mpg
Cargo volume
14.6 cu ft
31.4 cu ft
Seating
7
5
Towing capacity
—
2,000 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$35,050
MSRP
$35,050
Mo · 5yr
$895
$53,690 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$29,900
MSRP
$29,900
Mo · 5yr
$711
$42,687 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Mazda CX-50 scores higher overall.
Hyundai Santa Fe
0
/ 100
Mazda CX-50
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Santa Fe
81
CX-50
90
Winner: CX-50
$11,003 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Santa Fe
62
CX-50
67
Winner: CX-50
+5 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Santa Fe
32
CX-50
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Santa Fe
71
CX-50
60
Winner: Santa Fe
+11 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mazda CX-50 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $11,003 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai Santa Fe still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Mazda CX-50
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Mazda CX-50
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Mazda CX-50
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Hyundai Santa Fe
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Mazda CX-50
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Hyundai Santa Fe
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$895
$53,690 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$895/mo
Mazda CX-50
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$711
$42,687 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$711/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Mazda CX-50 comes out about $11,003 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
