Santa Fe vs CX-90
Brand preference aside, the Santa Fe and the CX-90 are close competitors, both pitched at three-row suv buyers. The CX-90 wins more of the areas that we compared (3 of 3), and its most convincing lead is in off-road & towing.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance CX-90 wins
- Space & Practicality CX-90 wins
- Off-road & Towing CX-90 wins
- Engine & Performance5.5
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Engine & Performance6.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The CX-90 has 1,500 lb more towing capacity
Here the CX-90 pulls well ahead of the Santa Fe, with 5,000 lb compared to 3,500 lb. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
-
The CX-90 has room for 8 seats
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the CX-90 leads with 8 seats to 7 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
-
The CX-90 has 21 lb-ft more torque
Only a little separates them: 332 lb-ft on the CX-90, 311 lb-ft on the Santa Fe. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Santa Fe | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 201.6 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 122.8 in |
Engine & Performance
CX-90 leads
It’s a narrow one, but the engine & performance round goes to the CX-90. The CX-90 brings 21 lb-ft more torque. The CX-90’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. If this section decides it for you, choose the CX-90.
Torque
Santa Fe: 311 lb-ft CX-90: 332 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
CX-90 leads
The Santa Fe keeps it close on space & practicality, yet the CX-90 holds a small lead. On the CX-90, you get room for 8 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. If space & practicality is your priority, the CX-90 is the car to pick.
Seats
Santa Fe: 7 seats CX-90: 8 seats The CX-90 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
CX-90 leads
The off-road & towing numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the CX-90. Choose the CX-90 and you get 1,500 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the CX-90’s higher rating gives you more margin. On off-road & towing alone, the CX-90 gets the nod.
Max towing
Santa Fe: 3,500 lb CX-90: 5,000 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Santa Fe | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Mild hybrid |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 3.3L turbo inline-6 (48V mild hybrid) |
| Total system output | 277 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Santa Fe | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 28 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Santa Fe | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 15.9 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 75.2 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Santa Fe | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 3,500 lb Lowest towing capacity | 5,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Santa Fe | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Santa Fe | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 201.6 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 122.8 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the CX-90 if…
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (5,000 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (332 lb-ft vs 311 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Santa Fe or the CX-90?
On the specs compared here, the CX-90 makes more sense for most buyers; the Santa Fe doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the Santa Fe and the CX-90. I just have opinions about the numbers. I keep coming back to one thing: the CX-90 gets 1,500 lb more towing capacity. The CX-90 also scores with room for 8 seats.
For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Santa Fe fits better. For engine & performance, the CX-90 is the better match.
My pick: the CX-90.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.