There's a new midsize SUV on the block, and for a change, it's Korean-made, not Japanese.
The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe made its Philippine debut during the 2018 Manila International Auto Show, and the vehicle immediately caught our attention with its elegant design and great interior.
It had us thinking: What other cars possessed both these qualities within the same relatively premium price range? And the first one to come to mind was the Mazda CX-9.
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes in at P2,338,000, while the Mazda CX-9's FWD Sport Touring variant carries a slightly higher P2,350,000 price tag. If we're taking a look underneath the hood, both cars have distinct differences: The Korean packs a 2.2-liter turbodiesel capable of 197hp and 441Nm of torque, while its Japanese rival uses a more potent 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline mill with 227hp and 420Nm.
Also, the Santa Fe uses an eight-speed automatic transmission while the Mazda comes with a six-speed. But other than that, these two are pretty similar specs-wise. Both have similar brake and suspension setups, and both flaunt premium interiors with leather seats, great sound setups, and multiple airbags, too.
Torn? Take a look at the two vehicles' spec-by-spec breakdown and let us know in the comments below which one you prefer.
| Hyundai Santa Fe | Mazda CX-9 FWD Sport Touring | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Philippine Peso) | 2,338,000 | 2,350,000 |
| Drive | FWD | FWD |
| Seating capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Engine | 2.2-liter turbodiesel | 2.5-liter turbo gasoline |
| Power | 197hp @ 3,800rpm | 227hp @ 5,000rpm |
| Torque | 441Nm @ 1,750-2,750rpm | 420Nm @ 2,000rpm |
| Fuel tank capacity (liters) | 71 | 74 |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | Six-speed automatic |
| Brakes (front/rear) | Ventilated disc/solid disc | Ventilated disc/solid disc |
| Front suspension | MacPherson strut | MacPherson strut |
| Rear suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link beam |
| Wheels | 19-inch alloy | 18-inch alloy |
| Tires | 235/55 R19 | 255/60 R18 |
| Audio system | 7-inch touchscreen, six speakers | 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers |
| Seats | Leather | Leather |
| Airbags | Driver/passenger, side, curtain | Driver/passenger, side, curtain |
| Dimensions (mm) | 4,770 x 1,890 x 1,680 | 5,075 x 1,960 x 1,716 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,765 | 2,930 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 185 | 220 |
