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The 2026 Mazda CX-90 faces the Hyundai Santa Fe in a segment where Quebec families demand three-row versatility without sacrificing towing capability or highway passing power. While the Santa Fe delivers efficient hybrid propulsion and a lower entry price, the CX-90 answers with substantially more power, superior towing ratings, and advanced safety technology. For families who tow recreational equipment to Tremblant or the Eastern Townships, or need confident highway merging with seven passengers aboard, the CX-90’s inline-six turbocharged architecture and 2,268 kg towing rating deliver capabilities the Santa Fe cannot match.
| Feature | 2026 Mazda CX-90 | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe |
| Starting MSRP | $47,100 | $43,799 |
| Horsepower | 280-340 hp | 231 hp |
| Torque | 332-369 lb-ft | 271 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 9.4-9.5 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 | 6-7 |
Pricing shown reflects information at the time of writing. Final pricing may vary. Contact us for complete pricing details.
The CX-90 MHEV GT-P delivers 340 hp and 369 lb-ft from its e-Skyactiv G 3.3L inline-six turbocharged engine, outpacing the Santa Fe’s performance by margins that translate directly into highway merging confidence and trailer acceleration. While the Santa Fe’s $43,799 starting price undercuts the CX-90’s $47,100 entry point by $3,301, that gap buys substantial additional horsepower even in the base MHEV GS trim.
The Santa Fe’s 1.6L turbo four-cylinder hybrid achieves 6.9 L/100km combined. The CX-90 MHEV GS counters with 9.4 L/100km despite its 280 hp output. The CX-90’s M-Hybrid Boost 48-volt system recovers energy during deceleration and provides torque fill during acceleration, delivering turbocharged performance without conventional six-cylinder fuel penalties.
The CX-90’s towing capacity reaches 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs) on PHEV models when properly equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. For Quebec families who weekend at Tremblant or the Eastern Townships with ATVs, snowmobiles, or campers, the CX-90 provides substantial capability. The CX-90’s trailer hitch view camera integrates with the 360° View Monitor for real-time alignment guidance. The Santa Fe offers Remote Smart Parking Assist but lacks dedicated trailer-specific camera integration.
The CX-90’s towing capability is engineered into the chassis, transmission cooling, and brake system – not added as an afterthought.
The CX-90’s i-Activsense safety suite includes Smart Brake Support Front Crossing, which detects vehicles approaching from perpendicular angles at intersections and applies emergency braking. The CX-90 adds:
The Santa Fe counters with Safe Exit Assist, similar to Vehicle Exit Warning. For families navigating Montreal’s complex intersection geometry or Quebec City’s narrow urban corridors, the CX-90’s intervention systems address specific crash scenarios with dedicated sensors and braking algorithms.
Both vehicles offer 12.3-inch centre displays, wireless smartphone charging, and over-the-air updates. The CX-90 differentiates through its 1,500-watt accessory power outlet – sufficient to run power tools, camping equipment, or emergency medical devices without a separate inverter. The Santa Fe provides standard USB charging but no high-wattage AC outlet.
The CX-90’s Bose 12-speaker premium audio system comes standard on GT and higher trims. The Santa Fe reserves its Bose system for the top Calligraphy trim. The Santa Fe includes Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone-based vehicle access and a UV Sterilization Tray – features the CX-90 lacks.
The CX-90’s 1,500-watt outlet delivers practical utility for Quebec drivers who use their vehicles as mobile workstations or emergency power sources during winter outages.
The CX-90 offers two hybrid paths: the MHEV mild-hybrid with 280-340 hp inline-six power, and the PHEV plug-in variant with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The Santa Fe commits entirely to its 1.6L hybrid system across all trims, eliminating powertrain choice.
The CX-90 MHEV uses a 48-volt battery for torque assistance and energy recovery without plug-in charging. The PHEV variant enables electric-only driving for short urban distances. The Santa Fe’s 1.49 kWh battery provides regenerative braking and start-stop functionality but no electric-only propulsion.
The CX-90’s dual-hybrid strategy allows buyers to select mild-hybrid performance (MHEV GS at $47,100) or plug-in capability (PHEV GS at $53,750) based on driving patterns and charging access. For Quebec drivers without reliable Level 2 home charging, the CX-90 MHEV delivers hybrid efficiency without infrastructure dependency.
The CX-90 MHEV GS and PHEV GS offer eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench, while the Santa Fe maxes out at seven passengers. For larger Quebec families or those who regularly transport youth sports teams, the eighth seat eliminates the need for a second vehicle.
The Santa Fe’s second-row captain’s chairs provide walk-through access to the third row and individual climate control. The CX-90’s eight-passenger bench sacrifices walk-through convenience for maximum occupancy.
The CX-90’s Mi-Drive system offers:
The Santa Fe counters with seven drive modes: Comfort, Eco, Sport, Smart, Snow, Mud, and Sand. For Quebec drivers who encounter winter conditions but rarely venture onto sand or deep mud, the CX-90’s four-mode system covers essential scenarios without menu complexity.
The CX-90’s EV mode (PHEV models) enables silent electric operation in residential areas – a capability the Santa Fe’s hybrid system does not replicate.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins for drivers who need three-row seating backed by legitimate towing capability and turbocharged power. The Santa Fe’s $3,301 lower entry price and 2.5 L/100km fuel economy advantage cannot replicate the CX-90’s 1,587 kg towing rating or 340 hp output. For Quebec families who weekend with travel trailers, transport ATVs to cottage country, or need confident highway passing power with seven passengers aboard, the CX-90’s inline-six turbocharged architecture delivers capabilities the Santa Fe’s four-cylinder hybrid cannot match.
The 1,500-watt accessory outlet, eight-passenger seating option, and dual-hybrid powertrain choice give the CX-90 versatility the Santa Fe’s single-hybrid approach cannot replicate. The CX-90 serves drivers who refuse to compromise on power, towing, or safety technology. Visit Planète Mazda in Laval to experience how 340 hp and 1,587 kg of towing capacity redefine three-row capability.
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