Which Compact SUV is Better? The Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5

Are you in search of a new, compact SUV? The Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5 are amazing options. But one will fit your lifestyle more. Read more about each SUV to figure out which one is better for you!

The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV with many trim levels and engine options to choose from, like a gas powertrain, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid. Depending on the model, you can get great standard features like a 24" panoramic curved display that features a 12.3" touchscreen and a 12.3" digital instrument cluster. The Tucson has a modern and adventurous look to it. This is the perfect SUV that fits all your belongings in its spacious cargo area.

The Mazda CX-5 is a crossover SUV that has two gas engine options and multiple trim levels to choose from. With all-wheel drive standard, the Mazda CX-5 is a capable SUV. It features elegant details on the outside and sophistication on the inside. Although it may be a tight squeeze in the cabin, the Mazda CX-5 can be a good option.

Still not sure which SUV is better for you? Keep reading our Tucson vs CX-5 comparison below.


Mazda CX-5 vs Hyundai Tucson Dimensions


 Mazda CX5 Hyundai Tucson
 Passenger Capacity 5★ 5★
 Length 180.1" 182.7"
 Width 72.6" 73.4"★
 Height 65.4" 65.6" FWD/66.3 AWD★
 Legroom (front/rear) 41.0/39.6" 41.4/41.3"★
 Headroom (front/rear) 39.3/39.0" 40.1/39.5"★
 Passenger Volume 104 cu.ft. 108.2 cu.ft.★
 Cargo Volume (rear seat up/down) 29.1/58.1 cu.ft. 41.2/80.3 cu.ft.★

The Hyundai Tucson is slightly larger than the Mazda CX-5 and has more interior space when it comes to passengers and cargo.


Does the Tucson or the CX-5 have a better performance?

When it comes to the Tucson vs CX-5 performance, they are very similar. Take a look at the performance features of each SUV below.

The Hyundai Tucson is equipped with a 2.5L GDI/MPI 4-cylinder engine that makes 187 horsepower. The Tucson is also available with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain as well. You can pick between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Drive Mode Select comes standard, which includes Normal, Sport, My Drive, and Snow (AWD only). The Tucson can also tow up to 2,750 lbs.!

The Mazda CX-5 has two engine options. The standard engine is a SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder engine that makes 187 horsepower. Or opt in for the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine that makes 227 horsepower. All Mazda CX-5 trims come standard with i-ACTIV all-wheel drive. Some trim levels include Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), which includes Sport, Off-Road, and Normal driving modes. This SUV can tow up to 2,000 lbs.!

Tucson vs CX-5 Exterior Features

The Hyundai Tucson has a more modern exterior look, while the Mazda CX-5 has a more simple SUV exterior design. Take a look at the available features of each below.

  • Hyundai Tucson: Bi-LED headlights, LED taillights, Bodycolor heated side mirrors, XRT trim exclusive exterior designs, hands-free smart liftgate with auto open and adjustable height setting
  • Mazda CX-5: LED headlights, automatic rain-sensing wipers, body-colored power side mirrors, dual exhausts outlets, rear power liftgate with height adjustment, AWD badge
Tucson vs CX5
Hyundai Tucson
Tucson vs CX5
Mazda CX5

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5 Interior Features

The Hyundai Tucson has a comfortable interior with the latest technology. The Mazda CX-5 does as well but has less room to stretch out in. Take a look at the available interior features of each SUV below.

  • Hyundai Tucson: Dual automatic temperature control, cloth-trimmed, H-Tex-trimmed, or leather-trimmed seat material, heated/ventilated front seats, 12.3" touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12.3" digital instrument cluster, remote release folding rear seats
  • Mazda CX-5: Dual-zone automatic climate control, Nappa-leather leather-trimmed, cloth-trimmed, or leatherette-trimmed seats, heated/ventilated front seats, 10.25" full-color display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 7" LCD Meter Display
Tucson vs CX5
Hyundai Tucson
Tucson vs CX5
Mazda CX5

Safety Features on Tucson vs CX-5

The safety features on the Tucson vs CX-5 vary as they are equipped with the brands safety systems. Take a look at the available safety features, depending on the trim, on these SUVs.

  • Hyundai SmartSense: Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go, Smart Cruise Control 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control w/ Curve Control, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, Advanced Rear Occupant Alert, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse, Parking Distance Warning-Reverse/Forward/Side
  • Mazda i-Activsense®: Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go, Adaptive Front-Lighting System, Smart Brake Support-Forward, Smart Brake Support-Reverse, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Parking Sensors, 360 View Monitor, High Beam Control, Traffic Sign Recognition System

Tucson vs CX-5 Conclusion

The Hyundai Tucson features a more updated exterior and interior compared to the CX-5. It also offers more engine options, whether you want the Tucson as a gas, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid powertrain. It also offers different trim levels so you can get exactly what you are looking for. The Tucson is also backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. You can't find that anywhere else but at Hyundai. Contact Napleton River Oaks Hyundai to get more information on a new Hyundai Tucson for sale near Chicago. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Dealer not responsible for typographical errors. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. All vehicles subject to prior sales. See dealer for details. MSRP may not be price at which vehicle is sold in trade area. New car prices include applicable manufacturer incentives in lieu of special financing. Plus tax, title, license & $367.70 doc fee. For In-Transit Inventory, any date of arrival is estimated. The actual date of delivery may vary due to circumstances beyond Hyundai and the dealer’s control. Contact dealer for additional information. New vehicle MPGs are EPA’s estimated highway MPG’s. New vehicle MPGe/EPA Range Rating are based on EPA Range Rating. See dealer for copy of limited warranty. Used car prices plus tax, title, license & $367.70 doc fee. Used car MPG claims are based on EPA estimated city and highway ratings when vehicle was new. Used vehicle MPGe/EPA Range Rating are based on EPA Range Rating when vehicle was new. Consumers actual mileage will vary. The value of used vehicles varies with mileage, usage and condition. Book values should be considered estimates only.

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