2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$39,730 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid bursts onto the scene blending electric agility with SUV practicality, delivering an impressive 32 miles of pure electric range and a combined 35 MPG. Conversely, the larger 2026 Mazda CX-90 boasts a powerful engine, churning out a muscular 332 lb-ft of torque, suggesting a more visceral, traditional driving feel. The Tucson is decidedly efficient, while the Mazda prioritizes raw pulling power, evidenced by the CX-90's superior torque figures despite a lower combined 25 MPG rating. Size also separates them; the Tucson is relatively compact at 182.7 inches long, contrasting with the expansive 200.8-inch length of the CX-90. The Tucson’s base MSRP starts at $39,730, slightly higher than the CX-90's $38,800, yet the Tucson offers 31.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Mazda's smaller 14.9 cu ft allocation. This comparison pits electric-aided efficiency against substantial, traditional horsepower.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 35 MPG combined efficiency and 32 miles of all-electric range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The significantly longer 200.8-inch Mazda CX-90 likely offers superior space for larger families, despite its smaller stated cargo volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its substantially higher 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Tucson's 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson offers better operational value with its 35 MPG fuel economy, even with a slightly higher starting MSRP of $39,730.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

You prioritize cutting fuel costs, leveraging its excellent 35 MPG combined rating.
Your daily driving needs fit within the 32 miles of dedicated electric range.
You prefer a more compact footprint (182.7 inches long) for easier urban navigation and superior 31.9 cu ft cargo capacity.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You crave immediate pulling power, backed by the segment-leading 332 lb-ft of torque.
You need the extra physical presence and interior room afforded by its larger 200.8-inch length.
You prefer the conventional power delivery of a 280 hp engine paired with an 8-speed transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid	Mazda CX-90
Length	182.7"	200.8"
Width	73.4"	78.5"
Height	66.3"	68.3"
Wheelbase	108.5"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	268 hp	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	35/35 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.5/388.5 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	80/73 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	77 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	32 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	44	—
Charging Time (240V)	2.0 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 gal.	18.5 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.9 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	265/55R19
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

How does the fuel economy difference impact yearly ownership costs?

The 2025 Tucson Hybrid achieves 35 MPG combined versus the CX-90’s 25 MPG combined, representing a 10 MPG difference. This significant gap means Tucson owners will spend noticeably less on gasoline annually, especially on long highway trips.

Which crossover provides better immediate acceleration response?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 holds the performance edge with 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the Tucson’s 258 lb-ft of torque. This superior low-end grunt translates to more assertive acceleration from a stop.

Can the Tucson truly operate on electricity alone for daily driving?

Yes, the 2025 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers an EPA-estimated 32 miles of all-electric range. For drivers with shorter commutes, this means significant portions of their weekly driving could occur without using any gasoline.

Is the larger size of the CX-90 better for hauling cargo?

Surprisingly, no; despite being nearly 8 inches longer than the Tucson, the CX-90 offers only 14.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Tucson’s 31.9 cu ft. The Tucson is the clear cargo capacity winner here.

What are the basic performance figures for the base models?

The Tucson PHEV generates 268 horsepower, while the CX-90 delivers 280 horsepower. Both utilize All-Wheel Drive systems and shiftable automatic transmissions, but the Mazda utilizes an 8-speed gearbox while the Hyundai uses a 6-speed.

How much more affordable is the Mazda CX-90 at the entry level?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 starts at an MSRP of $38,800, making it $930 less expensive than the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, which begins at $39,730.