2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson

$28,770 · Crossover

$29,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson often boils down to prioritizing driving dynamics versus outright utility. If you are concerned about daily running costs, the Tucson pulls ahead slightly with its superior 28 combined MPG compared to the CX-5's 25 MPG. However, the CX-5 offers standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) right from the base $28,770 MSRP, whereas the base Tucson starts at $29,200 with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). Performance parity is striking, with both generating 187 horsepower, though the CX-5 boasts more low-end grunt at 186 lb-ft of torque versus the Tucson's 178 lb-ft. The difference becomes clearest when you look at practicality: the Tucson offers substantially more space with 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-5's 30.8 cu ft, which is a significant factor for many buyers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is better for daily commuting due to its better fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the CX-5's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson

Families will benefit significantly from the Tucson's larger 38.7 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the CX-5's 30.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is slightly favored here because it delivers greater torque (186 lb-ft vs. 178 lb-ft) and includes standard AWD on the base model.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 offers better standard equipment value by including AWD for a lower starting MSRP of $28,770.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You require standard All-Wheel Drive for adverse weather conditions right away, as it comes standard.
You prefer a slightly punchier feel around town, as the CX-5 delivers 186 lb-ft of torque against the Tucson's 178 lb-ft.
You value a slightly lower entry price, starting at $28,770 compared to the Tucson's $29,200.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...

Maximizing usable storage space is critical, given its impressive 38.7 cu ft of cargo room.
You commute long distances often and want better efficiency, reflected in its 25/33 MPG city/highway ratings.
You prefer the smoother operation of a more modern 8-speed automatic transmission over the CX-5's 6-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-5	Hyundai Tucson
Length	180.1"	182.7"
Width	72.6"	73.4"
Height	66.1"	-
Wheelbase	106.2"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/29 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/443.7 mi.	357.5/471.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Air Conditioning	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	54.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.3 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Hyundai Tucson.

Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for my weekly drives?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson wins on fuel economy, offering 28 combined MPG (25 city/33 highway). The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is slightly thirstier, rated at 25 combined MPG (23 city/29 highway).

Is the base price difference between the two vehicles significant?

Yes, there is a slight difference in starting MSRP; the CX-5 is priced at $28,770, making it $430 cheaper than the Tucson's $29,200 entry point. You should also note that the CX-5 includes standard AWD at that price.

I carry a lot of gear; which vehicle has more cargo room?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson provides significantly more usable space for hauling gear, offering 38.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers 30.8 cubic feet.

Do these crossovers have the same engine power?

They produce the exact same peak horsepower at 187 hp, but the Mazda CX-5 has an advantage in torque with 186 lb-ft versus the Tucson's 178 lb-ft, which may translate to better pull-away acceleration.

What is the main mechanical difference besides AWD availability?

The Tucson utilizes a newer 8-speed automatic transmission, which generally offers smoother shifting and efficiency gains compared to the CX-5's 6-speed shiftable automatic.

If I live where snow is common, which car is better equipped from the base trim?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is the clear choice for snow, as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on the base model, whereas the 2026 Hyundai Tucson starts with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).