2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 explodes onto the scene with its standard All-Wheel Drive and athletic stance, feeling more like a capable road-trip partner ready for light adventure, anchored by its respectable 28 MPG combined economy. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid electrifies the segment, boasting a significant performance advantage with 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, eclipsing the CX-50's 187 hp baseline. While the Mazda starts aggressively lower at $30,500, the Tucson PHEV justifies its higher $40,075 MSRP with superior power and efficiency, delivering 35 MPG combined plus 32 miles of pure electric range. This comparison pits raw, accessible AWD capability against cutting-edge electrified performance, creating a fascinating gulf of $9,575 in initial cost across two very different approaches to the crossover segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid's ability to cover 32 miles on electric power significantly lowers daily commuting costs and provides superior efficiency.
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
With slightly more cargo space at 31.9 cu ft and better power reserves for highway merging, the Tucson offers more utility for family hauling.
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson PHEV dramatically outperforms the CX-50, generating 81 more horsepower (268 hp vs 187 hp) and substantially more torque (271 lb-ft vs 185 lb-ft).
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 undercuts the Hyundai by $9,575, offering standard AWD and good economy for its lower starting price of $30,500.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Your primary concern is initial purchase price, as the CX-50 starts $9,575 cheaper than the Tucson PHEV.
- You prioritize predictable, traditional automatic shifting over plug-in technology.
- You need a highly capable AWD system without paying a premium, as it is standard on the CX-50.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You want segment-leading performance, as the Tucson boasts 268 horsepower.
- Daily driving involves short trips where you can maximize the 32-mile electric-only range.
- Maximizing fuel economy is crucial, given the Tucson's superior 35 MPG combined rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 182.7" |
| Width | 75.6" | 73.4" |
| Height | 63.5" | 66.3" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 108.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | plug-in hybrid |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 268 hp |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 271 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all 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) | 25/31 MPG | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 388.5/388.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 11.1 gal. |
| 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. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | — | SAE J1772 |
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 | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Tucson PHEV compared to the 2025 CX-50?
The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid holds a substantial power advantage, delivering 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. This significantly overshadows the Mazda CX-50's output of 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque.
Is the price difference between these two crossovers worth the hybrid technology?
The Tucson PHEV costs $9,575 more than the CX-50, starting at $40,075 versus $30,500. This premium buys you an 81 hp boost and the capability to drive 32 miles solely on electricity before needing fuel.
Which vehicle is more practical for long-distance travel in terms of fuel consumption?
The Mazda CX-50 offers slightly better highway efficiency at 31 MPG on regular unleaded compared to the Tucson's 35 MPG combined rating when operating in hybrid mode. However, the Tucson's electric range reduces fuel stops significantly for mixed driving.
Does the smaller physical size of the Tucson affect its usability?
The Tucson is slightly shorter in length (182.7 inches vs 185.8 inches) and narrower, which can aid parking maneuvers. Despite being shorter, the Tucson technically offers marginally more cargo capacity at 31.9 cu ft compared to the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft.
Are both crossovers standard with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both vehicles come standard with an All-Wheel Drive system for enhanced traction. The CX-50 uses a traditional AWD setup paired with its 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Tucson PHEV uses its AWD system in conjunction with its hybrid powertrain.
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