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

$38,045 · Crossover

$40,075 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the stylish, powerful 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the fuel-sipping 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid presents a classic dilemma: raw capability versus long-term efficiency. The Mazda starts at a competitive $38,045, offering robust performance with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, paired with standard All-Wheel Drive and achieving a combined 25 MPG. Conversely, the Tucson PHEV, priced slightly higher at $40,075, prioritizes savings, boasting a remarkable 35 MPG combined rating while still providing AWD. However, this efficiency comes at the cost of size; the CX-90 is substantially larger at 200.8 inches long compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches. For those prioritizing brute power and space, the CX-90 leads, but the Tucson’s 32 miles of electric range makes a huge difference for daily urban driving.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its significantly higher 35 MPG combined fuel economy and 32 miles of electric-only driving capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 CX-90 is the better family hauler because it offers substantially more bulk, being 18.1 inches longer and providing better cargo versatility.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the enthusiast choice because it delivers superior power figures with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a slightly higher MSRP, the Tucson’s massive long-term fuel savings, boosted by 35 MPG combined, makes it the superior value proposition.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You frequently need maximum road presence, as the CX-90 is 200.8 inches long.
You desire greater output, as the CX-90 boasts 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer using regular unleaded fuel while still maintaining solid 25 MPG combined efficiency.

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

Your daily travel is primarily under 32 miles, allowing you to maximize the electric range.
You prioritize cargo space, as the Tucson offers 31.9 cu ft compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
Fuel costs are a major concern, given the Tucson's exceptional 35 MPG combined rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	200.8"	182.7"
Width	78.5"	73.4"
Height	68.2"	66.3"
Wheelbase	122.8"	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	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling 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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	268 hp
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	271 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	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	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Dual 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	8	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	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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-90 and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

How much larger is the Mazda CX-90 than the Hyundai Tucson PHEV?

The Mazda CX-90 is noticeably larger, measuring 200.8 inches in length compared to the Tucson’s 182.7 inches, giving it a more commanding presence on the road.

Is the performance difference between these two crossovers significant?

Yes, the CX-90 has the clear edge in raw power, producing 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the Tucson PHEV offers 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle saves more money on gas over time?

The 2026 Tucson PHEV is the winner here, achieving 35 MPG combined versus the CX-90’s 25 MPG combined, especially when utilizing its 32 miles of electric range.

Which crossover provides more usable storage space?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV is far superior for hauling gear, offering 31.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, more than double the 14.9 cu ft available in the CX-90.