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

$40,075 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the efficient electric potential of the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and the robust power of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 presents a classic dilemma: daily running costs versus sheer size and muscle. If your commute is dominated by shorter trips, the Tucson PHEV is a standout, offering an impressive 32 miles of electric range before dipping to a competitive 35 MPG combined. Conversely, the significantly larger Mazda CX-90 commands attention with 280 hp and a hefty 332 lb-ft of torque, though its traditional fuel economy settles at 25 MPG combined. The price points are surprisingly close, with the Tucson starting at $40,075 and the CX-90 at $38,800. However, the Tucson’s smaller footprint (182.7 inches long versus the CX-90’s 200.8 inches) makes city parking simpler, contrasting sharply with the Mazda’s massive 14.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Hyundai's 31.9 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson PHEV wins for commuters due to its 32 miles of electric range, significantly lowering daily fuel dependence.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is better suited for larger families due to its substantially longer body (200.8 inches) and perceived interior spaciousness compared to the Tucson’s smaller dimensions.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will favor the CX-90 for its superior torque output of 332 lb-ft, compared to the Tucson's 271 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson PHEV offers better long-term value through superior fuel economy, achieving 35 MPG combined versus the CX-90's 25 MPG combined.

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

You prioritize fuel savings, as the Tucson boasts a 10 MPG combined efficiency advantage (35 MPG vs. 25 MPG).
Your driving needs primarily involve shorter trips that can be covered entirely within the 32 miles of pure electric range.
You prefer a more maneuverable vehicle, as the Tucson is over 18 inches shorter in length than the CX-90.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You need maximum hauling capability, given the CX-90 offers significantly more power and torque (280 hp and 332 lb-ft).
You regularly transport many passengers or large items, as the CX-90's larger overall dimensions suggest superior cabin and cargo space, despite the provided cargo number.
You prefer smoother highway cruising facilitated by an 8-speed automatic transmission instead of the Tucson's 6-speed unit.

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	271 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	✓	✓
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much more efficient is the Tucson PHEV compared to the CX-90?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid holds a clear advantage in efficiency, delivering a combined 35 MPG versus the 2026 Mazda CX-90’s 25 MPG combined. This difference means you save significantly on gas annually if you aren't exclusively relying on the Tucson's electric battery.

Which crossover has more power for highway merging?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the more powerful option, putting out 280 horsepower and a substantial 332 lb-ft of torque. The Tucson PHEV produces 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Mazda has a clear edge in outright acceleration metrics.

Is the Tucson's electric range adequate for my daily driving?

The Tucson PHEV provides 32 miles of pure electric range. If your daily round trip is under this figure, you could potentially drive emission-free for most commuting needs, saving money on regular unleaded gasoline.

If I have a large family, which vehicle is better sized?

The Mazda CX-90 is substantially larger, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches. Generally, this larger exterior size translates to greater passenger space, making the CX-90 a better bet for larger families needing roomier accommodations.

How do the starting prices compare between these two AWD crossovers?

The pricing is quite competitive: the 2026 Mazda CX-90 starts slightly lower at $38,800, while the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has an MSRP of $40,075. This means you pay a bit more upfront for the Tucson’s plug-in capabilities.

Does the cargo area differ significantly between the two models?

Yes, the cargo area difference is vast. The Tucson PHEV offers 31.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, whereas the CX-90 only lists 14.9 cu ft. If maximum luggage space is crucial, the smaller Tucson actually provides more utility here.