2026 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-50 present distinct value propositions, beginning with their substantial difference in cargo volume: the Tucson offers 38.7 cu ft compared to the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft, a surplus of 7.3 cu ft. Both vehicles share an identical 187 horsepower output, but the CX-50 edges out the Tucson in torque by 7 lb-ft (185 vs. 178). Fuel economy is another key divergence, with the Tucson achieving a 28 MPG combined rating versus the CX-50's 26 MPG combined, though the Tucson is FWD while the CX-50 includes standard AWD. Furthermore, the CX-50 is slightly larger in footprint (185.8 inches long vs. 182.7) and wider (75.6 inches vs. 73.4). Despite the Tucson's superior efficiency and cargo space, its $29,200 MSRP is $700 lower than the CX-50's $29,900, setting the stage for different buyer priorities.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The 2026 Tucson is the winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the CX-50's 26 MPG combined.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is better suited for families because it provides significantly more storage with 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-50
Enthusiasts will favor the CX-50 due to its standard All-Wheel Drive capability and slightly higher torque output of 185 lb-ft.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson provides better objective value by offering higher MPG and greater cargo capacity for a lower starting MSRP of $29,200.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...
- You prioritize maximizing efficiency, as the Tucson achieves 28 MPG combined.
- Your primary need is hauling capacity, evident by its 38.7 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You want the lowest initial purchase price, with an MSRP of $29,200.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- All-wheel drive capability is a non-negotiable requirement for traction.
- You prefer the slight performance edge provided by 185 lb-ft of torque.
- You desire the handling characteristics of a vehicle that is 3.1 inches longer and 2.2 inches wider.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Tucson | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.7" | 185.8" |
| Width | 73.4" | 75.6" |
| Height | - | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 110.8" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 185 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/33 MPG | 24/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.5/471.9 mi. | 381.6/477.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| 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) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.1 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.9 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| 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. |
| 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 and 2026 Mazda CX-50.
Which vehicle has better fuel economy for daily driving?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson offers superior fuel economy, rated at 28 MPG combined (25 City/33 Highway). In contrast, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 achieves 26 MPG combined, reflecting the efficiency trade-off for its standard AWD system.
How significant is the difference in cargo space between the Tucson and the CX-50?
The difference is quite significant, favoring the Tucson substantially. The Tucson offers 38.7 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the CX-50 is rated for only 31.4 cu ft, giving the Tucson over 7 cubic feet more capacity for gear.
Is there a noticeable performance difference between the two 187 hp crossovers?
While both share 187 horsepower, the CX-50 produces slightly more rotational force with 185 lb-ft of torque compared to the Tucson's 178 lb-ft. However, the Tucson uses an 8-speed automatic versus the CX-50's 6-speed automatic transmission.
Why is the Mazda CX-50 more expensive if the horsepower is the same?
The CX-50 commands a $700 higher MSRP ($29,900 vs. $29,200) primarily because it includes standard All-Wheel Drive, a feature that typically adds cost over the Tucson's standard Front Wheel Drive setup.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The Mazda CX-50 is physically larger in length and width, measuring 185.8 inches long and 75.6 inches wide. The Hyundai Tucson is marginally smaller at 182.7 inches long and 73.4 inches wide.
Are both models compatible with regular unleaded fuel?
Yes, both the 2026 Hyundai Tucson and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 utilize regular unleaded gasoline, which simplifies refueling and ownership costs across both platforms.
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