2023 Mazda CX-5 Vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson: Which Is Better?
We're often told life is about the journey – not the destination – but between the Mazda CX-5 vs. Hyundai Tucson, which compact SUV will make your journey more enjoyable? Both vehicles have much to offer, including robust performance, advanced driver-assistance features, and user-friendly technology. They are both compact enough to be maneuverable, too, but they ultimately have different priorities, which we detail below.
Mazda CX-5 vs. Hyundai Tucson Specs & Performance
While both SUVs can offer enthusiastic performance with their standard 187-horsepower, four-cylinder engines, the Mazda CX-5 also has an available turbocharged option. This powertrain can make 227 horsepower with standard fuel or 256 horsepower with premium gas, allowing you to go from 0 to 60 mph in just over six seconds, leaving the Hyundai Tucson behind.
However, we understand that saving those seconds isn't the priority for everyone. Fuel efficiency often is, though. In this matter, the Mazda CX-5 also takes the lead with its standard engine and i-Activ AWD®. It can achieve up to an EPA-estimated 24/30 MPG (City/Highway).1 The standard engine in a Hyundai Tucson, when combined with AWD, delivers up to an EPA-estimated 23/28 MPG (City/Highway).2
2023 Mazda CX-5
|
vs. |
2023 Hyundai Tucson
|
|
Engine |
|
|---|---|---|
| 187 or 227-256 | Horsepower | 187 |
| 186 or 310-320 lb-ft | Torque | 178 lb-ft |
| i-ACTIV AWD® | Drivetrain | FWD or HTRAC AWD |
| 8-Speed Automatic | Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
| SKYACTIV®-DRIVE 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift and Sport mode | Transmission | 8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® |
| 15.3 gal | Fuel Capacity | 14.3 gal |
| 24/301 | AWD EPA-Est. MPG (Cty/Hwy) | 23/282 |
| 5 | Seating Capacity | 5 |
| 3,728-3,867 lbs | Curb Weight | 3,341-3,682 lbs |
| 65.6 in | Height | 65.6 FWD / 66.3 AWD |
| 180.1 in | Length | 182.3 in |
| 72.6 in | Width w/out Mirrors | 73.4 in |
| 30.8 cu-ft | Cargo Space | 41.2 cu-ft |
| New Mazda CX-5 For Sale |
|
Used Hyundai Tucson For Sale |
Mazda CX-5 vs. Hyundai Tucson Size & Dimensions
The Mazda CX-5 is slightly smaller than the Hyundai Tucson. This has both advantages and disadvantages. While its cargo room is smaller, drivers will have an easier time negotiating the Mazda CX-5 through tight traffic or grabbing a tricky parking spot in the city. Meanwhile, its internal dimensions for passengers aren't very far off. The Hyundai Tucson offers those in the front seat with 41.4 inches of legroom, while the Mazda CX-5 has a near-identical 41 inches. In fact, the hip room is greater in the Mazda CX-5.
Both vehicles have a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Mazda CX-5 vs. Hyundai Tucson Interior & Technology
Both models offer a nice spread of trims, so you can choose an SUV with enhancements that will make a genuine difference in your day while not paying for those you aren't invested in. The 2023 Mazda CX-5 trim lineup is as follows:
- MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S
- MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S SELECT
- MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S PREFERRED
- MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S CARBON EDITION
- MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S PREMIUM
- MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS
- MAZDA CX-5 2.5 TURBO
- MAZDA CX-5 2.5 TURBO SIGNATURE
Alternatively, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson has the following trims:
- Hyundai Tucson SE
- Hyundai Tucson SEL
- Hyundai Tucson XRT
- Hyundai Tucson N Line
- Hyundai Tucson Limited
Straight off the bat, we can see that the Mazda CX-5 gives you more options, empowering you a little more. The Mazda SUV comes standard with a 4.6-inch Multi-Information Display with Trip computer, a 10.25-inch full-color display infotainment display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, a leather-wrapped gear selector, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth seats.
Like the Mazda CX-5, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson SE also comes with cloth seats, though a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a leather shift knob aren't available until you go up a level. It has an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster.
Given that the Mazda CX-5 MSRP is lower than that of the Hyundai Tucson, this category of comparison seems like a solid win for the Mazda model.
Other trims of the Mazda CX-5 add features like a moonroof to create a more welcoming ambiance for you and your passengers, heated and ventilated front seats with three-level adjustment for your ultimate comfort, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and a Bose® 10-speaker surround sound system.
The Hyundai Tucson upper trim levels share many of these perks but are slightly altered. For example, its ventilated front seats, available only in the top-most trim, do not come with three-level adjustment, which provides a more customized experience in the Mazda CX-5. The upper-most trim comes with leather-trimmed seats, but not the Caturra Brown Nappa Leather of the Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature.
Mazda CX-5 vs. Hyundai Tucson Reliability
Many hard-earned dollars go into buying a new car, and you want to know that the vehicle you buy will return the favor by going the extra mile or miles. Both the Mazda CX-5 and the Hyundai Tucson are reliable vehicles. However, the Mazda CX-5 scores higher on reliability, according to J.D. Power.3
Maintenance is important for keeping any vehicle in top shape. When you bring your Mazda model to a Mazda Full Circle Service Department, you will receive a complimentary Full Circle Service Inspection and Report Card, letting you know of your vehicle's immediate needs and of issues to keep an eye out for in the future so that you can take preventative measures.
Last but not least, the new 2023 Mazda CX-5 for sale is designed with safety in mind. In addition to offering standard i-Activ AWD® for better traction on rain-slick highways, icy roads, and uneven terrain, this SUV comes packed with driver-assistance features to reduce the risk of anything happening to your SUV or your loved ones inside it. For instance, it comes standard with the following:
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection
- Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-Keep Assist
- A Rear View Monitor
The Hyundai Tucson offers a blind-spot view monitor, but only on its upper-most trim.
Upper-level trims of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 give you greater reassurance through a 360-Degree View Monitor, Driver Attention Alert, and Traffic Jam Assist. You can even get a windshield-projected Active Driving Display from the 2.5 S Premium Plus trim and up. This feature allows you to receive important information, like navigation instructions, without turning your head to view a monitor.
This option is not offered on the Hyundai SUV, but it does have a surround-view monitor in its Limited trim.
Mazda CX-5 vs. Hyundai Tucson Price
As previously mentioned, the Mazda CX-5 has a lower starting MSRP than the Hyundai Tucson, although both vehicles are comparatively priced. Which trim and packages you select play a role in your final price, as do state and local taxes. Therefore, we ask you to call our team at McGee Mazda Claremont so that we can give you a no-obligation quote that reflects all of the relevant factors, including your down payment.
The goal of this is not to obscure the answer but to make sure you get as transparent an answer as possible. Furthermore, when you contact us, we can also suggest alternatives that may be able to save you money. For example, we have a high-quality selection of used Hyundai vehicles and pre-owned Mazda rides you can check out.
Ride Off Into the Sunset in a Mazda CX-5
Having thoroughly compared the Mazda CX-5 vs. Hyundai Tucson, we think the Mazda CX-5 has more to offer. However, we understand if seeing is believing. In fact, we would be thrilled to have you stop by McGee Mazda Claremont to tour and test drive this SUV for yourself. Seeing the sleek design, feeling the welcoming warmth of heated front seats, and exploring the intuitive driver-assistance features will only help you fall more in love with this ride. However, we are also happy to help you compare this SUV to other models or answer any other questions you may have.
FAQs About the 2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5
Which is more expensive: Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Tucson?
The MSRP of the entry-level 2023 Mazda CX-5 is less than that of the entry-level 2023 Hyundai Tucson. However, both vehicles have an array of different trim levels at various prices, and which you select, which accessories you add, and the state and local fees of where you purchase your car will all influence the final price.
Which is more reliable: Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Tucson?
According to J.D. Power, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is more reliable than the 2023 Hyundai Tucson. The Mazda SUV has a Quality & Reliability score of 82,3 which puts it under the "Great" category. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Tucson has a score of 77,3 which is considered average. To learn more about Mazda CX-5 performance, talk to our team.
Which is faster: Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Tucson?
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 can accelerate faster than the 2023 Hyundai Tucson when you opt for the Mazda SUV's available turbocharged powertrain, which can make 227 horsepower or 256 horsepower, depending on which fuel you fill up with and can go from 0 to 60 mph in just over six seconds. The Hyundai Tucson relies consistently on a 187-horsepower engine.
Which has the better interior: Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Tucson?
We find the standard and available features in the Mazda CX-5 to be superior to those in the Hyundai Tucson. For example, the entry-level trim comes with a larger infotainment display and instrument panel. You can also get more premium textiles in the Mazda CX-5. To see this interior for yourself, stop by our dealership for a test drive.
1EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
1All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
1For reference, see: https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2023/mazda/cx-5 & https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2023/hyundai/tucson
