Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5: which is better?
Weighing up the Hyundai Tucson vs. Mazda CX-5? We compare them both to help you find the right family SUV
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When it comes to the Hyundai Tucson vs. Mazda CX-5 – there's a lot to consider. They’re both plush SUVs that work hard and are great at what they do.
Question is: which of these SUVs is better for you? Maybe you’re better suited to the modern Tucson or it could be the elegant CX-5 that’s up your street.
We’ll help take the guesswork out for you with our Hyundai Tucson vs. Mazda CX-5 review by comparing them where it matters.
Keep reading to make your choice much easier.
Hyundai Tucson vs. Mazda CX-5
Our guide will answer:
Is the Hyundai Tucson or Mazda CX-5 better to drive?
Does the Hyundai Tucson or Mazda CX-5 have better tech?
Which SUV has the better styling?
Is the Hyundai Tucson or Mazda CX-5 more reliable?
What are the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5 dimensions?
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Hyundai Tucson vs. Mazda CX-5: styling
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SUVs keep gaining more and more popularity, and part of that is down to the flashy styling.
A high-riding and sporty-looking SUV has lots of appeal, and both the Hyundai and Mazda offer that bucket loads.
They share a similar side profile, but the Tucson is more squared off, where the CX-5 is slightly more sloping.
The front is where things get really different. You’ll get a huge grille on the Hyundai that stretches out like a smile, while the Mazda has a ‘squaval’ shape grille offering that feels more classic.
If you like a sporty and aggressive look – the Tucson might be your pick. Those after an elegant, sleek vibe will love the CX-5.
Hyundai Tucson vs. Mazda CX-5: what are they like to drive?
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It’s a relief that both these SUVs drive as good as they look, but the CX-5 does feel a bit more fun.
Pick the Tucson for a comfortable, reliable, and smooth drive – with the added benefit of hybrid engine tech. Hyundai reckons the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid can get up to 201.8mpg.
You can’t get the CX-5 as a hybrid right now, so the diesel options are your best bet for efficiency. The Skyactiv-D 150PS with front-wheel drive can get up to a very healthy 50.4mpg.
As far as other engines go, the XC-5 offers petrols and diesels, while the Tucson covers more bases with the plug-in hybrid, self-charging hybrid, and mild hybrid engines.
Only the entry-level Tuscon engine lacks electric assistance.
Hyundai Tucson vs. Mazda CX-5: interior and technology
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At first glance, both SUVs are super modern. The CX-5 can have a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, and the Tucson has a matching screen.
If you look a bit closer, you’ll see that despite all the modern touches, the Tucson doesn’t feel as premium. It’s still great quality, but some materials feel scratchier and not as plush as the CX-5.
Our motoring editor, Sam Sheehan, says: “Most of the interior CX-5's finish feels sturdy – as if it will take years of knocks and scrapes from typical family usage, plus a bit of off-road adventure maybe.”
Hyundai Tucson vs. Mazda CX-5: boot space and practicality
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Modern families are like moths to a flame when it comes to SUVs, and the practicality they offer makes it easy to see why.
You’ll have a 620-litre boot in the classic 1.6-litre 150hp Hyundai Tucson, but you do lose some space if you opt for a hybrid. The plug-in hybrid model falls to 577 litres, which is still more than enough for most families.
The CX-5 is also spacious with a respectable 525-litre boot, which does mean the cabin feels slightly roomier since the Mazda is longer than the Hyundai.
Hyundai Tucson vs. Mazda CX-5: safety and reliability
Mazda has a good reputation for reliability, so the CX-5 should look after you. It consistently scores well on reliability surveys, and chatter in the forums is positive.
Hyundai is also known as a dependable brand and the Tucson works hard to keep that reputation. It also scores well on surveys, and all Hyundais come with a tasty five-year warranty.
The Tucson also scored a full five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2021, with the CX-5 achieving that same feat in 2017, which is always good.
The Mazda’s score is now expired but it remains a good indicator that it, like the Hyundai, is a well-built and safe car – ideal for families.
Hyundai Tucson vs. Mazda CX-5: dimensions
Hyundai Tucson
Length: 4,365mm
Width: 1,795mm
Height: 1,540mm
Boot space: 620 litres (1,799 litres with the rear seats folded)
Mazda CX-5
Length: 4,575mm
Width: 1,845mm
Height: 1,685mm
Boot space: 525 litres (1,620 litres with the rear seats folded)
Verdict: Hyundai Tucson vs. Mazda CX-5: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Tucson vs. Mazda CX-5 battle is between two very capable SUVs that won't leave you disappointed – regardless of which one you choose.
If you want something that feels premium and classic, the Mazda CX-5 is probably your pick. It feels more aligned with the German luxury options and has a seriously plush interior.
The Hyundai Tucson is a superbly modern option that feels a bit fresher than the CX-5, especially when you consider all of the hybrid engine options it offers.
Read our full Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5 reviews to get even more details on both options.
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