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There are many good options in the compact SUV segment, and two of the top choices are the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson. These SUVs have a lot in common, but a few differences set them apart.
Let’s take a closer look at these compact SUVs and find the right one for you.
2022 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 stands out in the compact SUV segment for its fun-to-drive character and premium interior without a premium price tag. Pricing starts at $26,250.
Mazda CX-5 Highlights
Fun to drive: The Mazda CX-5 is more enjoyable to drive than the average SUV. The base engine strikes a nice balance of performance and efficiency, and its well-tuned chassis is both agile and comfortable. It gets more exciting if you upgrade to the optional 256-horsepower turbo engine.
Premium interior: The CX-5 has one of the most excellent interiors in its class. The interior design is upscale, even in the lower trims. Get into the upper trims, and you’ll be treated to features like Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, real wood trim, Bose audio, and a digital gauge cluster.
Standard AWD: All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard on every Mazda CX-5. This is a desirable feature if you live in a snowy climate. The Tucson may have a lower starting price than the CX-5, but when you add AWD to the Hyundai, it’s slightly more expensive.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-5 models for sale near you
2022 Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a roomy and practical compact SUV with daring style and good fuel economy, especially if you opt for one of the hybrid options. Pricing starts at $25,800.
Hyundai Tucson Highlights
More interior space: The Tucson has more interior space than the CX-5, especially in the cargo hold. The Hyundai has 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats and 74.8 cubic feet if you fold down the back seats. On the other hand, the Mazda has 30.8 cubic feet in the cargo hold and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seats folded.
Hybrid options: The Hyundai Tucson has two hybrid options, whereas the Mazda CX-5 has none. The conventional hybrid variant of the Tucson gets a combined fuel economy rating of up to 38 mpg, while the plug-in hybrid can go up to 33 miles on electricity alone and gets 35 mpg when operating in gas-electric hybrid mode.
Excellent warranty: If you plan to keep your new compact SUV for more than three years, you’ll love the warranty that comes with the Hyundai Tucson. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which beats the Mazda warranty.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Tucson models for sale near you
Similarities
IIHS Top Safety Pick+, generous standard features, similar pricing, similar base engines, high-quality interiors.
Conclusion
The Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson are both class leaders in the competitive compact SUV class. The CX-5 has standard AWD, and it’s fun to drive, especially with its optional turbo engine. However, the Tucson is more efficient with its two hybrid options and has a better warranty. Which is right for you depends on your priorities.
2022 Mazda CX-5 | 2022 Hyundai Tucson | |
Starting Price | $26,250 | $25,800 |
Popular Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 182 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
Fuel Economy | 24 city/30 highway/26 combined mpg | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg |
Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder | Hybrid; plug-in hybrid; AWD |
Specs | ||
Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 106.2 inches | 108.5 inches |
Overall Length | 180.1 inches | 182.3 inches |
Width | 72.6 inches | 73.4 inches |
Height | 65.6 inches | 65.6 inches |
Turning Diameter | 36.0 feet | 38.6 feet |
Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 40.1 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | 39.5 inches |
Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 41.4 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 41.3 inches |
Shoulder Room, Front | 57.1 inches | 57.6 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.8 inches | 56.0 inches |
Cargo Volume | 30.8/59.3 cubic feet | 38.7/74.8 cubic feet |