New Crossovers Compared: Mazda CX-5 Vs. Hyundai Tucson

Start Your Search for Your Family's Next Crossover

If you're one of the many motorists shopping for a powerful and versatile compact crossover, you'll want to consider our Mazda CX-5 vs. Hyundai Tucson comparison. After all, these two CUV models offer what most drivers and families seek: maneuverability, advanced technology, and comfort. But which compact sport-ute comes out on top?

That's a question to be answered with a detailed review of these two small SUVs. We hope that, afterward, you'll stop by Gunther Motor Company for a test drive of your preferred model.

Explore 2025 Mazda CX-5 vs. Hyundai Tucson Features & Technology

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2025 Hyundai Tucson share plenty of similarities – from similar power output and footprint to pricing. However, stepping into the new Mazda CX-5 presents a uniquely premium experience.

Every edition of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 comes with an upscale interior design and soft-touch materials, giving it an air of luxury that the 2025 Hyundai Tucson has a hard time replicating. For example, while leather upholstery is limited to the top-most Hyundai Tucson trim – the Limited – the Mazda model has six trims with leather seating, and its top tier features stunning Caturra Brown Nappa leather.

The Hyundai Tucson Limited is the only trim to contain a Bose® premium sound system. Meanwhile, five of the Mazda trims offer this enhanced audio experience. One Hyundai trim allows drivers to relax into ventilated front seats. By contrast, you can find this cooling feature in four of the Mazda tiers. This pattern continues with several other popular features.

However, we shall spotlight one other notable difference between the cabins of the 2025 Hyundai Tucson and the 2025 Mazda CX-5: their infotainment systems. Like other new Mazda vehicles, you'll find a large infotainment screen inside the center stack of the Mazda CX-5 that is operated by a Multifunction Commander knob between the driver's and front passenger's seat.

Mazda automakers developed their infotainment system and Commander knob to work seamlessly together, allowing the driver to remain in a relaxed, neutral driving position while navigating various vehicle settings. For comparison, the Hyundai Tucson opts for a traditional touchscreen display that requires the driver to lean forward to reach the screen.

Thoughtful features like the Commander control make the Mazda CX-5 a more comfortable and enjoyable SUV to drive.

Dive Into Mazda CX-5 vs. Hyundai Tucson Specs

A major similarity in our Mazda CX-5 vs. Hyundai Tucson comparison is that both SUVs come standard with a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine. However, these CUVs deliver power to the pavement differently. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 starts off strong with standard all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the Hyundai SUV relies on standard front-wheel drive, casting AWD as an upgraded feature that will cost you extra.

Usually, the benefit of front-wheel drive is that it helps vehicles be more fuel-efficient. While FWD does give the Hyundai Tucson a slight edge in highway fuel economy, you might be surprised to note that the Mazda model does better in the city. At the same time, you'll have the reassurance of extra traction when you're dealing with rain- or ice-slick roads.

When you add AWD to the Hyundai Tucson, its fuel efficiency drops to 24/30 MPG,¹ so you'll wind up spending more on gas than with the Mazda model.

There's also no optional engine upgrade in the 2025 Hyundai Tucson. A turbocharged version of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 crossover's 2.5-liter engine is available, bringing enhanced horsepower and torque.

Compare Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson Safety

In addition to being carefully constructed, the Mazda CX-5 offers an array of advanced driver-assist and safety technologies, including the following features:

• Driver Attention Alert
• Blind-Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control
• Smart Braking System
• Adaptive Front-Lighting System

The Hyundai Tucson offers several similar safety features, including Driver Attention Warning, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, and High Beam Assist. Therefore, it will be up to you to decide which maker's driver-support features feel more natural to you.

It should also be noted that while the 2025 Hyundai Tucson has yet to be rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as of this writing, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned a solid five stars.⁵

Start Driving Today With the Help of Gunther Motor Company

Whether you prefer the Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Tucson is a question only you can answer. However, if you – like us – find yourself fond of the Mazda model, we can help you take the next step towards bringing it home with our competitive and transparent financing opportunities. Our car experts can also help you compare this CUV to other popular models if you've also been debating Mazda CX-5 vs. Ford Edge advantages.

FAQ About Mazda CX-5 vs. Hyundai Tucson SUVs

What is the difference between the Mazda CX-5 and the Hyundai Tucson?

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson features standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and only offers one engine: a naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder. Every 2025 Mazda CX-5 gets standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and gives drivers a choice between a naturally aspirated or turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. If you're seeking more outstanding performance and control, opt for a Mazda CX-5.

Which is better: the Mazda CX-5 or the Hyundai Tucson?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 for sale boasts more power, standard AWD, and has a higher degree of luxury than the 2025 Hyundai Tucson, even though both models are similarly priced. Therefore, we tend to think the Mazda CX-5 outshines the Hyundai model. However, if you have specific questions about the Mazda CX-5 versus Hyundai Tucson, please bring them to our team.

Which vehicle has more power: Hyundai Tucson or Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 has more power than the Hyundai Tucson. While both vehicles have standard engines capable of the same 187 horsepower, the Mazda crossover comes with an available engine that ups this ante to 256. As a result, you'll be able to accelerate with the force of an additional 69 horsepower and get from zero to 60 mph faster than if you chose the Hyundai model.

Does Mazda CX-5 have better reliability than Hyundai Tucson?

The Mazda CX-5 has similar reliability to the Hyundai Tuscon. Both compact SUVs are dependable and built to go the distance. Whether they reach 200,000 miles or even beyond will come down to circumstances on the road and how well they are maintained. Luckily, at Gunther Motor Company, we have auto professionals who can care for vehicles of all makes.