Mazda
Mazda CX-5 (2026)
$29990
Released 2026
Best Cars · head-to-head
Mazda CX-5 (2026) vs Hyundai Tucson (2026)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Hyundai Tucson (2026) is cheaper at $29450. Every spec and price links to its source.
Hyundai
Hyundai Tucson (2026)
$29450Cheaper
Released 2026
Which is better: the Mazda CX-5 (2026) or Hyundai Tucson (2026)?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Hyundai Tucson (2026) is the cheaper at $29450.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Mazda CX-5 (2026) | Hyundai Tucson (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $29990 | $29450 |
| Brand | Mazda | Hyundai |
| Released | 2026 | 2026 |
| Body style | compact SUV | compact SUV |
| Mpg combined | 26 | 28 |
| Horsepower | 187 | 187 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo cuft | — | — |
| Powertrain | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G inline-4 naturally aspirated, 6-speed automatic | 2.5L inline-4 naturally aspirated, 8-speed automatic |
| Release | 2026 | 2026 |
Sources — Mazda CX-5 (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15). Hyundai Tucson (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Mazda CX-5 (2026) and Hyundai Tucson (2026)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Mpg combined: Mazda CX-5 (2026) 26 vs Hyundai Tucson (2026) 28
- Drivetrain: Mazda CX-5 (2026) AWD vs Hyundai Tucson (2026) FWD
- Powertrain: Mazda CX-5 (2026) 2.5L SKYACTIV-G inline-4 naturally aspirated, 6-speed automatic vs Hyundai Tucson (2026) 2.5L inline-4 naturally aspirated, 8-speed automatic
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Mazda CX-5 (2026)
Two whitelisted outlets reviewed the redesigned 2026 CX-5. Both praise the roomier cabin, upscale materials and retained fun-to-drive handling, while faulting the dropped turbo, modest acceleration and the loss of physical controls. Only Car and Driver ran instrumented numbers (0-60 in 8.0 sec, 173-ft braking, 0.83 g skidpad); MotorTrend's first drive was hands-on but unmeasured. (2 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Retains engaging, fun-to-drive handling and Mazda driving character; Roomier rear seat and larger cargo area after the redesign; Upscale, class-above interior materials.
Flagged: Loss of physical switchgear, especially the volume knob; No turbo option; modest, unremarkable acceleration from carryover 2.5L; Mediocre / mid-pack fuel economy (26 mpg combined).
Hyundai Tucson (2026)
Two whitelisted testers—Car and Driver (8/10) and MotorTrend (8.8/10)—rate the 2026 Tucson a roomy, refined, well-equipped compact SUV undercut by a poky, unrefined base gas engine. Their hard numbers are same-generation carryover (2022/2025 test cars), not fresh 2026 units, and both are transparent that the 2.5L powertrain is unchanged for 2026. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Roomy, practical cabin with generous passenger and cargo space; Modern, tech-forward dual-screen interior; wireless CarPlay/Android Auto standard; Strong value for the money (MotorTrend Value 9.0/10: blend of style, technology and value).
Flagged: Base 2.5L gas engine is poky, underpowered and unrefined; Less engaging to drive than class rivals (Honda/Mazda/VW); Mediocre measured fuel economy — C/D's XRT managed 26 mpg on its 75-mph highway route.