2024 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2024 Hyundai Tucson Comparison

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 and 2024 Hyundai Tucson are compact SUVs with a stylish streak. Each boasts an exterior that goes beyond the norm for this practical and family-friendly segment of vehicle.

The CX-5 opts for curves and flowing fenders, while the Tucson is defined by edges and headlights cleverly integrated into its grille.

These two SUVs have a lot more going for them than good looks, of course. Thanks to its sharp handling and upscale cabin, the CX-5 feels every bit a premium product. Meanwhile, value is a Tucson hallmark. It boasts abundant standard features, and the options don’t send the price rocketing sky-high.

Let’s see how the CX-5 and Tucson compare.

2024 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 rolls into the 2024 model year with minor updates. A new trim, Carbon Turbo, joins the lineup, and the previous entry-level S trim has been dropped. Also, the base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine now has fuel-saving stop/start functionality.

Every CX-5 comes with all-wheel drive (AWD). You may upgrade to a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 227 hp when running on regular grade gasoline, or 256 hp on 93-octane premium. Pricing ranges from $29,300 (CX-5 2.5 S Select) to $40,600 (CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature). This pricing does not include factory-to-dealer destination fees.

Mazda CX-5 Highlights

Driving dynamics: Anyone in the market for a compact SUV needs to spend some time in the CX-5. There are plenty of choices out there, but few can match the balance of sportiness and comfort displayed by this Mazda. Highly accurate steering makes it easy to place the CX-5 exactly where you want it, be it a gap in traffic or a tight parking spot. The base 187-hp 4-cylinder has plenty of grunt for everyday driving, though the 227/256-hp turbo 4-cylinder allows for much quicker passes and easier merging onto the freeway.

Standard all-wheel drive: The 2024 Mazda CX-5 is one of the few compact SUVs equipped with standard AWD. A couple of years ago, Mazda decided to make all of its SUVs sold in the U.S. strictly AWD. For improved fuel economy, the system reverts to front-wheel drive when extra traction isn’t needed.

Interior quality: Don’t get us wrong — the Tucson has a fresh and modern-looking cabin. Yet the interior of the CX-5 stands tall with high-quality trim pieces and a smart layout. Even something as simple as a physical volume knob being within easy reach of the driver – and not buried in some maddening touchscreen menu – proves Mazda did its homework here. 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-5 models for sale near you.

2024 Hyundai Tucson

This boldly styled Hyundai Tucson arrived for the 2022 model year, so it still looks and feels fresh. Updates for 2024 include standard rear side airbags and the wider availability of the optional 10.25-inch touchscreen, plus dual-zone climate control being added to the SEL trim.

In total, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson is offered in four trims: SE, SEL, XRT, and Limited. Pricing starts at $27,250 for the SE and extends to $36,510 for the Limited. This undercuts many direct competitors, including the Mazda CX-5.

All Tucson models come with a 187-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and FWD or AWD. Hyundai also offers the Tucson as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.

Hyundai Tucson Highlights

Value: The Hyundai Tucson is comfortable and relaxed in city or highway driving. It’s also kind to your budget with standard features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote keyless entry, and safety items like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Bold exterior design: Hyundai took a risk when it gave this fourth-gen Tucson such a cutting-edge exterior design. It’s edgy, quite literally, though not over the top and faddish. One of our favorite flourishes? How the slim headlights are so neatly hidden in the Tucson’s grille.  

Warranty coverage: The Tucson blows away the competition with its excellent warranty coverage. This includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage, which is many years and many thousands of miles more than what the CX-5 provides.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Tucson models for sale near you.

Similarities

There is a lot of overlap between these two compact SUVs. Both have a 2.5-liter base engine with 187 hp, and both are similarly fuel-efficient.  

Conclusion

We think shoppers would be pleased to park either the Mazda CX-5 or the Hyundai Tucson in their driveway. They’re both affordable and fuel-efficient, plus they’re equipped with the latest tech features and driving aids.

Of the two, the Mazda CX-5 has sharper driving dynamics and a classier cabin. It costs a bit more, yes, but we think it’s justified.

The Hyundai Tucson delivers a little more value and that class-leading warranty. It’s also a little larger and roomier than the Mazda, and even though it handles well, it’s not on the same level as the CX-5. It also carries significantly more cargo.

Your choice: Are you in the market for a classy corner carver with a premium feel (the CX-5), or a slightly roomier compact SUV that offers more utility and a superb warranty (the Tucson)?