Compact SUVs are an excellent choice if you want greater interior room and cargo capacity than sedans offer. Apart from full-size trucks, the most popular vehicle type in America today is the small SUV, a fiercely competitive segment with more than a dozen automobiles from various automakers. It’s simple to understand why. They’re less expensive and easier to operate than larger SUVs, and while they can’t carry as many passengers and their stuff, they have enough space to suit most daily needs. Compact crossover SUVs, as opposed to bigger, more traditional SUVs, usually combine car-like features with a more elegant exterior.
Compact SUV buyers have more choices than buyers of practically any other type of car. This might make the process appear onerous, especially when there are several compact car choices. Even the finest of them, though, have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Both the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson, for example, are good candidates. However, some customers might like the athletic quality of Mazda. Others might like the spaciousness and longer warranty of the Hyundai. Today, we’ll compare the 2023 Mazda CX-5 with the 2023 Hyundai Tucson to determine which one provides the most value for money for you.
2023 Mazda CX-5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Poised ride and handling | Below-average cargo space |
| Many standard features | Lack of touch-screen functionality |
| Zippy acceleration | |
| Premium interior |
Mazda is known for making affordable cars and SUVs with compelling performance and high-quality interiors. The 2023 Mazda CX-5 is no exception. It features the finest all-around performance in the small SUV class, as well as an interior that is luxurious in higher models. Despite its low price, the Mazda CX-5 is known for its sharp handling and zippy acceleration. It has comfortable first- and second-row seats, several standard safety features, and somewhat manageable cargo space. It’s nimble and comfortable to drive, and its two optional four-cylinder engines provide quick acceleration and good fuel economy. Therefore, anyone can say that the Mazda CX-5 is a shockingly good buy for the price tag. The disadvantages are limited; however, it is worth mentioning that the infotainment system does not provide touch-screen functionalities. This can make normally straightforward improvements more difficult. It has a little less storage area than the other competitors in the market, but that’s a compromise to its curving appearance, and nothing else in this class is as enjoyable to ride as this. Pricing starts at slightly under $27,000 with all-wheel drive.
Main Features
Best Handling in the Class: Not a lot of people consider compact SUVs to be performance-oriented vehicles. The CX-5, on the other hand, gives the persuasive impression of one on a highway cloverleaf. Torque vectoring aids in keeping it exceptionally flat in tight corners, and an additional turbocharged engine with up to 256 horsepower (227 with regular, 87-octane gas) gives it an added thrill.
Premium interior: Mazda designers are always innovating to create trendy and desirable interiors that feel almost as good as premium automobile interiors. The standard CX-5 does not accomplish the task well. Upper versions, on the other hand, include Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and a Bose audio system, all for around the mid-$30,000 range.
Standard AWD: All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on all CX-5 models. On the Tucson, you’ll have to spend an additional $1,500 for it. If you live in a mountainous area or in an area with harsh winters, you’ll want it. You might as well not pay for it at all.
2023 Hyundai Tucson
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious, upscale interior | Modest passing power |
| Poised ride and handling | |
| Good fuel economy | |
| Many standard features |
Despite remaining in the small SUV class, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson is more spacious than the convenient compact SUV. It is offered with a variety of powertrains and higher trim levels, including luxury-like features like self-parking technology. Despite remaining in the small SUV class, the Hyundai Tucson is more capacious than a conventional compact SUV. It is offered with a variety of drivetrains, and higher trim levels include luxury-like features, including self-parking technology. The Tucson has a roomy and upmarket interior with capacity for five passengers (with all their stuff), as well as comfortable seats, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and a plethora of standard tech and safety features. The Tucson handles well on curving roads and glides softly over uneven pavement, making for a pleasurable driving and riding experience. Its four-cylinder engine is also fuel-efficient, although it does seem a little short on power at times. It’s well-rounded, reasonably priced, and comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The starting price is $26,900.
Main Features
Ample Interior Space: With the rear seats folded, the Tucson offers 38.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity and 74.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. This is one of the larger cargo bays in the small SUV class, with plenty of space for bulkier stuff like bikes and moving objects. A manual liftgate is standard, with the option of a hands-free electric liftgate.
Gas, Hybrid, and Plug-in Options: Hyundai offers a conventionally powered Tucson, a hybrid version that achieves up to 38 mpg in combined driving, and a plug-in hybrid that can drive 33 miles on electric power and use gasoline for longer excursions. Mazda exclusively sells CX-5 variants with gas engines.
Exceptional Warranty: Americans are retaining their automobiles for longer than ever before. Purchasing a Tucson will put you in a good position to do so. It comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, both of which are longer than the CX-5’s.
Similarities
Each has a 5-star safety rating from IIHS and identical base engines, and the starting prices are so close to each other that it is unlikely to influence your selection.
Verdict
Because of their excellent balance, the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson rank near the top of the compact SUV class. Customers might win by purchasing either one.
However, others may prefer the Mazda’s sporty handling and available power or may require its standard AWD in icy conditions. Others may like the Hyundai’s extended warranties for their financial certainty as well as their midsize SUV-like load room. The Tucson also has two hybrid alternatives; however, they are more expensive. Both cars have a lot to offer in terms of performance, modern driver-assistance technologies, and user friendliness. They are both tiny enough to be nimble, yet their goals are ultimately different.
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