Is Hyundai’s compact SUV the best choice, or should you buy a CX-5 instead?
2026 Mazda CX-5 SUV will be equipped with a new infotainment system
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 SUV’s new infotainment system is a major upgrade from the past.
- The 2026 Hyundai Tucson and 2026 Mazda CX-5 are two top competitors in the small SUV market.
- Hyundai’s Tucson prioritizes price and practicality, with a slightly more affordable price tag and better fuel economy.
- Mazda’s CX-5 offers a more upscale design and a sportier driving experience with standard all-wheel drive.
Choosing a small SUV in 2026 isn’t always easy since there are so many great options.
Car brands such as Toyota, Honda, Tesla, Hyundai, and Mazda all produce competitive models for the small SUV segment. These compact SUVs tend to be more affordable and are often available in upper trims that offer increased performance and more standard features.
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is one of the best small SUV options on the market. How does it compare to Mazda’s compact SUV model, the 2026 CX-5?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson prioritizes value over performance.
South Korean automaker Hyundai may not sell as many small SUVs as rivals like Toyota, but the Tucson is a competitive, value-oriented option in the segment that can compete with best-selling models like Toyota’s RAV4 and Honda’s CR-V.
Pricing for the 2026 Hyundai Tucson starts at $29,450. It is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower. The Tucson gets 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Hyundai’s small SUV has an “extremely smooth ride” and “a wealth of standard technology,” says an Edmunds review of the vehicle.
2026 Mazda CX-5 is a family SUV for driving enthusiasts
This is Mazda’s mainstream compact SUV model with the dignity and sophistication of a luxury SUV. While its base engine may not be impressive, the CX-5 has plenty of performance-oriented trim options for drivers looking for extra oomph in their daily driver.
Pricing for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 starts at $29,990. It is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower (same as the Tucson). Mazda’s small SUV earns 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
MotorTrend praises the CX-5’s “elegant exterior and interior design,” as well as improved rear seat and cargo space for the 2026 model.
2026 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5: Which is better?
The Tucson and CX-5 may seem similar as two small SUVs with roughly the same power output, but from a design standpoint, there are some fundamental differences between the two models.
| Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price | horsepower | MPG Combine | |
| 2026 Hyundai Tucson | $29,450 | 187 | 29 |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 | $29,990 | 187 | 27 |
One of the main differences between the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5 is that the two models are built for different demographics. The Tucson is aimed at the average small family SUV buyer, while the CX-5 is aimed at drivers who want a sportier SUV with more upscale styling and a refined cabin.
The Hyundai Tucson is slightly more affordable and more efficient than the CX-5. Mazda’s small SUV, on the other hand, comes standard with all-wheel drive and has better traction than the Tucson. The CX-5 also makes about 7 pound-feet more torque than the Tucson, making it slightly more powerful.
U.S. News & World Report ranks the Tucson and CX-5 as the Best Compact SUVs of 2026. If you’re a driver who values engaging driving dynamics, Mazda’s SUVs are a better choice. If you’re looking for a more practical, traditional small family SUV, the Tucson is for you.
