It’s hard to go wrong with a compact SUV. These versatile 5-passenger haulers are the bread-and-butter vehicles for many an automaker, and it’s hard to argue with their practicality, good driving manners, and all-weather confidence. No wonder so many of today’s car buyers are happy to be in one. Two standouts in the segment are the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson. Both are best-sellers for their respective brands, but which is best for you?
Let’s compare the two.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has all the traits we like in an SUV, including practicality, value, and efficiency. Yet it’s x-factor is that the Mazda is also among the most fun-to-drive vehicles in its class—the athlete, if you will. Even with the base 187-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, the CX-5 feels invigorating. If you step up to the turbocharged CX-5 with up to 256 hp, this compact SUV becomes just plain quick.
All CX-5 models come with a long list of standard features, including all-wheel drive and driver assist features like adaptive cruise control. This year sees the return of the base S trim, which means an appealing starting price of just $29,990.
Mazda CX-5 Highlights
Standard all-wheel drive: Mazda is among the few automakers whose SUVs come standard with all-wheel drive. The Tucson also offers it, but you have to pay extra for the feature.
Premium design: The CX-5 is a sharp-looking SUV inside and out. Its exterior is curvy and athletic, and Mazda continues to create some of the most beautiful paint colors available. In the cabin, the Mazda’s fine build quality and premium materials make this seem like a more expensive vehicle than it is.
Turbo engine: If you’re buying a Mazda CX-5 for its athletic nature and really want to make the most of its excellent chassis, consider opting for this engine upgrade. It really dials up the fun factor in this compact SUV.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-5 models for sale near you.
2025 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson has been a great option in the Hyundai lineup for over 20 years, and in that time, it has evolved from a simple SUV to a sophisticated hauler with outstanding features. Some of them are class-exclusive, too. For example, with its refresh for the 2025 model year, the Tucson gains a sweet trait that new parents just might love. See below. Pricing starts at $30,155, including destination fee.
Hyundai Tucson Highlights
Baby Mode: Have you ever worried about waking your little one by a too-sudden tap on the accelerator? The Tucson’s Baby Mode, new for 2025, helps alleviate that with a gentler throttle response. We think this would also benefit dog owners. This is a nifty feature and, to our knowledge, the first of its kind.
Unbeatable warranty: Hyundai touts a class-leading warranty of five years or 60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper coverage and 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain. The Mazda CX-5 can’t come close to that.
Choice of powertrains: In addition to a standard gasoline engine, the Tucson is available as a hybrid that earns up to 38 mpg combined or as a plug-in hybrid that can travel 32 miles on electricity alone. We love the range of choices.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Tucson models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson have seating for five, appealing interiors and exteriors, excellent safety systems, and similar starting prices and power outputs.
Pricing
New 2025 MAZDA CX-5 Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
$30,190 |
TBD |
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$31,520 |
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$32,870 |
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$34,220 |
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$36,820 |
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$38,620 |
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$39,420 |
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$42,220 |
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Used Prices
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Original MSRP
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
TBD |
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TBD |
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TBD |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-5 vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Mazda CX-5 | 2025 Hyundai Tucson | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined | 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway/28 mpg combined |
| Also Available | Turbo 2.5-liter 4-cyl. | AWD; hybrid, plug-in hybrid |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.2 inches | 108.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 180.1 inches | 182.3 inches |
| Width | 72.6 inches | 73.4 inches |
| Height | 65.4 inches | 65.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.0 feet | 38.6 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 40.1 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.1 inches | 57.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.8 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 29.1 cubic feet | 41.2 cubic feet |
Conclusion
Both of these compact SUVs are winners, and each brings a set of appealing traits to the table. The CX-5 touts standard all-wheel drive, a fun-to-drive nature, and an optional turbo engine. The Tucson answers with an incredible warranty, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, and technology that the Mazda can’t match. Our advice is to drive both and see which of these excellent SUVs tugs your heartstrings.
