Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5

The Hyundai Tucson starts from $29,290 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Hyundai Tucson the more affordable entry point by $10,700.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $32,219 and $43,989 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda CX-5 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Hyundai Tucson.

Both include the essentials: lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Hyundai Tucson and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.

The Hyundai Tucson features a 7-inch touchscreen paired with a 3.5-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-5 gets a 15.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Tucson uses a In-line 4 cyl. Nu 2.0L GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection), 16-valve DOHC (HLA), 2-step variable induction system producing 122kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a FWD layout.

The Mazda CX-5 responds with a Petrol making 132kW and 242Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.

The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 122kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Hyundai Tucson measures 4,480mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 210mm shorter than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,690mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 488L in the Hyundai Tucson and 438L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Hyundai Tucson a 50L advantage.

For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,223/year for the Hyundai Tucson and $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-5.

Estimated annual total: $2,223 (Hyundai Tucson) vs $2,109 (Mazda CX-5). The Mazda CX-5 saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Tucson) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). Both match on warranty length.