Mazda CX-5 vs Hyundai Tucson
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-5 starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Tucson opens at $38,900. That makes the Hyundai Tucson the more affordable entry point by $1,090.
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 $43,989 and $42,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Tucson by roughly $1,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Mazda CX-5 and 86% for the Hyundai Tucson.
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 0 in the Hyundai Tucson.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-5 uses a Petrol producing 132kW and 242Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The Hyundai Tucson responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-5 measures 4,575mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 55mm shorter than the Hyundai Tucson at 4,630mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Tucson generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 522L in the Mazda CX-5 and 539L in the Hyundai Tucson, giving the Hyundai Tucson a 17L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $1,853/year for the Hyundai Tucson. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Tucson.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mazda CX-5) vs $1,853 (Hyundai Tucson). The Hyundai Tucson saves you roughly $256 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Tucson). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Tucson if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Hyundai Tucson will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson?
The Hyundai Tucson is the cheapest at $38,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-5 by $1,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Tucson uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Tucson has the largest boot at 539L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-5 makes the most power at 132kW. The Mazda CX-5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.7s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
