Mazda CX-5 vs Hyundai Tucson
$39,990 vs $38,900. Mazda's premium-feel benchmark takes on Hyundai's spacious, feature-packed mid-sizer. Less than $1,100 apart.
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.
Mazda CX-5 G25 Pure AWD
From $39,990
Mid-Size SUV
2.5L Petrol
132kW
7.4L/100km
5★ ANCAP (2022)
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Hyundai Tucson Active
From $38,900
Mid-Size SUV
2.0L Petrol
115kW
8.1L/100km
5★ ANCAP
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Price Breakdown
At $38,900 the Tucson Active undercuts the $39,990 CX-5 G25 Pure AWD by just $1,090, though note the Mazda includes all-wheel drive at this price where the base Tucson is front-drive. Both are sharply priced for the mid-size class.
Running costs lean to the Mazda: its 7.4L/100km uses about $2,110 a year over 15,000km versus roughly $2,310 for the Tucson's 8.1L/100km, around $200 a year, despite the Mazda being more powerful and AWD. Both carry 5-year unlimited-kilometre warranties and hold their value well in a popular, deep used market.
Safety Rundown
Both are 5-star ANCAP with comprehensive active safety, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise, standard. Mazda's i-Activsense and Hyundai's SmartSense suites are both well-regarded. There's little to separate them on everyday safety; both are sensible family choices.
Feature Showdown
The Tucson is the more spacious and overtly modern of the two. It's a touch shorter overall but packages a notably roomy rear seat and a big boot, and Hyundai loads it with tech, the cabin feels generously equipped for the money, with large screens and a contemporary design.
The CX-5 plays the premium card. Its interior is beautifully finished with high-quality materials and a driver-focused layout, and many buyers prefer Mazda's rotary infotainment controller to a touchscreen on the move. Rear space is good if not quite Tucson-generous. If cabin feel and finish matter most, the Mazda edges it; if outright space and features per dollar matter most, the Hyundai.
Drivetrain
The CX-5 G25's 2.5-litre with 132kW and 242Nm has a clear edge over the Tucson Active's 2.0-litre with 115kW and 192Nm, and it's quicker (8.7s to 100km/h versus 9.2) and more relaxed when overtaking. The Mazda also adds all-wheel drive for extra security on wet or loose surfaces, where the base Tucson is front-drive.
Both drive through smooth six-speed automatics. The Mazda's larger engine is also the more efficient here, helped by Mazda's well-honed petrol tuning, so you get more performance and AWD for less fuel. The Tucson's 2.0-litre is adequate rather than punchy; Hyundai offers more powerful turbo and hybrid Tucsons higher up the range if you want more urge, which is worth factoring into a like-for-like shop.
CarSorted Data Insight
In our database, the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson are perennially among the top-selling mid-size SUVs in Australia. The CX-5 stands out for offering all-wheel drive and a 2.5-litre engine at a price where many rivals are front-drive 2.0-litres, while the Tucson's cabin space ranks among the best in the segment.
The Verdict
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: you want the more premium, athletic drive with standard AWD and better economy.
Buy the Hyundai Tucson if: you want maximum cabin space, the most standard tech and a slightly lower price.
Compare both on CarSorted. See also: RAV4 vs CX-5 | Sportage vs Tucson.
The Verdict
Two of Australia's mid-size SUV staples, barely $1,100 apart. The Mazda CX-5 G25 Pure feels the more premium and athletic, with more power (132kW vs 115kW), all-wheel drive, better fuel economy and a touch more towing, plus the polished interior Mazda is known for. The Hyundai Tucson counters with a roomier cabin, bolder styling, more standard tech for the money and a slightly lower price. Buy the CX-5 for the more upmarket drive and AWD security; buy the Tucson for space, features and value. Both are 5-star with 5-year warranties.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (21 June 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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 21 June 2026
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