DecodedCarsHyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5
2026 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Mazda CX-5 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Hyundai Tucson is more fuel-efficient: 38 vs 26 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $850 a year less in fuel for the Hyundai Tucson (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Mazda CX-5 is the bigger car, about 2 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Mazda CX-5 has had fewer recall campaigns (8 vs 29).
The two cars
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It measures about 182 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,468 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,852 lb.
Buying used? The 2021 Tucson and the 2024 CX-5 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Tucson and the 2016 CX-5.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if…
- You want lower fuel bills (38 vs 26 MPG)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Choose the Mazda CX-5 if…
- You put reliability history first (8 vs 29 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Hyundai Tucson
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 38 MPG combined — 47% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
2026 Mazda CX-5
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Hyundai Tucson specs →Full 2026 Mazda CX-5 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →