If you’re looking for a compact SUV, it’s good thinking to consider the 2019 Mazda CX-5. After all, this is a vehicle that boasts many attributes; among them, the athletic drive experience and luscious interior spring immediately to mind. It’s no wonder that the vehicle rated as the #1 Compact SUV by notable review aggregator U.S. News.
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson brings its own set of positives to the table, notably with its sizeable features list. However, its drive and interior quality have been subject to notably less positive attention than the 2019 CX-5. How do these two vehicles compare when pitted head-to-head?
2019 Mazda CX-5 |
Vs. |
2019 Hyundai Tucson |
---|---|---|
$24,350 | Starting MSRP | $23,200 |
$24,350 | Starting MSRP | $23,200 |
Up to 25 city / 31 highway | Fuel Economy | Up to 23 city / 30 highway |
2,000 pounds | Towing Capacity | 1,000 pounds |
Row5_Left_Cell | Row5_Middle_Cell | Row5_Right_Cell |
187 to 227 hp | Horsepower | 161 to 181 hp |
30.9 cubic feet | Cargo Volume (behind rear seats) | 31 cubic feet |
59.6 cubic feet | Cargo Volume (with seat area) | 61.9 cubic feet |
#1 in Compact SUVs | U.S. News Class Ranking | #6 in Compact SUVs |
When it comes down to it, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 is simply an athletic machine, whereas the 2019 Hyundai Tucson is not. A delightfully peppy engine delivers ample power, framed by tight, responsive handling and shifted through a refined transmission. It’s a legitimately enjoyable machine to drive, which is not all that common in this vehicle class.
Additionally, the interior of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 is delectably upscale. It offers passengers plenty of space to spread out and get comfortable, while maintaining the startlingly premium style that Mazda cabins are known for. The rich surroundings have even been reviewed as even better than some luxury crossovers.
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson has more hard plastics inside, and you’re forced to climb the trim ladder if you want to get to a really nice cabin. Though this is more the norm for the compact SUV class, the 2019 CX-5 simply goes above-and-beyond; an unfortunate reality for Hyundai.