Mazda CX-5 vs. Hyundai Tucson: The Best Mid-Size SUV for Families?
Mazda CX-5 vs. Hyundai Tucson: The Best Mid-Size SUV for Families?
When it comes to choosing a mid-size SUV for your family, two popular options that often come up are the Mazda CX-5 and the Hyundai Tucson. Both of these vehicles have earned strong reputations in Australia for their reliability, comfort, and overall value. But which one is better suited to meet your family’s needs? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
1. Design and Interior Quality
• Mazda CX-5: The Mazda CX-5 is known for its sleek, stylish design, both inside and out. The interior feels premium, with high-quality materials and a minimalist dashboard that gives the cabin an upscale vibe. The seats are comfortable, and the overall layout is designed with the driver in mind.
• Hyundai Tucson: The Hyundai Tucson has a more modern and practical design. Its interior is spacious and functional, with user-friendly controls and a clean, uncluttered dashboard. The Tucson also offers good build quality, though it leans more towards practicality than luxury.
Winner: Mazda CX-5 for those who prefer a more luxurious feel, while Hyundai Tucson wins in practicality and space.
2. Space and Comfort
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 provides a comfortable ride for all passengers, with supportive seats and good headroom in the front. However, the rear seats might feel a bit tight for taller passengers, and the cargo space, while decent, isn’t the largest in its class.
• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson excels in providing ample space for passengers, especially in the rear seats, making it a great choice for families with older children or adults who frequently ride in the back. The cargo area is also generous, offering more storage space than the CX-5.
Winner: Hyundai Tucson for its superior rear-seat comfort and larger cargo space.
3. Performance and Handling
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 is celebrated for its engaging driving experience. It offers a more dynamic ride with responsive steering and a suspension system that strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness. The engine options provide adequate power, especially the turbocharged version.
• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson, while competent, is more focused on delivering a smooth and comfortable ride rather than sporty handling. Its engines are efficient but may not feel as lively as those in the CX-5. However, it handles everyday driving tasks with ease and comfort.
Winner: Mazda CX-5 for a more engaging and sporty driving experience.
4. Technology and Features
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 comes equipped with a solid range of tech features, including a responsive infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and advanced driver-assistance systems. However, some users find the infotainment controls less intuitive compared to competitors.
• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson shines in this category with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. It also offers more standard tech features at a lower price point compared to the CX-5.
Winner: Hyundai Tucson for its superior and user-friendly tech features.
5. Safety
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 is equipped with a wide array of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking. It has consistently received high safety ratings in crash tests.
• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson is equally impressive in terms of safety, offering similar advanced safety features and achieving top marks in safety ratings. It also includes some features as standard that are optional in the CX-5.
Winner: Tie – Both vehicles offer excellent safety features and ratings.
6. Fuel Efficiency
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 offers competitive fuel efficiency, especially with its base engine. The turbocharged option is less efficient but provides more power.
• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson is slightly more fuel-efficient, particularly with its hybrid variant, which is an excellent choice for eco-conscious families looking to save on fuel costs.
Winner: Hyundai Tucson for better fuel efficiency, especially with the hybrid option.
7. Price and Value
• Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 is generally priced higher than the Tucson, particularly in higher trims. However, it justifies the price with its premium interior and engaging driving dynamics.
• Hyundai Tucson: The Tucson offers more features for the money, making it a better value, especially for families looking for a well-rounded vehicle without breaking the bank.
Winner: Hyundai Tucson for offering better value for money.
Conclusion: Which is the Best Mid-Size SUV for Families?
If you prioritise a premium feel and enjoy a more dynamic driving experience, the Mazda CX-5 might be the better choice for your family. It’s stylish, fun to drive, and comes with a host of safety features that make it a solid option.
On the other hand, if your primary concerns are space, practicality, and getting the most features for your money, the Hyundai Tucson is the clear winner. It offers more rear-seat comfort, greater cargo capacity, superior tech features, and better value overall.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on what your family values most in a mid-size SUV. Both the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson are excellent vehicles, and you can’t go wrong with either one.
