Starting at
Starting at
| 187-250 | Horsepower (hp) | 187 |
| 26 | Fuel Economy (MPG) | 25 |
| 10.25 | Standard Screen Size (in) | 8 |
Whether you are fighting through rush hour traffic, taking on windy mountain roads, traversing through rain-slicked streets, or dropping the kids off at school, a compact SUV can help with every travel scenario. Their driving dynamics resemble those of a sedan, while their spacious interiors deliver the room you need for your passengers and travel belongings. Compact SUVs are perfect for many drivers, which is why you see so many of them on roadways across Columbia and beyond. Two popular options on the streets, the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson, have been regarded as tried-and-true travel companions for years, offering drivers serious style, exceptional performance, and desirable features to make any drive an unforgettable experience. When comparing the 2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Hyundai Tucson, how do these two compact travelers stack up against one another?
Introduced for the 2013 model year, the Mazda CX-5 quickly gained a loyal following due to its breathtaking design and highly sought-after features. Mazda is well known for designing beautiful vehicles with advanced features and selling them for affordable prices to appeal to those who thrive on the luxury experience. The Tucson got its start about a decade earlier and was Hyundai's answer to drivers' requests for more options in the brand's SUV lineup. Like the CX-5, the Tucson appeals to cost-conscious drivers, offering many desirable features in a small and easy-to-handle package. However, in the areas of design, performance, and technology, CX-5 easily stands out as the one to beat when it comes to offering an experience behind the wheel that's utterly exceptional.
It'll be immediately apparent that the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is built with sophistication at its core. From the moment you catch a glimpse of its clean, modern exterior, you'll be struck by the level of refinement from every angle. Its Kodo design language focuses on elegance, accentuating its curves and providing an upscale feeling from front to back. Its Turbo Signature trim takes this to a new level with a show-stopping front grille, 19-inch alloy wheels, a body-color lower bumper, and more ravishing elements to capture your attention. Chrome detailing really adds a pop of interest to this lavish traveler, and when you want to arrive at your destination in style, the CX-5 makes this a priority.
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson opts more for an athletic appeal, as opposed to the CX-5's air of luxury, so if you're more interested in a premium SUV, the Tucson may not be your cup of tea. That being said, the Tucson features a wonderfully modern exterior with the nice touch of ruggedness that you'll frequently find with many SUVs on the road these days. Depending on the trim in question, the Tucson features everything from durable roof cross bars to a sporty rear spoiler. In the end, it's not as luxurious as the CX-5, so if you're searching for sophistication on a budget, you'll want to focus more on the CX-5 here.
Like the exterior, the interior of the Mazda CX-5 is utterly invigorating. From Caturra Brown Nappa leather seating materials to genuine wood accents, the feeling you'll get inside this compact SUV is one of excellence. Choosing its more athletic Turbo trim will allow you to enjoy a black leather interior dotted with pops of vibrant red throughout to make for a more engaging and exciting ride. Although it's a small SUV, the intelligent layout allows all on board to feel like they're riding in a much larger vehicle with an open, airy feeling that can't be rivaled.
You can expect a more rugged and functional cabin experience in the Tucson, which works for many drivers, but again, if luxury is on your mind, we recommend the CX-5. Its top-level Limited trim offers more comfort elements, like a leather interior, power-adjustable seating, and a heated steering wheel, but it's difficult to compete with the level of luxury that radiates from the alluring CX-5. In the end, if your focus is on a more refined ride accentuated by high-class features, we recommend the 2023 Mazda CX-5.
What really impresses drivers with the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is the fact that there are two powertrains to choose from to achieve what you desire behind the wheel. For those who prioritize efficiency, its base 2.5L four-cylinder will deliver that to you, able to get an estimated 30 MPG on the highway. In contrast, its available 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder amplifies the excitement on the road. With 250 hp driving it forward, this turbo makes even the most mundane ride feel more energized. All-wheel drive comes standard with both engines, which allows the CX-5 to take on any road condition that greets it along the journey. Mi-Drive technology helps you make the most out of any road with customized drive modes to tackle the elements with confidence. Being able to choose from Normal, Sport, or Off-Road mode allows you to craft the ride you need, no matter where you're heading.
The biggest disadvantage the Tucson has here is the fact that it only offers one engine, a 2.5L four-cylinder, which is lackluster at best. A lack of acceleration makes for a rather boring ride, and since there's no other powertrain to choose from, drivers are stuck with this low-level performance. It's also not as efficient as the CX-5, only able to get up to 28 MPG on the highway. However, all-wheel drive does come standard, so that's a plus. The Tucson makes up for its slow acceleration by offering a quiet and confident ride, marked by responsive steering and favorable handling on the road.
It's pretty apparent that the 2023 Mazda CX-5 outperforms the 2023 Hyundai Tucson. With its high level of efficiency, plus a turbocharged engine at-the-ready to deliver a powerful ride, a variety of drivers are drawn to this well-equipped SUV. Unfortunately for the Tucson, its lone engine just doesn't cut it for most drivers, which is why our pick lies with the powerful CX-5 when performance is a priority.
Mazda is on a mission to seamlessly connect drivers to their vehicles like never before, and the proof lies in the 2023 Mazda CX-5. Through Mazda Connected Services, you can operate your CX-5 from your smartphone, starting its engine, unlocking its doors, and even locating it in a busy parking lot. You're also able to signal for assistance in the unfortunate event of an accident. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it easy to remain connected to the tasks of your day, while a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is standard across the board, allows you to have access to all of your coveted tech to make your drive infinitely better.
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson offers a nice array of tech. However, you'll be limited to an eight-inch touchscreen unless you spend more for a high-level trim that features a 10.25-inch display. Another limitation in the Tucson is the fact that wireless smartphone compatibility is only found on the lower trims with the smaller screens, which is a big disappointment, especially for those who purchase a top-level trim. You definitely don't get as much in the Tucson as you would in the CX-5.
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 has been recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick and received a five-star overall safety rating in NHTSA crash testing, making it one of the safest SUVs you can choose to accompany you on your journey. With standard i-Activsense safety technology, the CX-5 can effortlessly keep all on board safe and secure, no matter what greets you out on the streets. From Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Day and Night-time Pedestrian Detection to Traffic Jam Assist, the CX-5 thinks of everything to keep you safer behind the wheel. The Hyundai Tucson showcases a fine assortment of safety tech through its SmartSense technology. You'll find many similar features to what Mazda offers, like Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.
Although both vehicles exhibit superior tech, the Hyundai Tucson falls short when it comes to its standard features. The smaller touchscreen, in particular, may cause drivers to rethink this choice for their next compact SUV. The 2023 Mazda CX-5 simply offers more to its drivers, allowing it to quickly surpass rivals, like the Tucson, when innovation means everything.
When you shop at Mazda of Columbia, you're guaranteed to enjoy your experience with us. Not only do we showcase an excellent selection of new and used vehicles, but our team exhibits top-level knowledge about the esteemed Mazda brand. When you have your eye on the engaging 2023 Mazda CX-5, we invite you to stop by for a test drive of this elegant machine. You'll find that it radiates with class and offers an exciting ride that you won't find in much of its competition.
From our expansive lot to our friendly professionals, you are able to enjoy the total experience with us. We also offer hassle-free pricing, finance plans that work with any budget, and a service center staffed with experienced technicians to help you maintain your car for years. There's no better place to shop than right here at Mazda of Columbia, so stop by and visit us, explore all of the outstanding vehicles we have to offer, and get ready to change the way you shop for your next vehicle.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
