2022 Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5

Compact SUVs are always looking for a way to distinguish themselves. They really need to, considering the sheer number of options out there. Automakers have discovered that a small SUV has appeal for many types of drivers, ranging from small families to single commuters.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 are both considered class leaders, just not in the same way. Deciding between the two will require knowing exactly how they differ. These differences are described below to help.

The Powertrain

The Hyundai Tucson was completely redesigned for 2022. It now has three powertrains that buyers can choose from, depending on their driving style and their budget. The base engine is a 2.5L four-cylinder that creates 187-horsepower. There is also a hybrid that is based on a turbo 1.6L four-cylinder, and it makes 227-horsepower. Finally, there is a plug-in hybrid, which takes things up to 261-horsepower.

With the standard engine, Hyundai gives the Tucson an eight-speed automatic transmission. It comes with a front-wheel drive, but an all-wheel drive is an option. The hybrid models all six-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 is not available as a hybrid. It does have two engaging powertrains to choose from, however. The base option is a 2.5L four-cylinder that creates 187-horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. If buyers go with the upgrade, they get a turbocharged version of that engine, which creates 227-horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. If the buyer springs for premium fuel, those numbers go up to 256-horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.

Recently, Mazda announced that all of their SUVs will come with all-wheel drive. That is the case for the CX-5 in 2022. Both of the available engines utilize a six-speed automatic transmission.

With its gas-powered engine, the Tucson is estimated to get 26mpg in the city and 33mpg on the highway. Upgrading to all-wheel drive will mean getting 24mpg city and 29mpg highway. The Tucson Hybrid will get 37mpg in the city and 36mpg on the highway. As for the plug-in hybrid, it can get 80 MPGe combined.

The standard engine for the Mazda gets drivers 24mpg in the city and 30mpg on the highway. For anyone that goes with the more powerful turbocharged option, it gets an estimated 22mpg city and 27mpg highway. These numbers are neither the best nor the worst in the class, and buyers should remember that the CX-5 comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Hyundai is hard to beat when it comes to warranty coverage. The brand gives the 2022 Tucson a five-year or 60,000-mile limited warranty and a ten-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The CX-5 has a limited warranty of three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty that is good for five years or 60,000 miles.

Drivability

Overall, the 2022 Tucson is a pleasing SUV to drive. It offers confidence-inspiring stopping power and nicely-weighted steering, making it easy to whip into parking spaces. The suspension does a good job when it comes to keeping the road smooth. As a matter of fact, the Tucson beats most of its competitors when it comes to its ride and handling.

That said, the one SUV that definitely beats the Tucson is the 2022 CX-5. Responsive steering helps drivers enjoy their time at the wheel, and the SUV stays planted around the corners. Vehicles that are fun to drive are a part of Mazda's reputation, and the CX-5 does not disappoint.

If cargo space is a bigger priority, however, the Tucson regains the lead. It has 38.7 cubic feet behind its second row and nearly 75 cubic feet behind the first. These are truly impressive numbers for a compact SUV. The CX-5, on the other hand, offers less space than many rivals. Buyers will find 31 cubic feet behind the back row and 60 feet behind the front one.

When it comes to the amount of room for people, these two SUVs are similar. Both of them can seat five, but people will be better off sticking with four. This is particularly true of the CX-5, which has a narrow middle seat in its second row. Forward visibility is excellent in the Tucson, but seeing out the back is a bit harder as a result of thick roof pillars. The CX-5 offers an excellent view in all directions.

The next thing to compare when considering drivability is the infotainment system. Hyundai gives the Tucson an 8-inch touchscreen standard and the wireless versions of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. HD radio is included, along with a six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, and two USB ports.

For the CX-5, Mazda goes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen standard. On the downside, it has the wired versions of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and only four speakers for its standard sound system. Like the Tucson, the CX-5 has two USB ports, Bluetooth, and HD radio.

There are many tech upgrades available for the Tucson in 2022. At the top of the trim ladder, buyers find a 10.25-inch touchscreen along with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. Models with these features also have an integrated navigation system. Rear USB ports are also available, along with wireless device charging and a Bose sound system.

Starting with the Select trim, the CX-5 goes up to six speakers for the sound system. This SUV also offers tech upgrades such as wireless device charging, navigation, and a sound system from Bose. While the Tucson's premium sound system has eight speakers, the one available for the CX-5 has ten.

The Hyundai SUV comes standard with cloth upholstery, while the option from Mazda has synthetic leather. Genuine leather becomes standard on the Preferred trim of the CX-5, which is only one higher than the entry-level model. For the Tucson, leather upholstery is available as part of a package for the SEL trim level and standard for the Limited model. Both of these SUVs add dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats on their second trim levels.

Safety

When it comes to safety scores, both the 2022 Tucson and the 2022 CX-5 impress. In fact, they were both given the title of "Top Safety Pick+" by the Insurance Institue for Highway Safety. There are six main categories that the IIHS tests when determining crashworthiness, and both these SUVs got the top score of "Good" for all of them. Both also received either "Good" or "Acceptable" for their headlights, depending on the trim level.

The lists of standard driver assistance features are similar when looking at the 2022 Tucson and the 2022 CX-5. They both have forward-collision mitigation and lane-departure mitigation. The Tucson also adds driver drowsiness monitoring and a rear seat alert, plus automatic high beams. As for the CX-5, it has blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control on its standard equipment list.

Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control become standard for the Tucson starting with the mid-level SEL. Unlike the CX-5, the blind-spot feature for the Tucson includes an "intervention" aspect that will steer the SUV back into its own lane if the driver attempts to move over and there is a car in the way.

Upper trim levels of the CX-5 are equipped with extras like rear automatic emergency braking and parking sensors. Buyers can also get a head-up display so that they never have to take their eyes off the road. Adaptive headlights, which swivel with the CX-5, are also optional.

As for the Tucson, it offers sophisticated driver aids such as a surround-view camera system and a safe exit assist. Buyers can also get a highway driving assist feature that combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. The Tucson also offers the remote smart parking assist that allows drivers to step out before parking their SUV in a tight space.

Which Has the Best Value?

The 2022 Tucson has a slightly lower than average starting price, coming in at around $25,350. This is not much less than the CX-5, however, which has a starting price of $29,000. The top-of-the-line Tucson Limited starts out at $34,700, while the CX-5 Turbo Premium costs around $38,650.

Naturally, there are more costs associated with owning a vehicle than just the monthly payment. Buyers can consider the five-year cost to own for both of these models. These figures include things like maintenance, repairs, fuel, and depreciation. The numbers are based on a vehicle being driven 15,000 miles per year.

In its base form, the 2022 Tucson is estimated to cost $34,625 over the course of five years. This may seem high, but it is one of the lowest numbers in its class. The estimate can be broken down into $8,350 for fuel, $3,650 for maintenance, and $650 for repairs. The depreciation estimate is just under $15,000.

If buyers choose the hybrid powertrain, the Tucson is actually much cheaper to own. Its five-year costs total around $29,844. This is nearly five thousand dollars less than the standard Tucson, due to lower fuel costs and the potential for rebates and tax write-offs for owning a hybrid. It is not all good news for the hybrid, however. Its depreciation estimate is $20,700.

Numbers are not out yet for the 2022 Mazda CX-5. Buyers can take a look at the estimates for the base model with all-wheel drive from 2021, however. Its cost over the course of five years is around $38,475. This vehicle is estimated to cost $9,100 for fuel, $4,500 for maintenance, and nearly $2,000 for repairs. It is also estimated to lose $15,500 in value.

Essentially, the CX-5 will be more expensive in every way than the Tucson. The standard all-wheel-drive may justify the extra fuel expenses, but not the loss in value over time.

Which is Better?

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 show how different two vehicles in the same class can be. They are both solid choices, but they have vastly different reasons for being so. The daily driving needs of the buyer will have to be the deciding factor.

Buyers who want a more affordable option and who like the idea of a longer warranty should choose the 2022 Tucson. It is the more spacious of the two when it comes to cargo, potentially making it a better choice for families. Buyers who are after a hybrid will definitely want to choose the Tucson over the CX-5.

On the other hand, those who love to drive may want the CX-5. It is one of the sportiest vehicles in its class while still being comfortable. The CX-5 also comes standard with popular driver aids like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, both of which are not included in the entry-level Tucson. Some buyers may appreciate that all models come with an all-wheel drive, meaning they do not need to pay extra if that is on their list of necessary features.

Neither the 2022 Hyundai Tucson nor the 2022 Mazda CX-5 will be a regrettable choice. Those who want more cargo space and lower fuel costs should choose the Tucson, while those who prioritize the driving experience should choose the CX-5.