2024 Hyundai TUCSON vs. 2024 Mazda CX-5: A Comprehensive Comparison
Compact SUVs reign supreme as they cater to diverse lifestyles. Two popular choices in today’s market are the 2024 Hyundai TUCSON and the 2024 Mazda CX-5. In this article, we’ll compare these two impressive vehicles in various categories — from price and design to performance and safety — to help you determine which SUV best suits your needs.
Technology
The 2024 Hyundai TUCSON and 2024 Mazda CX-5 come packed with tech features. The TUCSON gets an 8-inch display on lower trims, while higher models get a 10.25-inch touch screen with navigation. The CX-5 includes a 10.25-inch color display across trims that primarily makes use of a rotary control knob. This may take adjustment for some, but many appreciate the precision the knob provides. Both vehicles feature Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and several USB ports.
When it comes to notable features, remote start lets TUCSON drivers kick on the engine from afar, which is handy in harsh weather. Advanced navigation shows real-time traffic data, too. Higher CX-5 trims add the Active Driving Display (head-up display) feature, projecting key information onto the windshield.
Price
Affordability plays a crucial role for many when purchasing a vehicle. The 2024 Hyundai TUCSON kicks things off well, with its base SE trim starting at $27,500. The 2024 Mazda CX-5’s base model — the 2.5 S Select — costs slightly more, with an MSRP of $29,300. Moving upwards, the TUCSON’s midtier trims — SEL ($29,900) and XRT ($34,325) — offer more features. Its top-tier trim, Limited, is the most luxurious but has a higher starting MSRP of $36,760.
Mazda provides alternatives, too. The trims following the base model have starting MSRPs that range from $30,650 for the 2.5 S Preferred to $37,800 for the 2.5 Turbo Premium. The top-tier trim for the Mazda CX-5 — the 2.5 Turbo Signature — starts at $40,600. Comparing these vehicles, it’s clear that the 2024 TUCSON is the better choice if you prioritize affordability.
Trim Options
Both the 2024 Hyundai TUCSON and the 2024 Mazda CX-5 offer buyers a variety of trim levels to choose from.
2024 Hyundai TUCSON Trims
The new TUCSON comes in the following four trim levels:
- SE ($27,500):Â Features an 8-inch touch screen, smartphone integration, and forward collision warning.
- SEL ($29,900):Â Includes 19-inch wheels, wireless charging, and a 10.25-inch digital driver display.
- XRT ($34,325):Â Designed to be off-road-ready, with navigation and 19-inch black alloy wheels.
- Limited ($36,760):Â Comes with a Bose Premium audio system, blind-spot view monitor, and highway driving assist.
2024 Mazda CX-5 Trims
The new CX-5 is available in more trim levels than the TUCSON, with Mazda offering the following eight trims:
- 2.5 S Select ($29,300):Â Features a 10.25-inch display, smartphone integration, and blind-spot monitoring.
- 2.5 S Preferred ($30,650):Â Includes leatherette upholstery, a power moonroof, and a hands-free liftgate.
- 2.5 S Carbon Edition ($31,950):Â Showcases exclusive styling elements and a Bose 10-speaker sound system.
- 2.5 S Premium ($33,900):Â Â Equipped with an adaptive front-lighting system and 19-inch aluminum wheels.
- 2.5 S Premium Plus ($36,500):Â Features an Active Driving Display and ventilated front seats.
- 2.5 S Carbon Turbo ($37,000):Â Powered by a SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine.
- 2.5 S Turbo Premium ($37,800):Â Includes a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and traffic jam assist.
- 2.5 Turbo Signature ($40,600):Â Adds nappa leather, off-road navigation, and a 360-degree view monitor.
Performance
The 2024 Hyundai TUCSON has a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The TUCSON comes standard with front-wheel drive, and Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive (AWD) is an option.
The CX-5 has two engine options. The standard is similar to that found in the TUCSON: a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The other option is a 2.5L turbo engine that produces 227 hp and up to 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all CX-5 models come with i-ACTIV AWD.
In terms of gas mileage, the TUCSON received an EPA-estimated combined rating of 28 mpg (25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway) for its front-wheel-drive models. AWD variants registered slightly lower ratings at 23 mpg (city) and 29 mpg (highway) for a combined rating of 25 mpg. Meanwhile, the CX-5 has fuel economy ratings of 26 mpg and 31 mpg for city and highway driving when equipped with the base engine. With the turbo engine, the ratings dip to 22 mpg (city) and 27 mpg (highway). On all counts, the TUCSON beats the CX-5 in this area.
The TUCSON has a smooth ride, with a suspension that handles bumps well and stable, predictable handling that makes it good for commuting and road trips. The CX-5 has precise steering and a firm suspension setup, and the turbo engine provides a boost of power.
The TUCSON suspension is better for pure comfort, and it may be ideal for buyers who want easy daily driving and great gas mileage. The CX-5 balances agility and ride quality and may suit drivers who want a sportier driving feel.
Safety Features
The 2024 Hyundai TUCSON and 2024 Mazda CX-5 offer comprehensive safety packages. Hyundai equips the TUCSON with SmartSense technology, which includes numerous features. Standard on all trims are:
- Smart cruise control with Stop & Go.
- Forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection.
- Driver attention warning.
- Lane-keeping assist.
- Lane-following assist.
- Safe exit warning.
- Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist.
- High beam assist.
- Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist.
Mazda prioritizes safety, too. Its i-ACTIVSENSE technology includes several features designed to protect passengers. Standard on the CX-5 are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, Mazda radar cruise control with Stop & Go, smart brake support, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and high beam control.
Crash test ratings validate both models’ safety prowess. The 2024 TUCSON earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2024 CX-5 is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick with five-star NHTSA scores.
Ready To Choose Your Next SUV?
Deciding between the 2024 Hyundai TUCSON and the 2024 Mazda CX-5 boils down to personal preferences, but we think the TUCSON is the better vehicle thanks to its affordability, efficiency, and numerous safety features. The CX-5 still shines with its powerful optional turbo engine, eight trim levels, and advanced tech features in the higher trims, but it just loses out in a close-run race. If you’re interested in the new Hyundai TUCSON, give us a call at (850) 905-5313 or visit us at Allen Turner Hyundai in Pensacola, Florida, to explore its features in person and take it for a test drive.
Hyundai Tucson XRT (2024) by Charles is licensed with CC BY 2.0
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