How do the three rivals compare? How are the two Mazdas different? Which ones are kind to your budget?

Let’s take a look at the 2024 Mazda CX5, CX50 and Hyundai Tucson this model year.

2024 Mazda CX-50 vs Mazda CX-5

There was a lot of attention paid to the emergence of the CX-50. Many people theorized this new SUV would just be a better CX-5. Instead the CX-50 is a separate model with a more rugged atmosphere. For now, Mazda is offering both SUVs.

As expected, the CX-50 is bigger at 100.3 cubic feet of passenger space, gaining two cubes over the CX-5. Surprisingly, there are no gains on the second row. In fact, there’s even a tiny loss of headroom. This is coupled with new outboard sculpted seats. These may be great for the occupants, but it is poor design if an adult is stuck in the middle seat.

The CX-50 cargo hold is half a cube bigger which may make a difference to travelers. However, shoppers should know that the total cargo area is three cubes less in the new CX-50 than in the CX-5.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select price starts at $29,300 MSRP while the CX-50 S Select is about $1,000 more at $30,300. The CX-5 S Premium Plus price is around $36,500 MSRP while the CX-50 S Premium Plus is about $1,000 more at $37,500 MSRP.

Middle trims include Preferred, Carbon Edition and Premium on the CX-5. The new CX-50 has Preferred and Premium middle trim levels.



2024 Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5

The Tucson has a big edge over the Mazda CX-5 due to its bigger backseat and overall roominess. This matters most in the back seat where the Tucson has more room for adults. Likewise, this means more room for those who must install and use child carseats. Every inch helps with that.

If you look at the total passenger space, the Tucson remains ahead of the CX-5. In fact, it has an extra 10 cubic feet. That’s quite a lot of real estate.

What about pricing? The Hyundai Tucson price begins at $27,500 MSRP. Compared to the Mazda CX-5, choosing the Tucson saves about $2800 at the entry level. If you want all-wheel drive, there’s still a price difference of $300.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson comes with a huge suite of driver avoidance systems, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and many more tech tools. The Mazdas have a large display screen, but it isn’t a 100-percent touch display. They also have numerous driver assistance.

When it comes to safety, the Hyundai Tucson has really upped its game. The rear seat now has side airbags and seatbelt enhancements. Plus the driver display will notify you if the rear passengers haven’t buckled up. Tucsons are an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Plus the SUV has been named 2024 Best Compact SUV for Families by the judges at US News and World Report.



2024 Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-50

The new CX-50 doesn’t have much more space than its sibling. So the Tucson retains its edge in the backseat. In fact, it can claim 8 cubic feet more overall passenger pace.

Wiggle room for the CX-50 middle passenger is hampered by the new sculpted outboard seats on this model. That’s something else to consider if trying to choose between the two SUVs.

As for prices, the entry level Tucson price is some $2,800 less than the Maxda CX-50 entry level MSRP. If you step up to the Tucson AWD to match the CX-50 AWD, the price difference is still a whopping $1300.

With those price differences, the Tucson shopper can get a higher trim level or a favorite amenity and still come out ahead of the Mazda in terms of value packaging. In fact, US News and World Report has named the Tucson as its 2024 Best Compact SUV for the Money. Why not value your trade with us?

Hyundai Horsepower vs Mazda Horsepower

The standard for the CX-5, CX-50 and Tucson engines is 187 horsepower. However, the Tucson claims slightly better fuel efficiency. But what about the top horsepower?

With the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue, fuel economy is a remarkable 38 mpg combined. The other trims earn 37 mpg combined. Significantly, output is 226 combined -- just 1 mile less than turbos as you will see. For 2025, that horsepower is projected to be 231 combined.

The Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 turbos produce 227 horsepower with regular fuel. You can crank that up to 256 horsepower, but you’ll be paying for high octane gas.



With the Tucson Hybrid Blue costing about $5,000 less than the CX-5 turbo, it seems that anyone who wants more for less will choose the Tucson. If you choose the Hybrid Limited, that’s still saving you about $900 over the CX-5 Turbo Signature or about $3500 over the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus.

Most exciting, however, the Tucson PHEV provides some 33 miles of electric-only driving. This really hits it out of the ballpark when it comes to your budget. This plug in hybrid Tucson is faster than the CX-5 or CX-50, since it generates 261 horsepower. Again, it uses regular fuel while the Mazda 256-turbo requires premium.

Conclusion

With the two Mazdas fairly equal, you could give the nod to the CX-50 as a newer nameplate or to the CX-5 as the less expensive of the two. However, from better prices to excellent value packaging, there are many reasons to put the Tucson ahead of the two Mazdas on your shopping list.

Schedule a test drive at your Phoenix Hyundai dealer. Earnhardt Hyundai - San Tan promises variety, No Bull prices, and terrific customer service.