Which small SUV is better? Comparing top-ranked cars from Hyundai, Mazda – USA Today
Updated March 10, 2026, 5:32 p.m. ET
- The 2026 Hyundai Tucson and 2026 Mazda CX-5 are two top competitors in the small SUV market.
- Hyundai’s Tucson is slightly more affordable and fuel-efficient, prioritizing value and practicality.
- Mazda’s CX-5 offers a more upscale design and sportier driving experience with standard all-wheel drive.
Choosing a small SUV in 2026 isn’t always easy since there are so many great options to choose from.
Toyota, Honda, Tesla, Hyundai, Mazda and more car brands all produce competitive models for the small SUV segment. These compact SUVs tend to be affordable and are often available in upper trims that enhance performance and offer more standard features.
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is one of the best small SUV options on the market. How does it fare against Mazda’s compact SUV model, the 2026 CX-5?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson prioritizes value over performance
South Korean automaker Hyundai may not sell as many small SUVs as rivals like Toyota, but the Tucson is a competitive value-oriented option in its segment that can stand against best-selling models like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson starts at $29,450. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 187 horsepower. The Tucson achieves 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Hyundai’s small SUV has a “seriously smooth ride” and an “ample selection of standard tech” says a vehicle review by Edmunds.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a family SUV for driving enthusiasts
Mazda’s small SUV is a mainstream model with the class and refinement of a luxury SUV. Its base engine may not be impressive, but the CX-5 has plenty of performance-oriented trim options for drivers who want more oomph out of their daily driver.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 starts at $29,990. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 187 horsepower (just like the Tucson). Mazda’s small SUV earns 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
MotorTrend praises the CX-5’s “elegant exterior and interior design” as well as its improved back seat and cargo space for the 2026 model year.
2026 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5: Which is better?
The Tucson and CX-5 may seem similar as two small SUVs with roughly the same power output, but there are some fundamental differences between the two models from a design perspective.
| Starting MSRP | Horsepower | MPG Combined | |
| 2026 Hyundai Tucson | $29,450 | 187 | 29 |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 | $29,990 | 187 | 27 |
One of the main differences between the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5 is that the two models are built for different demographics. The Tucson caters to the average small family SUV buyer, while the CX-5 exists for drivers who want a sportier SUV with more upscale styling and a refined cabin.
The Hyundai Tucson is slightly more affordable and more efficient than the CX-5. On the other hand, Mazda’s small SUV comes with standard all-wheel drive, giving it more traction than the Tucson. The CX-5 also produces roughly seven more pound-feet of torque than the Tucson, making it slightly more powerful.
U.S. News & World Report ranked the Tucson and the CX-5 as the best compact SUVs for 2026. If you’re a driver who cares about engaging driving dynamics, Mazda’s SUV is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more practical and traditional small family SUV, the Tucson is the way to go.
