2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT vs 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium

$1,925 less vs 2 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $1,925 price gap, 187 vs 187 hp, 26 vs 28 MPG.

The short answer

The Tucson XRT leads on $1,925 less. The CX-5 2.5 S Premium leads on 2 MPG better. The spec table compares 3 specifications head to head.

$1,925
Price Gap
Same
HP Diff
2 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT
Starts at $34,975
VS
Higher price
2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium
Starts at $36,900

Key Differences at a Glance

Torque
178 lb-ft
vs
186 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
26 MPG combined
vs
28 MPG combined
Fuel Tank
14.3 gal
vs
15.3 gal

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 3 specifications.

MSRP
$34,975Tucson XRT
$36,900CX-5 2.5 S Premium
Torque
178 lb-ftTucson XRT
186 lb-ftCX-5 2.5 S Premium
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automaticTucson XRT
6-speed shiftable automaticCX-5 2.5 S Premium
City MPG
24Tucson XRT
26CX-5 2.5 S Premium
Combined MPG
26Tucson XRT
28CX-5 2.5 S Premium
Fuel Tank
14.3 galTucson XRT
15.3 galCX-5 2.5 S Premium
Wheelbase
108.5"Tucson XRT
110.8"CX-5 2.5 S Premium
Length
182.7"Tucson XRT
184.6"CX-5 2.5 S Premium
Width
73.4"Tucson XRT
73.2"CX-5 2.5 S Premium
Height
66.3"Tucson XRT
66.7"CX-5 2.5 S Premium
Bumper-to-Bumper
5yr/60kTucson XRT
3yr/36kCX-5 2.5 S Premium
Powertrain
10yr/100kTucson XRT
5yr/60kCX-5 2.5 S Premium
Corrosion
7yr/unlimitedTucson XRT
5yr/unlimitedCX-5 2.5 S Premium
Roadside Assistance
5yr/unlimitedTucson XRT
3yr/36kCX-5 2.5 S Premium

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium
Pricing
MSRP$34,975$36,900
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I42.5L I4
Horsepower187 hp187 hp
Torque178 lb-ft186 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic6-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2426
Highway MPG3030
Combined MPG2628
Fuel Tank14.3 gal15.3 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,700/yrNo published data
Dimensions
Curb WeightNo published data3,856 lbs
Wheelbase108.5"110.8"
Length182.7"184.6"
Width73.4"73.2"
Height66.3"66.7"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper5yr/60k3yr/36k
Powertrain10yr/100k5yr/60k
Corrosion7yr/unlimited5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/unlimited3yr/36k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT and 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT starts at $34,975, $1,925 less than the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium at $36,900. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $34/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,925 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT covers your needs.

Who should choose the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium?

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $115/year less on fuel.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT or 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium?

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium rates 28 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT or 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium?

Both produce 187 hp. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium also leads in torque at 186 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft.

Is the 2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT bigger than the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium?

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium is 1.9″ longer at 184.6″ vs 182.7″. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium has a 2.3″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

The Hyundai Tucson comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Mazda CX-5 offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Tucson trims, Mazda trims, Mazda CX-5 trims

Official sources

The Tucson–CX-5 Decision

Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Tucson and CX-5 compare. The $1,925 gap is about $34/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.

What Powers Each Vehicle

Both run the same 2.5L I4 engine. Both produce 187 hp. Both use AWD.

The Ownership Math

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium saves roughly $115/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $575.

The Decision

Choose the 2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT when you want to keep $1,925 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $115/year less on fuel. At $34/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Mazda or any dealership.

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