2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE

$4,975 less vs 9.7″ longer. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $4,975 price gap, 186 vs 187 hp, 27 vs 26 MPG.

The short answer

The CX-30 2.5 S leads on $4,975 less. The Tucson SE leads on 9.7″ longer. The spec table compares 4 specifications head to head.

$4,975
Price Gap
1 HP
HP Diff
1 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S
Starts at $25,975
VS
Higher price
2026 Hyundai Tucson SE
Starts at $30,950

Key Differences at a Glance

Horsepower
186 hp
vs
187 hp
Torque
186 lb-ft
vs
178 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
27 MPG combined
vs
26 MPG combined
Fuel Tank
12.7 gal
vs
14.3 gal

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 4 specifications.

MSRP
$25,975CX-30 2.5 S
$30,950Tucson SE
Horsepower
186 hpCX-30 2.5 S
187 hpTucson SE
Torque
186 lb-ftCX-30 2.5 S
178 lb-ftTucson SE
Transmission
6-speed shiftable automaticCX-30 2.5 S
8-speed shiftable automaticTucson SE
Highway MPG
31CX-30 2.5 S
30Tucson SE
Combined MPG
27CX-30 2.5 S
26Tucson SE
Fuel Tank
12.7 galCX-30 2.5 S
14.3 galTucson SE
Wheelbase
104.4"CX-30 2.5 S
108.5"Tucson SE
Length
173.0"CX-30 2.5 S
182.7"Tucson SE
Width
70.7"CX-30 2.5 S
73.4"Tucson SE
Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36kCX-30 2.5 S
5yr/60kTucson SE
Powertrain
5yr/60kCX-30 2.5 S
10yr/100kTucson SE
Corrosion
5yr/unlimitedCX-30 2.5 S
7yr/unlimitedTucson SE
Roadside Assistance
3yr/36kCX-30 2.5 S
5yr/unlimitedTucson SE

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 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S2026 Hyundai Tucson SE
Pricing
MSRP$25,975$30,950
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I42.5L I4
Horsepower186 hp187 hp
Torque186 lb-ft178 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2424
Highway MPG3130
Combined MPG2726
Fuel Tank12.7 gal14.3 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)No published data$1,700/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,395 lbsNo published data
Wheelbase104.4"108.5"
Length173.0"182.7"
Width70.7"73.4"
Height61.4"No published data
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
IIHS AwardTSP+No published data
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k5yr/60k
Powertrain5yr/60k10yr/100k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited7yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance3yr/36k5yr/unlimited

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S and 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S starts at $25,975, $4,975 less than the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE at $30,950. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $88/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S is the stronger pick when you want to keep $4,975 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $59/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE is the stronger pick when you prefer the Hyundai approach to the compact SUV segment.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S or 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S rates 27 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S or 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE produces 187 hp, 1 more than the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S at 186 hp. The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S also leads in torque at 186 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft.

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S bigger than the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE is 9.7″ longer at 182.7″ vs 173.0″. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE has a 4.1″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

The Mazda CX-30 comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Hyundai Tucson offers 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Mazda trims, Mazda CX-30 trims, Hyundai trims, Hyundai Tucson trims

Official sources

How the CX-30 and Tucson Stack Up

Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S ($25,975) and 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE ($30,950) solve similar problems in different ways. The $4,975 gap adds up to $88/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Powertrain: CX-30 vs Tucson

Both run the same 2.5L I4 engine. The 1 hp difference (187 vs 186) is marginal in daily driving. Both use AWD.

What It Actually Costs to Own

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S saves roughly $59/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $295.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S when you want to keep $4,975 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE when you prefer the Hyundai approach to the compact SUV segment. At $88/month more, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

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 Mazda or Hyundai or any dealership.

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