Compact SUV consumers have extra choices than consumers on the lookout for nearly some other sort of auto. That may make the duty appear overwhelming – notably when there are a number of proper solutions. However even the very best of them have totally different strengths and weaknesses.

The Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson, as an illustration, are each sturdy contenders. However some patrons may choose the sportier Mazda. Others may need the added house and longer guarantee of the Hyundai. Let’s examine them.

2023 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is legendary for its crisp dealing with and premium inside regardless of an inexpensive price ticket. It’s a tad extra tight on house in comparison with a number of the competitors, however that’s a concession to its curvy appears, and nothing else within the class is as a lot enjoyable. Pricing begins at $26,700.

Mazda CX-5 Highlights

Greatest-in-class dealing with: Few of us consider compact SUVs as efficiency vehicles. However the CX-5 does a convincing imitation of 1 on a freeway cloverleaf. Torque vectoring helps it keep unusually flat in arduous cornering, and an elective turbocharged engine with as much as 256 horsepower (227 with common, 87-octane fuel) provides to the enjoyable.

Premium inside: Mazda designers persistently discover methods to make mainstream interiors that really feel nearly like luxurious automotive interiors. The bottom CX-5 doesn’t pull the trick off effectively. However transfer into higher trims and also you’ll discover Caturra Brown Nappa leather-based seats, actual wooden trim, and a Bose audio system, all within the mid-$30,000 vary.

Commonplace AWD: Each CX-5 has grippy all-wheel drive (AWD) as normal gear. You’ll should pay $1,500 additional for it on the Tucson. You’ll need it when you stay in a hilly locale or an space with intense winters. You may as effectively not pay additional for it.

Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Worth or see the CX-5 fashions on the market close to you

2023 Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is extra spacious than the everyday compact SUV regardless of maintaining its yes-you-can-fit-in-that-parallel-parking-space dimension. It’s accessible with a number of totally different drivetrains, and better trim ranges embrace luxury-like choices resembling self-parking tech. Pricing begins at $26,900.

Hyundai Tucson Highlights

A lot of inside house: The Tucson is extra spacious than nearly some other compact SUV. Its cargo maintain dwarfs that of the CX-5, though their exterior dimensions aren’t very totally different.

Fuel, hybrid, plug-in choices: Hyundai can promote you a conventionally powered Tucson, a hybrid version that will get as much as 38 mpg in mixed driving, or a plug-in hybrid able to touring 33 miles on electrical energy and utilizing gasoline for longer journeys. Mazda solely sells gas-powered CX-5 fashions.

Distinctive guarantee: Individuals are maintaining their vehicles longer than ever as of late. Shopping for a Tucson will set you up effectively to try this. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile fundamental guarantee and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee – every longer than the CX-5’s equal.

Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Worth or see the Tucson fashions on the market close to you

Similarities

Every has 5-Star security scores, comparable base engines, and beginning costs so shut it in all probability doesn’t have an effect on your determination

Conclusion

The Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson are each close to the highest of the compact SUV class as a result of they’re so well-balanced. Buyers might purchase both one and chalk up a win.

However some may choose the Mazda’s athletic highway manners and elective energy or want its normal AWD for snowy climate. Others may just like the monetary predictability of the Hyundai’s lengthy warranties and love its midsize-SUV-like cargo house. The Tucson additionally provides a pair of hybrid choices, although they’re pricier.