2023 Hyundai Tucson Has 1 Big Strength Over Mazda CX-5
Are you considering getting either the Hyundai Tucson or the Mazda CX-5? Both compact crossover SUVs have multiple things going for them, but the 2023 Hyundai Tucson has one big strength over the 2023 Mazda CX-5: efficient hybrid models.
Unlike the 2023 Mazda CX-5, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson offers hybrid models
Many SUVs are gas-guzzlers, but the 2023 Hyundai Tucson crossover SUV is an exception. Gasoline is a major cost of vehicle ownership — but the Tucson, with its efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, helps alleviate this financial burden.
The Tucson Hybrid gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 43 combined mpg. And for even greater efficiency, the plug-in hybrid model has an estimated fuel economy of 84 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode.
However, in the American market, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 doesn’t offer a hybrid. All CX-5 models are fully gas-powered. It gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 26 combined mpg, which is well below the Tucson Hybrid and PHEV models. Also, even the fully gas-powered version of the Tucson has higher fuel economy (up to 28 combined mpg).
In addition to saving money on fuel, another benefit of the higher efficiency of the Tucson is convenience. With lower fuel consumption, it requires fewer trips to gas stations than the CX-5.
2023 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has better performance than any 2023 CX-5 model
The standout model in the 2023 Hyundai Tuscon crossover SUV lineup is the plug-in hybrid. This is not only because of its high gas mileage — but also because of its excellent performance. It generates a total system output of 261 horsepower, which is more powerful than anything the 2023 Mazda CX-5 offers. This includes the CX-5 with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 256 horsepower.
Another benefit of the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is the ability to drive with electric-only power for short distances. It has an estimated electric range of up to 33 miles, which is close to the average number of miles that Americans drive each day. Also, the Tucson PHEV is a good alternative to electric cars — for range anxiety isn’t a concern. When the electric power in the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid runs out, it can switch to power from the internal combustion engine.
Other ways the Hyundai Tucson is better than the Mazda CX-5
There are other ways the 2023 Tuscon is better than the 2023 CX-5. This includes off-road capabilities. It has higher ground clearance (up to 8.3 vs. 7.5 inches), which enables the crossover SUV to effectively drive over rough terrain. Also, the Tucson has an off-road model with the rugged XRT trim, but the CX-5 doesn’t offer an off-road model.
Additionally, the Tucson has very generous warranty coverage. This includes a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the CX-5 only has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Plus, the Tucson has a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan — but the CX-5 doesn’t provide a free maintenance program.
Furthermore, with its larger overall size, the Tucson has a more spacious cabin. Both crossover SUVs can seat up to five people, but the Tucson has a total passenger volume of 108 cu-ft, compared to 104 cu-ft for the CX-5. Also, the Tucson provides considerably more space for storage. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 80.3 cu-ft, while the CX-5 only offers 58.1 cu-ft.
With its efficient hybrid models, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson has a big strength over the 2023 Mazda CX-5. While we’re not suggesting the Tucson is a better overall crossover SUV, the hybrid models are a key factor to consider when deciding between the two vehicles.
