With the CX-50 joining the Mazda lineup, it’s only logical to ask how it is different from its sibling CX-5. After all, they are both compact SUVs, and that puts them in the same class as the popular Hyundai Tucson.

You can get all the details from this question and answer format. There are a few handy charts to help you compare the Tucson vs Mazda CX-5 vs CX50 this model year.

What’s New for 2024?

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 is part of a generation introduced in 2017. It has had updates since including modern technologies. This year Mazda dropped the S as its base model. It added the Carbon Turbo to the lineup.

Part of a new generation, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 is also a compact SUV. The brand sets this ride apart by giving it a distinct look compared to the CX-5.

Also a compact SUV, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson comes in standard, hybrid and plug in hybrid varieties. A new N-Line edition has been added to the Tucson PHEV trim levels, adding more style to match the highest horsepower.

While the data in this compact SUV comparison is based on the 2024 models, we’ve already learned the new Tucson size and engine choices will be the same for the 2025 model year. So most of this information applies to both the 2024 and 2025 Hyundai Tucson lineup.

What’s the Difference between the 2024 Mazda CX-5 and CX-50?

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 reflects the new naming scheme that all Mazda SUVs are being switched to. However, the brand has chosen to maintain the CX-5 lineup at least for now. Both are compact SUVs with the same engine choices. There are major differences in style and focus, but most technology is the same.

The CX-5 is more of an urban runabout while the 2024 Mazda CX-50 makes claims to adventurous driving. Compared to the CX-5, the CX-50 has a more rugged stance, but its exterior design proportions indicate that it’s more of a casual off-roader than a serious adventure machine. CX-50 differences seem to make the ride quality firmer and less comfortable than the CX-5.

When it comes to wiggle room, the CX-50 claims exactly two more cubes of passenger space compared to the CX-5. However, the cabin specs actually show the CX-50 second row loses a smidgen of legroom.

Likewise, the new CX-50 has a half-cube of extra space in the cargo hold. However, it is actually a few cubes smaller when it comes to overall cargo space.



What’s the Difference in the Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX5 Size?

Simply put, the Hyundai Tucson is a lot bigger than the CX-5. The passenger cabin has about ten more cubes of wiggle room. The cargo area has an extra 8 cubes of space.

Even the Tucson PHEV has half a cube more cargo space than the CX-5. The difference continues with about 15 cubes difference between the Hyundai vs Mazda total cargo area. To learn more about Hyundai amenities and trim levels, check out this new Tucson overview.

What’s the Difference in the Hyundai Tucson vs CX-50 Size?

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 cabin is rated at just over 100 cubic feet while the Tucson claims that giant 108 cube passenger space. You can move up to the Tucson Hybrid (107.9 cubes) or the Tucson Plug in Hybrid (105.9 cubes) and still have much more space for your friends, kids, and/or baby car seats.

In fact, the CX-50 rear seats are rather flat and uninviting for long intervals. This has also been a complaint against the CX-5. Furthermore, the middle passenger is crowded by the way the CX-50 outboard rear seats have been sculpted.



What’s the Utility Difference for the Tucson vs CX5 vs CX50?

Compared to the CX-5, the Hyundai Tucson is a bit tougher and definitely offers the equipment to allow for some off-roading. CX-5 all-wheel drive ground clearance is either 7.6 or 7.9 inches. Tucson AWD ground clearance is 8.3 inches.

Plus the Tucson is not only larger than the CX-5, but it can also handle about 200 more pounds of payload. This indicates a greater degree of toughness.

When it comes to adventure driving, the CX-50 adds more equipment that moves it closer to the Tucson for off-roading. The AWD ground clearance matches up with the Tucson, but the most rugged CX-50 claims the best ground clearance at 8.6 inches.

The standard tow rating for the Tucson, CX5, and CX50 is 2,000 pounds. However, the Mazda turbos are rated for 3,500 lbs with the right equipment.

How Do the Engines Differ in the Mazda CX50, CX5, and Tucson?

The Tucson has a standard 187-horsepower ICE powertrain while the CX-5 and CX-50 have a similar 187-horsepower engine. If fuel economy is important to your budget, you’ll appreciate the front-wheel drive Tucson earns better numbers than the AWD Mazdas.

The Mazdas allow you to step up to a turbo. It produces 227 horsepower with regular octane gas or 256 horsepower with high octane fuel.

Quite competitive, the Tucson Hybrid generates a solid 226 horsepower with its combination of gas engine, hybrid battery, and electric motors. Plus, earning 37 or 38 combined mpg, the Tucson Hybrid saves big money at the pump over the CX-5 or CX-50.

Only the Hyundai is offered as a plug in hybrid. The Tucson PHEV can claim 33 miles of electric range and 35-mpg hybrid fuel economy. Drivers enjoy an incredible 80 mpg-equivalent with regular gas. So that’s quite a big savings over the standard or turbo Mazda engines.

It even pulls ahead with 261 combined horsepower to make it the top earner among these Hyundai and Mazda compact SUVs.

Conclusion

There’s much more to discuss about these rides, but all of the key numbers strongly favor the 2024 Hyundai Tucson over the Mazda CX-50 or CX-5. Plus the ability to get money-saving fuel economy and Hyundai’s long warranty coverage really sweetens any deal.




US News and World Report named the Tucson Best Compact SUV for Families in 2023 and 2024. Plus they named the Tucson 2024 Best Compact SUV for the Money.




Furthermore, the Hyundai brand has been singled out as the Best SUV Brand by US News. The automaker also was recognized for the Most Innovative Technology Experience for 3 years in a row at JD Power.




The Hyundai Tucson earned 2024 Top Safety Pick, achieving good scores despite the increased requirements at the Institute for Highway Safety. It also has a 5-star NHTSA rating.




To have some fun while learning more, schedule a test drive. Your Phoenix area Hyundai dealer is Earnhardt Hyundai in Avondale.