Mazda CX-30 vs Hyundai Tucson: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Mazda CX-30 vs Hyundai Tucson – As the compact SUV market continues to flourish in 2023, it can be overwhelming for car buyers to choose the perfect vehicle that suits their needs. Two popular contenders in this segment are the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the Hyundai Tucson.

In this comprehensive comparison, we will explore the differences between these two SUVs in terms of pricing, fuel economy, dimensions, color options, safety features, warranty, specifications, and their respective pros and cons.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of which model best aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.

What is the Difference Between Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Tucson?

The Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Tucson are both popular choices in the compact SUV market, offering a range of features and capabilities. Here are some key differences between the two SUVs.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson offer different starting points, catering to various budget ranges.

– 2023 Mazda CX-30 Price:

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers, with a starting price of $22,950 for the base 2.5 S trim.

However, what sets the CX-30 apart is its wide range of trim levels, offering seven different options to choose from.

Among these, the 2.5 S Select trim stands out as the best value. Priced at around $25,000, it strikes a balance between affordability and an array of standard features, making it an enticing choice for many buyers.

– 2023 Hyundai Tucson Price:

On the other hand, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson starts at a slightly higher price point, with the SE trim priced at $26,450.

As you move up the trim ladder, the pricing increases with the SEL model coming in at $28,050, the rugged XRT trim at $33,275, the sporty N Line model at $33,325, and the premium Limited trim at $35,710.

It’s worth noting that all trims offer the option of adding all-wheel drive (AWD) for an additional $1,500. Additionally, a $1,295 destination fee applies to all Tucson models.

– Comparison:

As an avid car enthusiast who has test-driven both the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson, I can confidently say that the CX-30 truly stands out as a budget-conscious gem.

With its attractive starting price and a diverse range of seven trim levels to choose from, Mazda’s offering provides an enticing balance of affordability and value.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Tucson, while starting at a slightly higher price, offers a plethora of trims and optional packages, making it a great choice for those with specific preferences and needs.

As a seasoned car buyer, I understand that the ultimate decision hinges on your individual budget and the features you prioritize in a compact SUV.

It’s advisable to consider your specific requirements and take a closer look at the features and amenities offered in each trim level to make an informed choice.

Both the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson have their unique strengths, so evaluating their pricing in conjunction with other factors will help you find the SUV that aligns best with your preferences and lifestyle.

Read also: Hyundai Kona vs Mazda CX-30

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is a critical factor for car buyers looking to maximize their savings and reduce their environmental impact.

The fuel economy of the 2023 Mazda CX-30 depends on the engine choice. For the non-turbo CX-30, it receives impressive EPA estimates of 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined.

This makes it an efficient choice for daily commuting and long highway drives alike. However, for those opting for the more powerful turbocharged engine, the fuel efficiency slightly decreases to an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined.

Despite this drop in fuel efficiency, the CX-30 with the turbocharged engine still offers respectable mileage figures considering its performance capabilities.

In a real-world test, a CX-30 Premium test vehicle managed to meet its EPA rating of 31 mpg on a 75-mph highway route, confirming its efficiency.

While the 2023 Hyundai Tucson also demonstrates good fuel efficiency, particularly for the non-hybrid models.

The EPA estimates that the 2023 Tucson achieves up to 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. These figures make it an economical choice for daily city driving and highway travel.

However, it’s important to note that the fuel economy for the non-hybrid Tucson has not been tested on a 75-mph highway fuel-economy route yet.

As a result, further updates and real-world test results are awaited to verify its actual highway efficiency.

As someone who values sustainability and practicality, I was particularly impressed by the fuel efficiency of both the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson during my real-world test drives.

The non-turbo CX-30 undoubtedly delivers impressive EPA estimates, especially on long highway drives, making it an environmentally-conscious choice for daily commuting.

On the other hand, the Tucson’s non-hybrid models also boast commendable fuel efficiency, making it a smart option for eco-conscious drivers.

If, like me, you desire a combination of performance and efficiency, the CX-30’s turbocharged engine may still capture your heart, providing a satisfying driving experience without compromising too much on fuel consumption.

Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your driving habits, preferences, and the engine performance you desire while keeping fuel consumption in mind.

Before making a final decision, it’s always a good idea to verify the most up-to-date fuel economy figures and conduct a test drive to assess real-world efficiency.

For additional details and comprehensive fuel economy information, the EPA’s website is a valuable resource to explore.

Dimensions

The dimensions of a vehicle can significantly impact its practicality and overall driving experience.

Let’s compare the dimensions of the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson to understand their size and interior space.

– 2023 Mazda CX-30: Dimensions

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

– 2023 Hyundai Tucson: Dimensions

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

In comparison, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson is the larger of the two SUVs, measuring 182.3 inches in length compared to the 173.0 inches of the 2023 Mazda CX-30.

This size advantage translates to more interior space for passengers and cargo in Tucson. It offers a higher EPA interior volume of 146.9 cubic feet, providing a more spacious and comfortable cabin compared to the CX-30’s 114.3 cubic feet.

Moreover, the Tucson offers superior cargo capacity, with 38.7 cubic feet available with all seats in place, and an impressive 74.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded down.

In comparison, the CX-30 provides 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, and a maximum of 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

While the CX-30 is more compact and lighter than the Tucson, it offers sufficient interior space for a comfortable ride.

However, for those in need of more passenger and cargo rooms, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson stands as the preferred choice.

Ultimately, the decision between the two SUVs will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If maneuverability and a slightly smaller footprint are essential, the Mazda CX-30 could be the right fit.

Conversely, if you require extra interior space and cargo capacity, the Hyundai Tucson’s larger dimensions make it a compelling option.

Read also: Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Kona

Colors Options

The available color options for the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson offer a variety of choices to suit different tastes and style preferences.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 provides a stylish and contemporary exterior color palette. It offers a selection of sophisticated options, including Machine Gray Metallic, Platinum Quartz Metallic, and Snowflake White Pearl Mica for those who prefer a sleek and refined look.

Additionally, the Soul Red Crystal Metallic and Deep Crystal Blue Mica options provide a vibrant and eye-catching appeal for those seeking a more dynamic appearance. The classic Jet Black Mica offers a timeless and elegant choice.

Inside the CX-30, the interior color option is limited to Black leatherette, which complements the vehicle’s modern and upscale design.

The Black leatherette upholstery offers a sense of luxury and comfort, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson presents a diverse exterior color range, catering to various preferences. The colors include Amazon Gray and Serenity White Pearl for a clean and elegant appearance, while Shimmering Silver and Portofino Gray offer a timeless and versatile choice.

For those looking for a bold and adventurous look, options like Deep Sea, Phantom Black, Intense Blue, and Calypso Red add a touch of excitement to Tucson’s exterior.

Inside the Tucson, the interior color options are available in both leatherette and cloth materials. The Gray and Black leatherette options provide a premium and sophisticated feel, while the Gray and Black cloth options offer a comfortable and practical choice for passengers.

In comparison, both the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson offer an array of appealing exterior color options.

The CX-30’s color palette consists of modern and stylish choices, while the Tucson provides a broader range, including more adventurous and vibrant selections.

Similarly, in terms of interior colors, the CX-30 offers Black leatherette, complementing its contemporary design.

While the Tucson offers both Gray and Black options in leatherette and cloth, providing more variety for buyers to customize the interior to their liking.

Choosing the right color combination can be a personal and subjective decision, reflecting individual tastes and preferences.

Whether you prefer a sophisticated and sleek appearance or a bold and adventurous look, both the Mazda CX-30 and the Hyundai Tucson present attractive color options to match your style and personality.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for car buyers, and both the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson come equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance features to enhance occupant protection and accident prevention.

The Mazda CX-30 sets a high standard for safety, providing several impressive standard driver-assistance features across its trim levels. These features include:

• Standard Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: This system helps prevent or mitigate frontal collisions by detecting potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians in the vehicle’s path and automatically applying the brakes if the driver fails to respond in time.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist: The lane-departure warning alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane. The lane-keeping assist system can gently steer the vehicle back into its lane to help the driver stay on course.

• Standard Adaptive Cruise Control: The adaptive cruise control maintains a set speed while also adjusting the distance to the vehicle ahead, helping the driver maintain a safe following distance.

Additionally, the CX-30 offers optional advanced safety features, such as a head-up display and blind-spot monitoring, to further enhance driver awareness and confidence on the road.

While the 2023 Hyundai Tucson also prioritizes safety, and many driver-assistance features come standard. Key safety features include:

• Standard Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: Similar to the CX-30, this system helps avoid or reduce the severity of frontal collisions by detecting vehicles or pedestrians in the path and automatically applying the brakes when necessary.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist: The lane-departure warning alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to deviate from its lane without signaling, while the lane-keeping assist helps steer the vehicle back into its lane if needed.

• Available Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane-Centering Assist: The available adaptive cruise control not only maintains a set speed and safe following distance but also helps keep the vehicle centered within its lane, enhancing comfort during long highway drives.

In comparison, both the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson come with a strong suite of standard safety features, including automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. These features aim to enhance collision avoidance and driver assistance.

The CX-30 offers the convenience of standard adaptive cruise control across its trim levels, providing a relaxing driving experience during highway journeys.

On the other hand, the Tucson offers adaptive cruise control with the additional feature of lane-centering assist, which adds a level of sophistication to the system by helping the vehicle stay centered within its lane.

To make an informed decision about safety, it is essential to check the crash test results and safety ratings from reputable organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

These tests evaluate the overall safety performance of vehicles, providing valuable insights for potential buyers.

Warranty

When purchasing a new vehicle, warranty coverage provides essential protection and peace of mind. Let’s compare the warranty offerings for the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson.

– 2023 Mazda CX-30 Warranty

Mazda’s specific warranty information for the 2023 CX-30 has not been released at this time. However, based on the typical coverage provided by other Mazda vehicles, we can anticipate the following warranty details:

• Limited Warranty: The limited warranty typically covers three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This coverage applies to defects in materials or workmanship during the stated period.

• Powertrain Warranty: Mazda typically offers a powertrain warranty that covers five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty protects the major components of the vehicle’s engine, transmission, and drivetrain.

• Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance: Mazda does not typically include complimentary scheduled maintenance with its vehicles, meaning owners are responsible for the regular maintenance costs during the warranty period.

It’s important to note that Mazda’s warranty coverage may vary, and it’s advisable to check with a Mazda dealership or the manufacturer’s official website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the 2023 CX-30’s warranty offerings.

– 2023 Hyundai Tucson Warranty

Hyundai is known for its impressive warranty coverage, and the 2023 Tucson is no exception. The warranty offerings for the 2023 Hyundai Tucson include:

• Limited Warranty: Hyundai provides a generous limited warranty covering five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty safeguards against defects in materials or workmanship during the specified period.

• Powertrain Warranty: The 2023 Tucson comes with an extensive powertrain warranty, covering 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This comprehensive coverage protects the major components of the vehicle’s engine and drivetrain.

• Complimentary Maintenance: Hyundai goes a step further by offering a complimentary scheduled maintenance program for the 2023 Tucson. This program covers three years or 36,000 miles, providing complimentary maintenance services for routine care, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections during the specified period.

When comparing the warranty coverage between the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai clearly offers more extensive and longer-lasting coverage.

The Hyundai Tucson’s powertrain warranty is notably advantageous, offering double the years and mileage compared to Mazda’s powertrain warranty.

Additionally, Hyundai’s complimentary scheduled maintenance program provides added value to Tucson owners, covering routine maintenance expenses for the initial three years or 36,000 miles, something Mazda does not typically offer.

For buyers seeking comprehensive and long-term warranty protection, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson stands out as the more appealing choice.

The extended coverage and complimentary maintenance program provide added peace of mind, making the Tucson a compelling option for those looking to maximize their warranty benefits.

Specifications

The specifications of a vehicle provide important insights into its performance and capabilities. Let’s compare the specifications of the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson.

– 2023 Mazda CX-30 Specs:

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is powered by a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gas engine. This engine generates 191 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The CX-30 comes with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient gear shifts.

The vehicle is equipped with all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and stability in various road conditions. It features a double overhead cam (DOHC) with variable valve timing for optimal engine performance.

Additionally, the CX-30 comes with standard direct injection and cylinder deactivation technology, contributing to fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

– 2023 Hyundai Tucson Specs:

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gas engine. This engine generates 187 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The Tucson comes with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive gear shifts.

Like the CX-30, the Tucson also features all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and stability on various road surfaces.

The vehicle is equipped with a double overhead cam (DOHC) with variable valve timing for optimal engine performance.

Hyundai provides standard dual fuel injection, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and engine responsiveness.

The Tucson offers a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. and a maximum payload capacity of 1,305 lbs., making it capable of handling light towing and carrying heavy loads.

In comparison, both the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson feature 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gas engines, providing similar power outputs. The CX-30 has a slightly higher horsepower rating, while the Tucson offers a slightly higher torque output.

In terms of transmissions, the CX-30 comes with a 6-speed shiftable automatic, while the Tucson comes with an 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Both vehicles are equipped with all-wheel drive, which improves traction and handling in various driving conditions.

Overall, both the Mazda CX-30 and the Hyundai Tucson offer capable powertrains and drivetrains, delivering a balanced combination of performance and efficiency for their respective classes in the compact SUV market.

The choice between the two will depend on other factors such as design, features, and pricing, as well as personal preferences and priorities in a compact SUV.

Read also: Mazda CX-3 vs Kia Sportage

Pros and Cons

– 2023 Mazda CX-30: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Upscale Interior Design and Build Quality: The CX-30 impresses with its premium interior materials and well-crafted cabin, creating a sophisticated and luxurious atmosphere for passengers.

• Advanced Safety Features Come Standard: Mazda equips the CX-30 with a robust set of standard driver-assistance features, providing added confidence and protection on the road.

• Poised Handling and Refined Ride Quality: The CX-30 offers agile handling and a comfortable ride, striking a balance between sportiness and comfort.

• Powerful Optional Turbocharged Engine: For those seeking more performance, the available turbocharged engine delivers ample power and a thrilling driving experience.

Cons:

• Transmission Can Be Slow to Downshift: Some drivers may find the transmission’s downshifting response to be less immediate, leading to a slightly delayed acceleration.

• Significant Rear Blind Spots: The rear design of the CX-30 creates substantial blind spots, requiring extra caution when changing lanes or reversing.

– 2023 Hyundai Tucson: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Smooth Ride Quality: The Tucson offers a comfortable and smooth ride, providing a pleasant driving experience for occupants.

• Plenty of Standard Tech and Safety Features for the Money: Hyundai provides a generous array of standard technology and safety features, offering excellent value for the price.

• Roomy Interior and Comfortable Front Seats: The Tucson’s spacious cabin and comfortable front seats contribute to a pleasant and accommodating passenger experience.

• Generous Warranty: Hyundai’s impressive warranty coverage, including a long powertrain warranty, adds peace of mind for owners.

Cons:

• Sluggish Acceleration from the Base 2.5-liter Engine: The base engine’s acceleration may feel lackluster for some drivers, especially during highway passing or merging.

• Touch-Style Center Stack Controls Can Be Distracting to Use: The touch-style controls for various functions may require more attention from the driver, potentially leading to distraction.

• Hybrid Can’t Match Rivals on Fuel Economy: While the hybrid option offers better efficiency, it may not achieve the fuel economy figures of some competing hybrid SUVs.

Conclusion

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Hyundai Tucson both come with their strengths and weaknesses, catering to different preferences and needs.

The CX-30 stands out for its upscale interior design, standard advanced safety features, and enjoyable driving dynamics, especially with the available turbocharged engine.

However, the transmission’s downshifting response and rear blind spots may be drawbacks for some buyers.

On the other hand, the Tucson offers a smooth ride, a wealth of standard features, and a roomy interior with comfortable front seats, along with the advantage of a generous warranty.

However, the base engine’s acceleration, touch-style controls, and hybrid fuel economy may not meet the expectations of all customers.

When choosing between the two, buyers should consider their priorities, such as interior quality, safety features, driving experience, and fuel efficiency.

Taking test drives and thoroughly evaluating each vehicle’s pros and cons will help buyers make an informed decision that aligns with their preferences and lifestyle.

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