Last updated: 2026-03-04

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5: Reliability Compared

Hyundai Tucson reliability comparison

Hyundai Tucson

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableMazda CX-5 reliability comparison

Mazda CX-5

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent

Choosing between the Hyundai Tucson and the Mazda CX-5? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Mazda CX-5 currently leads with an average score of 81/100 compared to 73/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5 Generations Compare?

The Mazda CX-5 is currently in its second generation, introduced in 2017, with a significant facelift in 2022. This positions the CX-5 towards the end of its generation cycle, generally indicating a mature platform with well-sorted reliability. In contrast, the Hyundai Tucson lacks detailed generation history, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the Tucson's current design was last updated in 2021, suggesting it might still be in the earlier phase of its cycle. Typically, newer platforms can encounter first-year issues, while models like the CX-5, with a longer production run, tend to have more predictable reliability.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-5 is more reliable than the Hyundai Tucson, scoring 81/100 vs 73/100.

The Mazda CX-5 demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 93/100 compared to the Hyundai Tucson's 83/100. The CX-5 also has fewer recalls, totaling 11 over nine years, and a lower owner complaint rate of 5.6 per 10,000 units sold, while the Tucson records 8.9 per 10,000. Although the estimated annual repair costs are slightly higher for the CX-5 at $447 compared to the Tucson's $426, the Mazda's stronger reliability score and lower complaint and recall rates make it the more dependable choice. Both models share common issues such as engine and electrical system concerns, but the CX-5's overall reliability makes it a better option in the compact SUV segment.

Key Differences

  1. 1Hyundai Tucson costs $21 less per year to repair
  2. 2Mazda CX-5 has 12 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Mazda CX-5 scores 8 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Hyundai Tucson
—
4Mazda CX-5
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5: Which Is More Reliable?

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricHyundai TucsonMazda CX-5
Reliability Score73/10081/100
Years Tracked99
Total Recalls2311
Complaints per 10k Sold8.95.6
Annual Repair Cost$426/yr$447/yr
Repair Frequency0.3/yr0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk10%8%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins08

What Are the Common Problems With the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5?

The Hyundai Tucson presents a higher total complaint count compared to the Mazda CX-5, with notable issues in engine and power train components, which together account for 657 complaints and 14 crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Mazda CX-5's most significant problem area is the engine, with 263 complaints, but with fewer crash-linked events than the Tucson. Both vehicles exhibit considerable concerns with the electrical system and service brakes, though the Tucson shows a higher frequency and severity in crash-linked brake issues. Additionally, the Mazda CX-5's vehicle speed control and air bag systems have a relatively high number of crash-linked complaints, indicating potential safety vulnerabilities.

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5 common problem areas comparison
ComponentHyundai TucsonMazda CX-5
ENGINE1.9Low1.5Low
POWER TRAIN1.3Low0.6Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1.1Low0.7Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1Very Low0.6Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES1.1Low0.3Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.5Very Low0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.3Very Low0.2Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.4Very Low—None
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
STRUCTURE0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
STEERING0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.1Very Low—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None0.1Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM—None0.1Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE—None—None
SEAT BELTS—None—None
SUSPENSION—None—None
SEATS—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai Tucson or Mazda CX-5?

The Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5 have similar maintenance profiles, with both requiring approximately 0.3 repair visits per year. However, the Tucson is slightly less expensive to maintain annually, with repair costs averaging $426 compared to the CX-5's $447. Over five years, this results in a $105 savings with the Tucson. Despite this, the Tucson's major repair risk is higher at 10%, versus 8% for the CX-5. For cost-conscious buyers, the Tucson offers a marginally lower annual expense, but the CX-5 presents a slightly lower risk of significant repairs, making it potentially more reliable over time.

How Does Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5 Reliability Compare by Year?

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5 year-by-year reliability scores
YearHyundai TucsonMazda CX-5Edge
202575/1006R / 251C82/1003R / 25CMazda CX-5
202477/1004R / 87C84/1001R / 53CMazda CX-5
202375/1002R / 142C81/1002R / 96CMazda CX-5
202266/1003R / 433C87/1000R / 50CMazda CX-5
202178/1001R / 58C83/1000R / 129CMazda CX-5
202073/1001R / 153C86/1000R / 94CMazda CX-5
201968/1001R / 349C75/1002R / 229CMazda CX-5
201868/1001R / 362C71/1003R / 310CMazda CX-5
2026(predicted)76/100(predicted)73/100(predicted)Hyundai Tucson

Best years to cross-shop: The 2021 Hyundai Tucson scored 78/100 and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 scored 87/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Hyundai Tucson vs the Mazda CX-5?

If you prioritize reliability and fewer issues, consider the Mazda CX-5. With a higher reliability score of 93/100, it has fewer recalls (11) and complaints (5.6 per 10,000 sold) compared to the Hyundai Tucson. This model also presents a slightly lower major repair risk at 8%. While its estimated annual repair cost is a bit higher at $447, the peace of mind from its reliability might be worth the marginal difference. On the other hand, if you are more budget-conscious regarding repair costs, the Hyundai Tucson might be suitable for you. It offers a lower estimated annual repair cost of $426 and maintains the same repair frequency as the CX-5 at 0.3 times per year. Despite a higher number of recalls and a slightly higher major repair risk at 10%, it could be an economical choice if you are willing to manage potential engine and power train issues.

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5: Common Questions

Is the Hyundai Tucson more reliable than the Mazda CX-5?
Based on our data, the Mazda CX-5 is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 73/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Tucson or the Mazda CX-5?
The Hyundai Tucson has more recalls (23) compared to the Mazda CX-5 (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Hyundai Tucson or the Mazda CX-5?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-5 has a lower complaint rate at 5.6 per 10,000 sold versus 8.9 for the Hyundai Tucson. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Hyundai Tucson or the Mazda CX-5?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Hyundai Tucson is cheaper to maintain at $426/year versus $447/year for the Mazda CX-5.
Is the Hyundai Tucson or Mazda CX-5 safer?
Both the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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