Last updated: 2026-03-04

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-50: Reliability Compared

More ReliableHyundai Tucson reliability comparison

Hyundai Tucson

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good
VS
Mazda CX-50 reliability comparison

Mazda CX-50

67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Hyundai Tucson and the Mazda CX-50? 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 Hyundai Tucson currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-50 Generations Compare?

The Mazda CX-50 is currently in its first generation, introduced in 2023 with a facelift expected in 2025. Being early in its generation cycle, the CX-50 may encounter typical first-year issues as manufacturers refine initial designs and address early production concerns. In contrast, the Hyundai Tucson lacks detailed generation history in this context, so potential buyers might need to rely on broader market reviews and owner experiences for insights into its reliability. Generally, mature platforms like those further along in their generation cycle tend to have fewer issues, as many initial problems have been addressed over time.

Verdict

The Hyundai Tucson is more reliable than the Mazda CX-50, scoring 73/100 vs 67/100.

The Hyundai Tucson boasts a higher reliability score of 83/100 compared to the Mazda CX-50's 66/100, indicating a more dependable performance. While the Tucson has faced 23 recalls over nine years, the CX-50 has had six recalls in just four years, suggesting a shorter but potentially impactful history. With owner complaints at 8.9 per 10,000 units sold for the Tucson versus 27.4 for the CX-50, the Tucson demonstrates a significantly lower complaint rate. Additionally, the Tucson's estimated annual repair cost of $426 further underscores its reliability advantage.

Key Differences

  1. 1Hyundai Tucson has 18.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  2. 2Mazda CX-50 has 17 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Hyundai Tucson scores 6 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Hyundai Tucson
—
1Mazda CX-50
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-50: Which Is More Reliable?

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-50 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricHyundai TucsonMazda CX-50
Reliability Score73/10067/100
Years Tracked94
Total Recalls236
Complaints per 10k Sold8.927.4
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins30

What Are the Common Problems With the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-50?

The Hyundai Tucson exhibits a higher volume of complaints, particularly in the engine category with 397 complaints, including 3 crash-linked incidents, indicating a potential area of concern. In comparison, the Mazda CX-50 has significantly fewer complaints overall, with only 96 recorded, and the most notable issues being in service brakes and general unknown or other categories. Both models show some vulnerability in forward collision avoidance systems, with the Tucson having 106 complaints and 12 crash-linked incidents, while the CX-50 has 6 complaints with 2 linked to crashes. The Tucson's power train and electrical system also feature prominently, with 260 and 231 complaints respectively, unlike the CX-50, which has relatively minimal issues in these areas.

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-50 common problem areas comparison
ComponentHyundai TucsonMazda CX-50
POWER TRAIN1.3Low2.9Low
SERVICE BRAKES1.1Low3.1Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1Very Low3.1Average
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1.1Low2.3Low
STRUCTURE0.1Very Low2.9Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.5Very Low1.7Low
STEERING0.1Very Low2Low
SUSPENSION—None2Low
ENGINE1.9Low—None
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low0.6Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None0.6Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE—None0.6Very Low
WHEELS—None0.6Very Low
SEATS—None0.6Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.4Very Low—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.3Very Low—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.1Very Low—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None
SEAT BELTS—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-50?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Hyundai Tucson has an annual repair cost of $426, with an average of 0.3 repair visits per year and a 10% risk of major repairs. This translates to roughly one repair visit every three years, with a relatively low chance of incurring significant expenses. While specific figures for the Mazda CX-50 are unavailable, the Tucson's data offers valuable insight for cost-conscious buyers. Given the Tucson's predictable maintenance costs and low repair frequency, it presents a reliable option for those looking to minimize unexpected expenses over the vehicle's lifespan. Without comparable data for the CX-50, the Tucson stands out as a practical choice for budget-minded owners.

How Does Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-50 Reliability Compare by Year?

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-50 year-by-year reliability scores
YearHyundai TucsonMazda CX-50Edge
202575/1006R / 251C66/1003R / 21CHyundai Tucson
202477/1004R / 87C71/1001R / 26CHyundai Tucson
202375/1002R / 142C65/1002R / 49CHyundai Tucson
2026(predicted)76/100(predicted)67/100(predicted)Hyundai Tucson

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Hyundai Tucson scored 77/100 and the 2024 Mazda CX-50 scored 71/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Hyundai Tucson vs the Mazda CX-50?

If you prioritize reliability and lower maintenance costs, the Hyundai Tucson is your best choice. With a solid reliability score of 83/100, it has a lower owner complaint rate of 8.9 per 10,000 sold compared to the Mazda CX-50. The Tucson's estimated annual repair cost is $426, and it has a repair frequency of 0.3 times per year, making it a cost-effective option for those who want peace of mind and fewer unexpected expenses. On the other hand, if you are concerned about recall history, the Mazda CX-50 might catch your attention with only 6 total recalls. However, it has a lower reliability score of 66/100 and a higher complaint rate of 27.4 per 10,000 sold, suggesting potential issues. While the CX-50's top issues include service brakes and power train, it lacks comprehensive data on repair costs and frequency. Overall, for most buyers seeking reliability and manageable upkeep, the Hyundai Tucson is the recommended choice.

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-50: Common Questions

Is the Hyundai Tucson more reliable than the Mazda CX-50?
Based on our data, the Hyundai Tucson is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Tucson or the Mazda CX-50?
The Hyundai Tucson has more recalls (23) compared to the Mazda CX-50 (6). 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-50?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Hyundai Tucson has a lower complaint rate at 8.9 per 10,000 sold versus 27.4 for the Mazda CX-50. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Hyundai Tucson or Mazda CX-50 safer?
Both the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-50 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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