Comparison · family SUVs

Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5: which is more reliable?

The Mazda CX-5 does better at the MOT, with a score of 103 against 101 for the Hyundai Tucson, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 200,374 real MOT tests in 2024.

Hyundai Tucson

101About average
MOT tests135,094

Mazda CX-5

103Above average
MOT tests65,280

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testHyundai TucsonMazda CX-5
3–5 years
100About average
102About average
6–9 years
102About average
104Above average
10–14 years–
102Above average
15+ years
94Below average
–

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearHyundai TucsonMazda CX-5
202187.7%89.2%
202084.3%88.2%
201985.0%86.7%
201883.6%85.9%
201780.5%84.5%
201679.4%79.3%
201575.5%76.4%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaHyundai TucsonMazda CX-5
Brakes8.65.2
Tyres5.14.4
Suspension2.26.0
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.53.3
Lights & electrics3.63.6
Emissions & leaks1.71.9
Steering0.82.6
Body & chassis0.80.2

Hyundai Tucson: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.9%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements0.8%
  6. Parking brake control - lever: has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment0.6%

Mazda CX-5: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.8%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.5%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Hyundai Tucson or the Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 does better at the MOT, with a score of 103 against 101 for the Hyundai Tucson, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5 can be compared?

Both were tested for 7 registration years (2015–2021). The Hyundai Tucson had the higher pass rate in 1 of them and the Mazda CX-5 in 6.

What fails most on each?

Hyundai Tucson: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. Mazda CX-5: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively.