Comparison Review: Mazda CX-5 vs Hyundai Tucson vs Ford Kuga vs Subaru Forester
In a comparison of the most powerful versions of the Hyundai Tucson Highlander, Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring, Ford Kuga Titanium, and Subaru Forester XT, we delve into their handling, engine performance, and driving dynamics.
Engine Performance
The Hyundai Tucson Highlander (Hybrid N Line version) is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline engine combined with an electric motor, delivering approximately 231 hp and 258 Nm torque with an AWD drivetrain and a 6-speed automatic transmission. This setup offers strong mid-range torque and fuel efficiency, around 37 mpg combined, blending performance with economy.
The Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring typically features a naturally aspirated 2.5L inline-4 producing around 187-191 hp, or turbocharged variants up to 256 hp. The turbo model, paired with AWD and a 6-speed automatic, offers more spirited acceleration and refined engine response.
The Ford Kuga Titanium (known as Escape in some markets) often features a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder generating about 250 hp coupled with AWD and an 8-speed automatic. This engine provides solid power and smooth delivery, suited for dynamic driving.
The Subaru Forester XT historically boasts a turbocharged 2.0L flat-4 engine generating roughly 250-260 hp and 350 Nm torque, with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system. It is known for spirited power delivery and good torque throughout the rev range.
Handling and Driving Dynamics
The Tucson’s latest AWD system (HTRAC) improves traction and stability with AWD torque splitting. Its relatively lighter curb weight (~3919 lbs) and refined suspension aim for a comfortable but composed ride, with electronic power steering tuned for decent feedback. Handling is confident but more comfort-oriented than sporty.
The Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring is renowned for sharp steering, balanced chassis, and engaging road manners. Mazda tunes the suspension and steering for a sportier feel compared to most in class. The turbo engine's instant throttle response combined with agile handling makes it the benchmark for driving dynamics in this segment.
The Ford Kuga Titanium offers a compliant and stable ride with responsive steering. Ford tends to balance comfort and agility well, and with the 8-speed automatic and AWD, the Kuga delivers smooth power transitions and stable cornering. It is generally comfortable with capable body control but less sharp than Mazda CX-5.
The Subaru Forester XT has sportier suspension tuning and enhanced brakes compared to non-turbo Foresters. Its AWD system provides excellent grip in different conditions. However, because of its higher center of gravity and softer overall setup, it handles more like a capable all-weather SUV rather than a sharp corner carver.
Summary Table
| Model | Engine (Most Powerful) | Power/Torque | Transmission | AWD System | Handling Characteristic | Driving Dynamics | |----------------------------|---------------------------|-----------------------|--------------|-------------------|----------------------------|---------------------------------| | Hyundai Tucson Highlander | 1.6L Turbo + Electric | 231 hp / 258 Nm | 6-Speed Auto | HTRAC AWD | Comfortable, stable | Smooth, confident but less sporty | | Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring | 2.5L Turbo I4 | ~256 hp (turbo) | 6-Speed Auto | i-Activ AWD | Sharp steering, balanced | Engaging, sporty | | Ford Kuga Titanium | 2.0L Turbo I4 | ~250 hp | 8-Speed Auto | Intelligent AWD | Compliant, stable | Smooth power delivery, good control | | Subaru Forester XT | 2.0L Turbo Boxer | ~250-260 hp / ~350 Nm | CVT | Symmetrical AWD | More comfort-oriented | Reliable grip, less agility |
Overall
- For pure driving enjoyment and agile handling, the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring turbo model is the standout, praised for sporty and precise dynamics.
- The Subaru Forester XT offers powerful turbo engine performance paired with excellent AWD grip but leans towards comfort and capability rather than sportiness.
- The Ford Kuga Titanium balances power and comfort well but is less sharp than Mazda.
- The Hyundai Tucson Highlander Hybrid emphasizes smoothness, fuel efficiency, and stable driving rather than outright sportiness or aggressive handling.
Thus, if prioritizing engine performance combined with sporty dynamics, Mazda CX-5 turbo and Subaru Forester XT lead in driving engagement, while the Tucson Highlander (Hybrid) and Ford Kuga provide balanced, comfortable daily driving with capable AWD performance.
It's worth noting that the centre touchscreen in the Tucson can be confusing and audio quality is average. The Kuga's dashboard is criticized as bulky by some testers, but its steering wheel, seats, and driving position are beyond reproach. The Tucson's cabin is described as clear but characterless, and it needs the two-tone trim option to overcome its drab plastics. The CX-5's finish and trim quality are unrivaled, but the seats don't quite achieve true comfort, and its rear section is a little austere, lacking air vents.
The Forester's cabin is described as functional but not particularly luxurious, and it has plasticky power window switches. The Forester is the only car here to score flappy paddles, though its eight-ratio stepped CVT never feels or sounds as satisfying as an auto with specific gears.
The Tucson's manual front passenger seat has crank-handle height adjustment and side bolsters that dial in and out. The Kuga's six-speed auto matches revs on downshifts and mates well with the engine's muscle, but its Sport mode is little different to regular Drive. The steering wheel, seats, and driving position in the Kuga are beyond reproach. The Tucson has a traditional +/- gate next to Drive, but it works in reverse to the Mazda. It also upshifts at redline and won't downshift early enough when prodded.
The CX-5's tip-shift gate works in the favored style - forward for a downshift, back for an upshift - and it will hold a manually selected gear at redline. Having a faux-manual mode in an SUV might seem like gimmickry, but it can provide benefits for engine braking.
This group's largest sunroof combines with an airy cabin to make the Tucson feel luxuriously roomy. Thick pillars with curved bases in the Kuga restrict vision a little. No rival can match the CX-5's finish and trim quality.
In terms of aesthetics, the Tucson might not be the prettiest bauble on the tree, but it's certainly near the top, with brilliant vision, a superb multimedia interface, and outstanding audio quality. The Forester is not particularly stylish, but it boasts excellent visibility and a practical interior. The Kuga is generally well-regarded for its exterior design, with a sleek and modern aesthetic.
In conclusion, each of these SUVs offers unique strengths and weaknesses, catering to different preferences and priorities. Whether you're after engine performance, handling, comfort, or style, there's a model here to suit your needs.
Sports enthusiasts may appreciate the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring turbo model and the Subaru Forester XT for their engine performance combined with sporty driving dynamics. For those seeking a balanced yet comfortable daily driving experience with capable AWD performance, the Hyundai Tucson Highlander Hybrid and Ford Kuga are solid options, although the Tucson's manual front passenger seat and center touchscreen may require some adjustment, and the Kuga's dashboard is criticized as bulky by some testers. The CX-5 and Kuga also offer satisfactory audio quality, while the Forester's cabin could be improved in terms of aesthetics and materials. In terms of aesthetics, the Tucson and Kuga are generally well-regarded, and the Forester offers excellent visibility and a practical interior.
