Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 67% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Tucson | CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 559 900 | R 570 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 786/m | R 9 971/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 82% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 67% |
| Value after 3 years | R 373 629 | R 380 703 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 186 271 | R 189 797 |
| Value after 5 years | R 296 728 | R 302 345 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Mainstream |
Hyundai Tucson →
First sold here in 2005, then replaced by the ix35 before the nameplate returned in 2016. The current range offers petrol and diesel power with a comfort-first setup. It sells steadily against the Sportage and RAV4 and holds value adequately rather than exceptionally.
Known for: comfortable family suv with generous warranty
Mazda CX-5 →
Mazda's best seller in South Africa since it landed in 2012, fighting the Tiguan, RAV4 and Sportage. Earlier ranges offered 2.5 petrol and 2.2 diesel options, but the current lineup centres on the 2.0 petrol automatic. It is a dependable used buy with decent, if not Toyota-level, resale.
Known for: reliable family suv and brand best seller
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Hyundai Tucson or the Mazda CX-5?
They are close to inseparable: 67% vs 67% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Hyundai Tucson loses about R 186 271 over three years and the Mazda CX-5 loses about R 189 797. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Hyundai Tucson runs about R 9 786 per month and the Mazda CX-5 about R 9 971, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.