2018 Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5

What's the difference?

The Tucson has given Hyundai its next step forward, especially when it comes to design. It truly is one of the nicest looking rigs on the road today. It doesn't overplay itself, but yet it also has a boldness and a confidence that makes it look good in any driveway.

It’s a shame, though, that the Active X – as well as most models in the Tucson line-up – miss out on important safety aids like AEB, lane keeping and blind spot warning systems.

Combined with sensible practical touches, clever speccing to get it to a good price-point and a low-key yet fuss-free drive train, though, the Tucson Active X is one of the highlights of the Tucson range.

Does the Hyundai Tucson tick your adventure boxes? Tell us what you think in the comments.

The CX-5 GT is a triumph of style and substance. The range is generally a tremendous value-for-money line-up and this upper-echelon offering is no different because a GT buyer will want for nothing – except perhaps Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and if we can live without those, you can too. More of a city-friendly SUV than a rough-and-ready off-roader, the GT is still capable of getting you to where you want to go, as long as you have a realistic notion of AWD-suitable terrain: think formed trails, well-maintained National Parks tracks and perhaps even, at a stretch, very firm sand.

Is the CX-5 a legitimate Adventure vehicle, or should it stay in the suburbs? Tell us what you think the comments below.