2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen completely overhauled the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, introducing an all-new second generation of its compact crossover SUV. The redesign addressed the original Tiguan’s biggest shortcoming—its diminutive size—and aimed to make it more competitively priced against rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The result was a vehicle that maintained a stylish and conservatively German exterior but showed some evidence of cost-cutting upon closer inspection. The Tiguan's clean and simple lines, horizontal grille, and new flat logo gave it a contemporary Volkswagen look, but the interior was less impressive. The cabin featured dull surfaces and hard black plastic, making it appear plain and somewhat boring. However, the optional digital dashboard and glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system were highlights, adding a modern touch to the otherwise uninspired interior.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo, on the other hand, featured a bold design with shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, along with thick matte black body cladding. Mazda's design aimed to give the CX-30 Turbo a light and agile appearance, as if the body was floating over the wheels. This effect made the CX-30 look distinct from the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based, with a higher ground clearance and a more rugged stance. Inside, the CX-30 Turbo's cabin was similar to the Mazda3's, with quality materials, complementary tones and textures, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces that gave it an upscale vibe. The cabin featured a chrome accent around the engine start button and a standard frameless rearview mirror, with options for black and Griege leatherette upholstery or black or white leather in higher trims. Prices for the CX-30 Turbo ranged from about $31,000 to around $35,000, with the Premium Plus trim offering additional features.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine drove either the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan's powertrain offered a snappy throttle response with minimal turbo lag, but its larger size and weight made it only moderately fleet of foot. The Tiguan's curb weight ranged from 3,757 pounds for the front-wheel-drive model to 3,847 pounds for the all-wheel-drive version, making it heavier than competitors like the Honda CR-V. Despite its size, the Tiguan provided a comfortable driving experience with a soft suspension and well-insulated cabin, though some road noise could filter through on rough surfaces. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its longer wheelbase, making it less nimble than some competitors, but it still offered a comfortable ride on various road conditions.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the octane rating of the fuel. The engine delivered 310 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm or 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm, providing effortless acceleration in various driving situations. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg in combined driving, with an average of 24.1 mpg during testing. The SUV's i-Activ all-wheel-drive system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology helped manage torque distribution and weight transfer, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The CX-30 Turbo's added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3, but its 2.5 inches of extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode made it capable of handling rough terrain. The CX-30 Turbo's torsion-beam rear suspension design provided a comfortable ride, though it could exhibit a pronounced bounce over certain road conditions.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan offered impressive practicality with its flexible seating arrangements. The second row of seats could slide up to seven inches fore and aft, making the third row more usable. While the third row was not spacious, it provided enough legroom for shorter adults and was cozy for kids. Front-drive Tiguans came with a standard third row, while all-wheel-drive models were five-seaters with the third row available as a $595 option. The Tiguan's cargo capacity was generous, with 65.7 cubic feet of space when the third row was collapsed and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The front seats offered plenty of hip and shoulder room, and the abundant glass and seating position made the Tiguan feel larger than its competitors.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo provided exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way power adjustment and impressive long-distance support. Both front seats were heated, and higher trims included a heated steering wheel. However, ventilated seats were not available, and the front passenger seat lacked the same range of adjustment as the driver's seat. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism contributed to a sense of spaciousness, though the rear seats were cramped for adults. The CX-30 Turbo offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, slightly less than the Mazda3 hatchback. The optional wireless smartphone charger was located in the center console storage bin, forcing a choice between storage and charging.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which was set to be replaced by MIB3 in the following year. The current system was already one of the best on the market, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display in the base S trim and an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen in higher trims. The infotainment system was responsive and user-friendly, with bright colors and graphics. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims had two USB-A ports in the front and one in the second row. A wireless charging pad was available in higher trims. The Digital Cockpit, available on top SEL trims, offered a customizable digital instrument panel with a panoramic map display. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo's infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display that was not a touchscreen. Instead, the system was operated using physical controls on the center console and steering wheel, or specific voice commands. The Mazda Connect infotainment system required acclimation, and the voice control technology was helpful but could be distracting. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided access to familiar digital assistants, but changing radio stations was a cumbersome process. The CX-30 Turbo included three free years of Mazda Connected Services, with remote engine starting and a vehicle finder function. Higher trims offered SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. The Premium and Premium Plus trims also featured an Active Driving Display, projecting useful data onto the windshield.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package by adding forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance and LED headlights with automatic high beams were reserved for the top SEL trim. VW's Car-Net telematics package connected the vehicle to an owner's smartphone or watch, offering remote locking and unlocking, status checks, and vehicle location. Additional features included real-time parking information and points of interest from an owner's phone. The Tiguan earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for top-of-the-line SEL Premium models with LED headlights, but most Tiguans were equipped with halogen headlights, which the IIHS rated poor.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2020 calendar year, with the highest rating in every testing parameter. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the CX-30 Turbo five-star ratings in every assessment except for rollover resistance, where it received a four-star rating. The CX-30 Turbo came with a full collection of i-ActiveSense advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive front lighting, front and rear parking sensors, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Traffic Jam Assist provided lane-centering assistance at speeds below 40 mph, complementing the adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The CX-30 Turbo also featured a mobile 9-1-1 automatic emergency notification system.