2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Overview | |
MSRP$25,370 | MSRP$25,245 |
Listings1031 | Listings1315 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2021 Mazda CX-5 Reviews SummaryThe 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a competitive compact SUV for buyers looking to satisfy the needs of the typical family. For the 2021 model year, Mazda has enhanced the model’s tech and discontinued the unpopular diesel engine in the United States. There’s also a new Carbon Edition for buyers to choose from. Despite the changes, the highlights and quibbles about the SUV are mostly unchanged from the 2020 model year. | |
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews SummaryYou may have noticed that crossover SUVs are popular. Among them, compact models dominate, having essentially replaced the traditional midsize sedan in American driveways. Offering room for five people, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and more cargo than any family car, they are the preferred method of transportation for a broad cross section of new vehicle buyers. But that’s not the only explanation for the runaway success of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 187 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 184 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower187 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower184 hp @ 4400 rpm |
MPG City25 | MPG City23 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway29 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 187 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 184 hp I4 |
Torque186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque221 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower187 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower184 hp @ 4400 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City25 | MPG City23 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway29 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space30.9 cu ft | Cargo Space12.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight3552 lbs | Curb Weight3735 lbs |
Height66.2 in | Height66.3 in |
Length179.1 in | Length185.1 in |
Width83.3 in | Width72.4 in |
Wheelbase106.2 in | Wheelbase109.8 in |
Maximum Payload1023 lbs | Maximum Payload1146 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $25,370 | $25,245 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a competitive compact SUV for buyers looking to satisfy the needs of the typical family. For the 2021 model year, Mazda has enhanced the model’s tech and discontinued the unpopular diesel engine in the United States. There’s also a new Carbon Edition for buyers to choose from. Despite the changes, the highlights and quibbles about the SUV are mostly unchanged from the 2020 model year. | You may have noticed that crossover SUVs are popular. Among them, compact models dominate, having essentially replaced the traditional midsize sedan in American driveways. Offering room for five people, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and more cargo than any family car, they are the preferred method of transportation for a broad cross section of new vehicle buyers. But that’s not the only explanation for the runaway success of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 187 hp I4 | 2.0L 184 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 184 hp @ 4400 rpm |
MPG City | 25 | 23 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 29 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 187 hp I4 | 2.0L 184 hp I4 |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 221 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 184 hp @ 4400 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 25 | 23 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 29 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 30.9 cu ft | 12.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3552 lbs | 3735 lbs |
Height | 66.2 in | 66.3 in |
Length | 179.1 in | 185.1 in |
Width | 83.3 in | 72.4 in |
Wheelbase | 106.2 in | 109.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1023 lbs | 1146 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | 1500 lbs |
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Mazda CX-5 as 9 out of 10 and the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan as 7 out of 10 look and feel.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasts a sleek and stylish design, offering a smooth and sophisticated appearance. The base CX-5 Sport comes with automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, and a rear roof spoiler. The higher-tier models add more premium features such as leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and auto-leveling LED headlights. The top-tier CX-5 Signature model offers a premium experience with Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim.
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan features clean lines and balanced proportions, exuding a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic. It offers a spacious interior with roomy and accommodating seating for four to seven passengers, depending on the configuration. The Tiguan's design emphasizes comfort and practicality, making it an attractive option for families.














CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Mazda CX-5 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 6 out of 10 for performance.
The CX-5 offers two engine options, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering more spirited performance. The turbo engine provides robust power and an engaging driving experience, especially in Sport mode. However, the stiff suspension may impact ride comfort.
The Tiguan is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, providing adequate power for daily driving. It offers a comfortable and refined driving experience, making it suitable for urban and suburban environments.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Mazda CX-5 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 9 out of 10 for form and function.
The Mazda CX-5 offers a comfortable and stylish interior, with good seating positions and straightforward climate controls. However, it falls slightly short in terms of rear legroom and cargo space compared to some competitors in its segment.
The Tiguan prioritizes comfort and practicality, providing excellent occupant support, generous legroom, and a range of convenient features. It offers a spacious and versatile interior, making it well-suited for family use.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Mazda CX-5 4 out of 10 and the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 6 out of 10 for technology.
The CX-5 comes standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but the operating system may not be as modern or user-friendly as some competitors. It offers standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration.
The Tiguan features the MIB3 infotainment system, offering an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also provides a range of connected services and available premium audio options.
CarGurus experts rate both the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 8 out of 10 for safety.
The CX-5 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, earning high safety ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA. It offers advanced driver assistance systems and optional safety enhancements.
The Tiguan features standard advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. It also offers Car-Net connected services for added safety and convenience.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Mazda CX-5 is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 emerges as the recommended choice, offering a well-rounded package with a stylish design, engaging performance, and a range of upscale features.
Choose the 2021 Mazda CX-5 if:
- You prioritize a stylish and premium interior with a range of upscale features.
- You seek a compact SUV with engaging driving dynamics and a choice of turbocharged engine options.
- You value a well-priced vehicle with a solid warranty and a range of available safety features.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan if:
- You prioritize comfort, practicality, and a spacious interior with versatile seating options.
- You seek a competitively priced compact SUV with a strong value proposition and a comprehensive care plan.
- You value a refined and comfortable driving experience with a range of standard advanced safety features.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Mazda CX-5 is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 emerges as the recommended choice, offering a well-rounded package with a stylish design, engaging performance, and a range of upscale features.
Choose the 2021 Mazda CX-5 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a stylish and premium interior with a range of upscale features.
- You seek a compact SUV with engaging driving dynamics and a choice of turbocharged engine options.
- You value a well-priced vehicle with a solid warranty and a range of available safety features.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan if:
Shop Now- You prioritize comfort, practicality, and a spacious interior with versatile seating options.
- You seek a competitively priced compact SUV with a strong value proposition and a comprehensive care plan.
- You value a refined and comfortable driving experience with a range of standard advanced safety features.

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.






































