2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda’s premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, and the confusing new trim levels offered a range of options from the base 2.5 S to the turbocharged 2.5 Turbo.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan remained mostly unchanged from its 2022 updates. The most significant update was the addition of a complementary five-year Car-Net Safe & Secure connected services plan. The Tiguan was available in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, with prices ranging from $26,950 to $37,680. Our test vehicle, the SEL R-Line, featured Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Gray leather interior. The Tiguan’s design was aging gracefully, with sporty 20-inch wheels and adaptive front lighting. However, the limited color and wheel options based on trim levels were a drawback.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) provided a responsive performance, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant offered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5’s improved structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning resulted in a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride, making it a legitimate alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with VW’s 4Motion AWD system available. The SEL R-Line trim included AWD as standard, with various driving modes for different conditions. The EPA rated the Tiguan SEL R-Line at 24 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle achieved 22.6 mpg. The Tiguan’s powertrain had some quirks, such as delayed downshifts and turbo lag, but its dynamic qualities, including excellent tire grip and stable handling, made it enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. The height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats added to the comfort. However, the back seat remained snug, and the control layout of the Mazda Connect infotainment system was frustrating. Cargo space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a roomy interior, with FWD models featuring a standard third-row seat. Our SEL R-Line test vehicle had comfortable front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The dashboard’s touch-sensing controls were a drawback, as they were difficult to use and distracting. The Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with generous rear legroom and a cavernous cargo area. AWD models had 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services were standard, with a three-year trial subscription. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which performed adequately.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display on most trims and a 10.25-inch display on the SEL R-Line. The larger display offered a sophisticated appearance and a full-panel navigation map. The infotainment system had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the touch-sensitive controls and sub-menus were cumbersome and distracting. The voice-recognition system did not perform well, often failing to connect.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and Emergency Assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, Park Assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Tiguan’s safety technology worked well, but its crash-test ratings were incomplete, with concerns about the driver’s door unlatching during a side-impact test.