2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among its competitors with a design that was both conservative and timeless. Its refreshed exterior featured new front styling that aligned it with Volkswagen's larger models, a restyled grille with the new VW logo, and standard LED headlights. The SEL R-Line trim, in particular, boasted a sportier look with options like Atlantic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line offered a sophisticated cabin with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and metallic accents, although the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market roots with hard plastic materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 presented an artful design with a long hood and dramatic flanks, though its appearance was somewhat marred by excessive gray body cladding. The 2.5 Turbo model's black wheels blended into the dark lower body, making them nearly invisible. Inside, the CX-30's cabin was upscale and elegant, featuring quality materials and a tasteful color scheme. The interior exuded an entry-level luxury feel, with off-white leather, a chocolate brown center console, and black accents, justifying its premium pricing.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the front wheels, with an optional 4Motion AWD system available. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with additional Offroad settings for AWD models. Despite its enjoyable driving experience, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, and its fuel economy was modest, achieving 24.7 mpg during testing. The Tiguan's ride and handling were nimble and responsive, though it lacked the excitement some Volkswagen enthusiasts might seek.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained a slight power boost to 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.5 Turbo models offered up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-30's ground clearance and Off-Road traction assist made it suitable for light off-road adventures. The 2.5 Turbo provided robust acceleration and a thrilling driving experience, especially on twisty roads. However, the small fuel tank limited its range, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps and humps, impacting ride comfort.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a spacious compact crossover, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a standard third-row seat in FWD models, while 4Motion models provided ample cargo space. The SEL R-Line trim featured comfortable leather seats with power adjustments, excellent visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row was roomy, accommodating adults and children comfortably. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard posed usability challenges. Cargo space was generous, with up to 73.4 cubic feet available in 4Motion models.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered standard dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The cabin was comfortable for the driver, but the front passenger seat lacked adjustability. Rear legroom was tight, though the seatbacks were padded for comfort. Storage space was reasonable, with various compartments for organization. The CX-30's cargo capacity was limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, falling short of expectations for a small crossover.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro display. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the natural voice recognition required a subscription, and the system's usability was limited without it. Car-Net offered remote access and safety features, while Park Assist was standard on the SEL R-Line.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had notable flaws, including the absence of a touchscreen and conversational voice recognition. The controls required frequent glances, and the voice recognition system was unreliable. The lack of a tuning knob added to the frustration. Despite these issues, the system featured an 8.8-inch display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM, navigation, and a Bose sound system. Wireless charging was optional.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, along with improvements to its IQ Drive systems. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, though the touch controls posed challenges. Emergency Assist could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's enhancements aimed to improve safety further.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included a driver monitoring system, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The Turbo Premium Plus trim added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The safety systems worked well, though a forward-collision warning event was overly sensitive during testing.