2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, the CX-5 had its drawbacks, such as a small back seat, limited cargo space, and a frustrating infotainment system. Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was a strategic move, similar to Infiniti's rebranding efforts, aiming to guide loyal customers to the new model while maintaining the CX-5's reputation for quality and sophistication.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was noted for its premium appearance, often perceived as more upscale than its non-European competitors. The SEL R-Line trim, which was tested, featured LED headlights and taillights, an illuminated grille light line, and silver roof rails. The Tiguan's design was complemented by a fashionable rear end with the model name in all-caps style. However, the base trim offered limited color options, and the configurator on Volkswagen's website could be confusing. The Tiguan's interior featured firm seats, with the SEL R-Line offering real leather, front-seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. The Tiguan's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and well-equipped compact SUV.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged engine delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The CX-5's turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with responsive acceleration and a pleasant engine note. However, fuel economy was a concern, with the turbo model achieving 21.4 mpg in testing, below the EPA's 24 mpg estimate. The CX-5's handling was praised for its firm, connected ride quality, making it enjoyable to drive on various road surfaces.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The Tiguan's power delivery was inconsistent, with noticeable turbo and transmission lag. The steering was light and somewhat rubbery, but visibility and handling were commendable. The Tiguan's ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces drew some complaints. Fuel economy for the AWD Tiguan was rated at 24 mpg combined, slightly lower than the FWD model's 27 mpg.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured comfortable front seats with power adjustment options, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Signature trim offered luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with small storage areas, a cramped back seat, and a cargo area offering 30.9 cubic feet of space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's interior varied depending on the drivetrain. FWD models offered a third row, seating seven, while AWD models, including the SEL R-Line, seated five. The two-row Tiguan provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row configuration reduced cargo space but maintained passenger comfort. The Tiguan's interior dimensions offered ample headroom and legroom for front and second-row passengers, though the third row was tight.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was criticized for its awkward physical controls and lack of a voice recognition system. The system required memorization and focus, making it distracting to use while driving. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a Bose premium audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base Tiguan S had a smaller 6.5-inch screen. The Tiguan's Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system's monochromatic graphics felt out of place in the stylish vehicle. The SEL R-Line also featured a nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System, praised for its sound quality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The i-Activsense suite included standard driver assistance features, with additional features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist available on higher trims. The CX-5's safety tech operated smoothly, but a warning for driving without headlights was needed.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. For 2024, the IQ.DRIVE suite became standard, offering adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous highway driving. Additional safety features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. Park Distance Control was standard on higher trims, though its performance was mixed.