2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 was a testament to Mazda's ambition to edge closer to luxury territory. It showcased an elegant design that borrowed from its smaller siblings, the CX-30 and CX-5, but on a grander scale. The SUV's imposing presence was accentuated by its large grille, wide-set front end, and substantial wheels, ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Inside, the top-tier models boasted interiors that could rival luxury brands, featuring brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic accents. The CX-90 offered a range of trims, each benefiting from Mazda's stylish design language and comfortable layout, with the Turbo S Premium Plus standing out as the performance option.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, embracing a modern aesthetic inspired by VW's electric vehicle lineup. The front featured narrower headlights and a larger visual grille, while the rear sported a single taillight bar. The Tiguan's interior was modernized with a minimalist dashboard and a digital instrument panel. The gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up space in the center console. While the materials were average for its class, the Tiguan's interior was practical, with ample storage options and improved second-row legroom due to the removal of the third row.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the Turbo S variant offered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 excelled in handling, with a double-wishbone front suspension and agile cornering capabilities, reminiscent of Mazda's sporty heritage.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with 4Motion all-wheel drive available. The Tiguan's performance was smooth and linear, with confident acceleration and well-tuned suspension for comfort. While not sporty, it offered a balanced mix of performance and comfort, with a more powerful Turbo variant expected in 2026.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers. Cargo space varied depending on the configuration, with a maximum of 75.2 cubic feet available. The CX-90 featured clever storage solutions, comfortable seats, and high-quality materials, though it fell short in cargo capacity compared to some competitors.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, resulting in increased second-row legroom. The interior featured improved controls, with traditional buttons replacing capacitive-touch elements. The center console offered ample storage, and the cargo area, though not finalized, appeared smaller than the previous model. The Tiguan included remote seatback releases and a power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on reducing distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's quirks could be distracting. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with touchscreen controls for these systems.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch display available. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless phone charger. The Tiguan introduced the Atmospheres feature, combining ambient lighting and audio settings, though it seemed more suited to luxury vehicles.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came equipped with i-Activsense, Mazda's suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. While crash test results were not available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well based on its predecessor's ratings.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The top SEL R-Line trim added a surround-view camera system and semi-automated parking. The safety features functioned effectively, with no false alarms or sensitivity issues.