2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan exuded a premium aura, often perceived as more upscale than its non-European counterparts. Its design was sleek, with standard LED headlights and taillights, and an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line trim. The exterior featured silver roof rails on the SEL R-Line, while lower trims had black ones. The rear showcased the model name in bold, all-caps style, complemented by the classic Volkswagen badge. However, color options were limited, with the base trim only available in grayscale. The interior offered a range of features, from heated cloth seats in the base model to leather upholstery and advanced seat adjustability in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 was celebrated for its elegant design, characterized by graceful curves that set it apart from competitors. Despite not having a redesign since 2017, its styling remained timeless and sophisticated, often mistaken for a luxury SUV. The interior boasted high-quality materials and a blend of traditional and modern elements. While it lacked a large infotainment touchscreen, the physical controls were praised for their usability. The cabin featured soft-touch materials, with some hard plastics strategically placed. Overall, the CX-5's design and materials gave it a refined feel, comparable to luxury brands like Acura or Lexus.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an optional 4Motion all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,500 on lower trims and standard on the top trim. The AWD version had a slightly larger fuel tank, but fuel economy dropped from 27 to 25 mpg combined. The Tiguan's driving experience was mixed, with inconsistent power delivery and a touchy gas pedal. However, it offered good visibility and handling, making it feel maneuverable for its size.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version with 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and AWD was standard. The base engine provided adequate power, while the turbocharged model offered quicker acceleration, reaching 60 mph in about six seconds. The CX-5 excelled in handling, with sporty dynamics and minimal body roll, though the ride was slightly firmer. The cabin remained quiet, effectively filtering out road noise.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a two-row configuration in AWD models, providing 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row FWD version had reduced cargo space but maintained passenger comfort. The front seats provided 39.6 inches of headroom and 40.2 inches of legroom, while the second row offered 38.7 inches of legroom. The third row, though tight, was more spacious than competitors like the Mitsubishi Outlander.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior was praised for design and refinement but lacked some practicality compared to rivals. It offered 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. While rear legroom was competitive, other models like the Honda CR-V offered more space. The CX-5 featured moderately sized storage options and a power liftgate on higher trims. Despite its limitations, the interior was well-suited for smaller passengers and provided a comfortable ride.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. However, the physical volume knob was less user-friendly. The infotainment system had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the base model had a 6.5-inch screen. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with a fully configurable 10.25-inch display on the SEL R-Line. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight for audiophiles.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled via a center console dial. The system was intuitive, with logical menus and easy operation while driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless capability on higher trims. The CX-5 retained analog gauges, but a head-up display was standard on midrange trims. The audio system ranged from a four-speaker setup in the base model to a 10-speaker Bose system in the Signature trim. Remote vehicle monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot were also available.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. For 2024, the IQ.DRIVE suite of driver-assistance features became standard, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. Park Distance Control was standard on higher trims, though some features were deemed intrusive.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 received five stars from the NHTSA in most categories and a "Good" rating from the IIHS for the 2024 model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The Turbo Signature trim included a driver attention monitor and rear automatic braking. The safety systems operated smoothly without false alarms.