2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented itself as a stylish and premium-looking compact SUV, especially when compared to its non-European competitors. Its design elements, such as standard LED headlights and taillights, along with an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line trim, contributed to its upscale appearance. The exterior design was complemented by silver roof rails on the SEL R-Line, while the lower trims featured black ones. The rear end showcased the model name in a bold, all-caps style, accompanied by the classic Volkswagen badge. However, the color options were somewhat limited, with the base Tiguan S only available in grayscale colors. The interior and exterior color combinations were also restricted, with certain colors only available on specific trims.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created an interplay of light and shadow, giving it a low, long, and athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. Despite some materials reflecting its competitive price, the cabin felt upscale. However, the ergonomics were not without issues, with a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Nevertheless, the CX-90's overall design and feel were sophisticated, making it stand out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a more traditional driving experience compared to the common continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). Front-wheel drive was standard, while Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive was available for an additional $1,500 on the lower trims and standard on the top trim. The AWD models featured a slightly larger fuel tank, accommodating the system's impact on fuel economy. The Tiguan's performance was a mixed bag, with inconsistent power delivery and a touchy gas pedal. However, visibility and handling were commendable, making the vehicle feel more maneuverable than expected for its size.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine in the 3.3 Turbo models, generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered even more power, with 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). The power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, which biased power to the rear wheels for improved driving dynamics. The CX-90 offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Despite its impressive ride and handling, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. The CX-90 also suffered from noise and impact harshness, detracting from its upscale impression.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a versatile interior with seating for five in the AWD models and seven in the FWD versions. The two-row configuration provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. In the three-row Tiguan, cargo space was reduced to 12 cubic feet behind the third row, 33 cubic feet with it folded, and 65.3 cubic feet with only the front seats in position. Passenger space was generous in the first two rows, with 39.6 inches of headroom and 40.2 inches of legroom for the driver and front passenger. The second row offered 38.7 inches of legroom, while the third row was tighter, with 33.8 inches of headroom and 27.9 inches of legroom.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, in 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the interior quickly. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips. The CX-90's cargo space was practical, with 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 74.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats flattened. However, storage space was limited, with a shallow bin under the center armrest and stingy door panel storage.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to operate. However, the physical volume knob was less user-friendly due to its integrated on/off button. The infotainment system relied on nearly monochromatic graphics, accessed through an 8-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base Tiguan S had a smaller 6.5-inch touchscreen and fewer USB-C ports. Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro screen. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System on the top trim received positive feedback from audiophiles.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel paired with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. While the technology was present, it was presented in a more traditional manner. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring the use of a knob and buttons on the center console. The voice recognition system was not up to modern standards, but Mazda planned to introduce a new Google Built-in infotainment system in future models. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system, providing a rewarding listening experience, and a head-up display with helpful data.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and its safety offering improved for 2024 with the standard inclusion of Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE suite of driver-assistance features. This suite included adaptive cruise control with stop and go capabilities, active blind-spot monitoring with steering intervention, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Additional safety features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, an automatic post-collision braking system, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking. Park Distance Control became standard at the SE R-Line Black trim level.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the gas-only models received four-star ratings in frontal-impact testing. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trim levels added steering assist to the blind-spot monitoring system, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, though the audible warning systems could be intrusive.