2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often praised for its elegant design, standing out in the small SUV class with its graceful curves and timeless styling. Despite not having a redesign since 2017, it maintained a luxurious appearance that could easily be mistaken for an entry-level luxury SUV. Inside, the CX-5 offered a refined interior with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout, favoring traditional controls over digital interfaces. This approach provided a more tactile and intuitive experience, with soft-touch materials enhancing the cabin's upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, embracing a modern aesthetic inspired by VW's electric vehicles. The front featured narrower headlights and an illuminated VW badge, while the rear showcased a sleek light bar. The interior was modernized with a minimalist dashboard and a digital instrument panel, offering a more spacious feel. The Tiguan's materials were average for its class, with practical touches like durable plastics in the rear. The redesign aimed to balance style with functionality, providing a contemporary yet practical driving environment.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version producing 256 hp. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The base engine provided adequate power, while the turbocharged model delivered quicker acceleration, reaching 60 mph in about 6 seconds. The CX-5 was known for its sporty handling, offering a confident driving experience with minimal body roll, though it came with a slightly firmer ride.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan featured 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 offered both front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to be around 8.5 seconds to 60 mph, providing smooth and linear power delivery. Its suspension favored comfort, effectively smoothing out road imperfections while maintaining composure in corners. The Tiguan prioritized a comfortable and quiet ride, appealing to those seeking a balanced driving experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior was praised for its design but fell short in practicality compared to rivals. It offered decent headroom and rear legroom, but competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage provided more space. The CX-5's cargo capacity was 30.8 cubic feet, expandable to 58.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While it featured convenient latches for folding seats, its cargo space was less than some competitors. Storage for smaller items was adequate, with cupholders and a center armrest bin.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, without a third row, improved second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. It featured traditional button controls, enhancing usability. The center console offered increased storage, with cupholders and a deep armrest bin. Cargo capacity details were pending, but the design suggested a slightly smaller space than the previous model. The Tiguan included remote seatback releases and a power liftgate, enhancing convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled by a center console dial. This setup allowed for easy operation without distraction. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless capability in higher trims. The CX-5 featured a head-up display in midrange trims and a premium Bose audio system in the top model. Remote vehicle monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot were also offered.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan included a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 15-inch display. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a wireless phone charger. The Tiguan introduced Atmospheres, a mood-enhancing system combining ambient lighting and audio settings. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims, along with VW's Car-Net system for remote monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 received high safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and a "Good" rating from IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5's safety systems operated smoothly without false alarms.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's safety ratings were pending, but it offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added a head-up display and a semi-automated parking system. The Tiguan's safety features functioned reliably, providing a reassuring driving experience.