2022 VW Tiguan vs Mazda CX-5

Both the 2022 Mazda CX5 and 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan sport freshened looks and each has something unique to offer compact SUV shoppers. Here’s how they compare.

2022 Mazda CX5

2022 VW Tiguan vs Mazda CX-5
2022 Mazda CX5 Starting Price: $25,900 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Premium looks inside and out; standard all-wheel drive; spirited handling; improved seating.

Below Average: Smaller rear seat and less cargo space than other compact SUVs; no hybrid version.

Consensus: The 2020 Mazda CX-5 continues its climb up the luxury ladder, adding, as expected, a little to its MSRP in the process. The 2022 CX-5 includes a more conservative but premium appearance and now comes with standard all-wheel drive.

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

2022 VW Tiguan vs Mazda CX-5
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Starting Price: $26,295 | Price yours now or View listings near you 

Above Average: Refreshed for 2022; new interior with standard digital gauges; LED head- and taillights; 3-row seating option.

Below Average: No hybrid; no optional V6; no 3-row AWD version; resale value lags behind Japanese rivals.

Consensus: The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is a spacious, comfortable compact crossover with a decent array of driver assistance and safety features. It remains one of the few vehicles in its class with a third-row seat option.

CX-5 vs. Tiguan: Sharper Images

Mazda CX5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 boasts a fresher look and added additional content for the new model year. The suspension enhancements provide improved handling and ride quality with all-wheel drive now standard across the board.

Power for the 2022 Mazda CX-5 carries over from the previous year. The standard engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-4 delivering 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. CX-5 Turbo models are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque using regular 87 octane gasoline. Filling your CX-5 with 93-octane boosts power to 250 horses and 320 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines employ 6-speed automatic transmissions that connect to Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system. G-Vectoring Control Plus modulates engine torque and brake force for optimum stability in much the same way regular torque vectoring would.

The interior of the base CX-5 Sport comes with a cloth interior. Moving up the trim ladder finds interiors with simulated leather, real leather, and nicer Nappa leather in the Signature model, which also features real wood trim.

A standard safety suite brings automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning with rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist and more. All CX-5 models have a $1,225 destination fee.

Volkswagen Tiguan

It’s easy to see why the Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the brand’s best-sellers. Riding high, like most in the segment, the Tiguan offers good outward visibility, a traditional shift lever (rather than buttons) and a quiet, comfortable ride.

The 2022 model features a sharper, more refined exterior appearance that owes its look to the larger Atlas. It is available in several trim levels ranging from base S, SE, and SE R-Line Black. Tiguan is one of the few compact SUVs to offer a 3-row seating option, but it’s only available on front-drive versions.

The Tiguan is basically carryover when looking under the hood. It comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 making 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission available is an 8-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, but buyers can opt for 4Motion all-wheel drive for an extra $1,500. Despite the added grip, towing maxes out at 1,500 pounds.

Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless ignition, WiFi, an 8-inch driver’s display, touchscreen controls on the center console, and a 6.5-inch infotainment display. From a safety standpoint, the Tiguan includes standard features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Similarities

Base prices; 4-cylinder engines; NHTSA 5-star safety ratings.

2022 Mazda CX5 Advantages

Sharp looks; premium interior; taut handling; standard all-wheel drive; fuel economy.

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Advantages

Available 3-row seating; 8-speed automatic transmission; cargo space.

Which One is Right for Me?

The 2022 Mazda CX5 delivers standard AWD and excellent power with an optional turbo engine. Its sporty manners will have you taking the long way home every time.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan can carry more passengers, should the need arise. As such, we think both are worthy contenders for your consideration.

Ready to buy a Mazda CX5 or Volkswagen Tiguan? Shop now for one on sale near you

2022 Mazda CX-5 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
Popular Powertrains
Engine 2.5-liter I4 2.0-liter turbo I4
Horsepower 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm 184 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm 221 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm
Transmission 6-spd automatic 8-spd automatic
Fuel Economy 28 mpg (25 city/31 hwy) 26 mpg (23 city/30 hwy)
Also Available 2.5-liter turbo I4 AWD
Specs
Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating 5 stars 5 stars
Max Seating Capacity 5 7
Wheelbase 106.2 inches 109.9 inches
Overall Length 179.1 inches 186.1 inches
Width 72.5 inches 72.4 inches
Height 65.4 inches 66.4 inches
Turning Diameter 36.0 feet 37.7 feet
Headroom, Front 39.7 inches 39.6 inches
Headroom, Rear 39.0 inches 39.1 inches
Legroom, Front 41.0 inches 40.2 inches
Legroom, Rear 39.6 inches 36.6 inches
Shoulder Room, Front 57.1 inches 57.0 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear 54.8 inches 55.9 inches
EPA Passenger Volume 103.6 cubic feet 124.0 cubic feet
Cargo Volume 30.9/59.6 cubic feet 12/33/65.3 cubic feet

What is the 2022 Tiguan comparable to?

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2022 Subaru Forester are two compact SUVs that have appeal to a loyal cadre of buyers for different reasons. Here's how they compare. ... Which is Right for Me?.

What is the Tiguan comparable to?

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan offers an expertly-crafted and powerful built engine, appealing exterior design, an extensive suite of features for a remarkably lower price than the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and the Nissan Rogue. And with seating for up to seven, the Tiguan is built for your whole family.

Which is better Tiguan or Q5?

Both of these premium mid-size SUVs are safe and available with plenty of advanced driver assistance systems as well as entertainment features and convenience functions. Conclusion: The Audi Q5 ultimately feels more luxurious and more visually exciting inside. However, the Tiguan still has ample space and technology.

What is the difference between a Tiguan and a 2022?

New LED headlamps, revised grille and bumpers, and new wheel designs give the 2022 Tiguan a more modern appearance. The Tiguan's cabin receives updates as well, in the form of a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls. Heated seats and a digital gauge display are now standard across the lineup.