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
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
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 |