2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, presented a stylish yet conservative German aesthetic. Its clean lines and horizontal grille, adorned with VW's new flat logo, gave it a contemporary look without being overly adventurous. However, the interior was less impressive, with plain design elements and hard black plastic surfaces that lacked the sophistication VW was once known for. The focus seemed to have shifted to electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system standing out as highlights.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, opting for smooth, sleek lines that gave it a sophisticated appearance. The exterior features varied slightly across trim levels, with the base model offering LED headlights and 17-inch wheels, while higher trims added features like leatherette seats and auto-leveling LED headlights. The top-tier Signature model boasted premium materials like Caturra Brown Nappa leather and genuine wood trim, enhancing its luxurious feel. The interior was well-executed, with good fit and finish, though the infotainment system's design was somewhat outdated.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag. However, the Tiguan's larger size and weight, ranging from 3,757 to 3,847 pounds, made it less nimble than some competitors. Its handling was comfortable, with a soft suspension that absorbed road imperfections well, but it lacked the sporty driving dynamics of some rivals.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine, available on higher trims, delivered spirited performance and was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-5's engaging driving style made it fun to drive, especially in Sport mode, though its stiff suspension could be less comfortable on rough roads. Fuel efficiency varied, with the most efficient model achieving 28 mpg combined.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, offering a versatile interior with a sliding second row and an optional third row. The third row, while not spacious, provided enough legroom for shorter adults and children. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 73.5 cubic feet available in two-row models. The Tiguan's interior felt roomy, with ample hip and shoulder room, and a seating position that enhanced its spacious feel.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5, while stylish, had less interior space compared to some competitors. It offered good headroom but limited legroom for rear passengers. The cargo area provided 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was below average for the segment. The CX-5's interior featured straightforward climate controls and a larger shifter, though the infotainment controls were not ideally positioned for shorter drivers.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which, despite being due for an upgrade, was one of the best in its class. The system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim, with an 8-inch upgrade available on higher trims. The Tiguan also offered a Digital Cockpit on top trims, providing a customizable digital instrument panel. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though its operating system was less user-friendly. The screen's positioning made it difficult to reach, and the lack of knobs for tuning the stereo was inconvenient. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing drivers to bypass some of the system's limitations.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were reserved for the top SEL trim. The Tiguan was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for models with LED headlights, though most trims had halogen headlights rated poorly.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. Additional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera system were available. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a strong contender in terms of safety.