2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

2021 Mazda CX-5
2021 Mazda CX-5
$25,370MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mazda CX-5
$25,370MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$25,370

MSRP

$25,245

Listings

158

Listings

262

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Pros

  • Excellent value for money

  • Fun to drive

  • Great safety ratings

Cons

  • Poor ride quality

  • Unintuitive technology

Pros

  • Plenty of cargo space

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Stereo is lacking

  • Interior materials feel cheap

2021 Mazda CX-5 Reviews Summary

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a competitive compact SUV for buyers looking to satisfy the needs of the typical family. For the 2021 model year, Mazda has enhanced the model’s tech and discontinued the unpopular diesel engine in the United States. There’s also a new Carbon Edition for buyers to choose from. Despite the changes, the highlights and quibbles about the SUV are mostly unchanged from the 2020 model year.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews Summary

You may have noticed that crossover SUVs are popular. Among them, compact models dominate, having essentially replaced the traditional midsize sedan in American driveways. Offering room for five people, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and more cargo than any family car, they are the preferred method of transportation for a broad cross section of new vehicle buyers. But that’s not the only explanation for the runaway success of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 187 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 184 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

187 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

184 hp @ 4400 rpm

MPG City

25

MPG City

23

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

29
2021 Mazda CX-5
2021 Mazda CX-5
$25,370MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mazda CX-5
$25,370MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$25,370
$25,245
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.8

4.5

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Excellent value for money

  • Fun to drive

  • Great safety ratings

Cons

  • Poor ride quality

  • Unintuitive technology

Pros

  • Plenty of cargo space

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Stereo is lacking

  • Interior materials feel cheap

Summary
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a competitive compact SUV for buyers looking to satisfy the needs of the typical family. For the 2021 model year, Mazda has enhanced the model’s tech and discontinued the unpopular diesel engine in the United States. There’s also a new Carbon Edition for buyers to choose from. Despite the changes, the highlights and quibbles about the SUV are mostly unchanged from the 2020 model year.
You may have noticed that crossover SUVs are popular. Among them, compact models dominate, having essentially replaced the traditional midsize sedan in American driveways. Offering room for five people, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and more cargo than any family car, they are the preferred method of transportation for a broad cross section of new vehicle buyers. But that’s not the only explanation for the runaway success of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.5L 187 hp I4
2.0L 184 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
184 hp @ 4400 rpm
MPG City
25
23
MPG Highway
31
29
Look and feel

2021 Mazda CX-5

9/10

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

7/10

CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Mazda CX-5 as 9 out of 10 and the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan as 7 out of 10 look and feel.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasts a sleek and stylish design, offering a smooth and sophisticated appearance. The base CX-5 Sport comes with automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, and a rear roof spoiler. The higher-tier models add more premium features such as leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and auto-leveling LED headlights. The top-tier CX-5 Signature model offers a premium experience with Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan features clean lines and balanced proportions, exuding a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic. It offers a spacious interior with roomy and accommodating seating for four to seven passengers, depending on the configuration. The Tiguan's design emphasizes comfort and practicality, making it an attractive option for families.

Picture of 2021 Mazda CX-5
Picture of 2021 Mazda CX-5
Picture of 2021 Mazda CX-5
Picture of 2021 Mazda CX-5
Picture of 2021 Mazda CX-5
Picture of 2021 Mazda CX-5
Picture of 2021 Mazda CX-5
Picture of 2021 Mazda CX-5
Performance

2021 Mazda CX-5

8/10

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

6/10

CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Mazda CX-5 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 6 out of 10 for performance.

The CX-5 offers two engine options, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering more spirited performance. The turbo engine provides robust power and an engaging driving experience, especially in Sport mode. However, the stiff suspension may impact ride comfort.

The Tiguan is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, providing adequate power for daily driving. It offers a comfortable and refined driving experience, making it suitable for urban and suburban environments.

Form and function

2021 Mazda CX-5

7/10

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

9/10

CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Mazda CX-5 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 9 out of 10 for form and function.

The Mazda CX-5 offers a comfortable and stylish interior, with good seating positions and straightforward climate controls. However, it falls slightly short in terms of rear legroom and cargo space compared to some competitors in its segment.

The Tiguan prioritizes comfort and practicality, providing excellent occupant support, generous legroom, and a range of convenient features. It offers a spacious and versatile interior, making it well-suited for family use.

Technology

2021 Mazda CX-5

4/10

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

6/10

CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Mazda CX-5 4 out of 10 and the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 6 out of 10 for technology.

The CX-5 comes standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but the operating system may not be as modern or user-friendly as some competitors. It offers standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration.

The Tiguan features the MIB3 infotainment system, offering an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also provides a range of connected services and available premium audio options.

Safety

2021 Mazda CX-5

8/10

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

8/10

CarGurus experts rate both the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 8 out of 10 for safety.

The CX-5 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, earning high safety ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA. It offers advanced driver assistance systems and optional safety enhancements.

The Tiguan features standard advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. It also offers Car-Net connected services for added safety and convenience.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Mazda CX-5 is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 emerges as the recommended choice, offering a well-rounded package with a stylish design, engaging performance, and a range of upscale features.

Choose the 2021 Mazda CX-5 if:

7.5of 10overall
  • You prioritize a stylish and premium interior with a range of upscale features.
  • You seek a compact SUV with engaging driving dynamics and a choice of turbocharged engine options.
  • You value a well-priced vehicle with a solid warranty and a range of available safety features.
158 results
See all

Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan if:

7.3of 10overall
  • You prioritize comfort, practicality, and a spacious interior with versatile seating options.
  • You seek a competitively priced compact SUV with a strong value proposition and a comprehensive care plan.
  • You value a refined and comfortable driving experience with a range of standard advanced safety features.
262 results
See all

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Mazda CX-5 is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 emerges as the recommended choice, offering a well-rounded package with a stylish design, engaging performance, and a range of upscale features.

Choose the 2021 Mazda CX-5 if:

Shop Now
7.5of 10overall
  • You prioritize a stylish and premium interior with a range of upscale features.
  • You seek a compact SUV with engaging driving dynamics and a choice of turbocharged engine options.
  • You value a well-priced vehicle with a solid warranty and a range of available safety features.
158 results

Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan if:

Shop Now
7.3of 10overall
  • You prioritize comfort, practicality, and a spacious interior with versatile seating options.
  • You seek a competitively priced compact SUV with a strong value proposition and a comprehensive care plan.
  • You value a refined and comfortable driving experience with a range of standard advanced safety features.
262 results

CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

Popular vehicle comparisons

2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Mazda CX-52023 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Mazda CX-52023 BMW X7 vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan2023 BMW X7 vs 2023 Mazda CX-52023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 Genesis GV702023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2024 Genesis GV702023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Kia Carnival2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 BMW X72022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2023 Mazda CX-52022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 BMW X72022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Toyota Sequoia2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Mazda CX-52022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Mazda CX-52022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Genesis GV702022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Mazda CX-52022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Toyota Sequoia2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda CX-52022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Mazda CX-52022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Genesis GV702022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Mazda CX-52022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Hyundai Venue2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Mazda CX-52021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Mazda CX-52021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2022 Mazda CX-52021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Mazda CX-52021 Hyundai Venue vs 2022 Mazda CX-52021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Mazda CX-52020 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser2020 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Mazda CX-52020 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan2020 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Hyundai Venue2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Hyundai Venue2020 Hyundai Venue vs 2020 Mazda CX-52020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Mazda CX-52020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2020 Mazda CX-5