2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, essentially serving as a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing a tan on longer drives. However, the windshield's slight curve at eye level for taller drivers could distort the road view, which was distracting. Inside, the cabin was comfortable and quiet, with solid-feeling buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. The infotainment screen rose organically from the dashboard, but its steep learning curve was a downside.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, following updates in 2022, remained mostly unchanged. In Canada, it was available in Trendline, Comfortline, Comfortline R-Line Black, and Highline R-Line trims, with R-Line versions offering sportier styling. Despite six exterior colours, four interior colours, and four alloy wheel designs, choices were restricted based on trim level. Our test vehicle, in U.S. specification, featured Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Grey leather seats, a combination unavailable in Canada unless opting for the Highline R-Line trim. The Tiguan's standard equipment included keyless entry with remote start and an 8-way power driver’s seat. The Highline R-Line trim was favoured for its sporty appearance and 20-inch machined-finish wheels, offering a design that aged gracefully. Inside, the cabin was upscale, with quality leather upholstery, artificial wood trim, and impressive digital instrumentation.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the GX trim, producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The GS and GT trims featured a 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model had the upgraded 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, with a Sport button enhancing throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's sporty ride was refined, with well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it had a rough ride over potholes.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the 4Motion AWD system was standard. Drivers could choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an Individual mode for dynamic settings. The Tiguan's turbo-four offered adequate power, though it struggled at higher engine revs. The automatic transmission occasionally stumbled with delayed downshifts, and turbo lag was noticeable from a stop. Despite these quirks, the Tiguan's dynamic qualities were rewarding, with light and lively steering, excellent tire grip, and a stable feel in curves. The ride was compliant, with minimal road noise entering the cabin.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 572 litres with the seats in use. The GT grade featured a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when folded. The centre console offered ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats provided solid headroom, suitable for short-to-medium trips, though lacking the headroom of the larger CX-5.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a roomy interior, with certain configurations featuring a standard third-row seat. Our test vehicle had comfortable front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The dashboard had questionable ergonomics, with touch-sensing controls that hampered usability. The Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with large rear door openings and a spacious back seat. The hands-free power liftgate revealed a cavernous cargo area, accommodating full-size suitcases. With AWD, the Tiguan held 1,064 litres of cargo behind the second row and 2,078 litres behind the front seats.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design, with the infotainment screen nestled into the dash. The screen lacked touch functionality, controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive, was criticized for poor usability. Navigating Apple CarPlay was challenging, with a rotary dial instead of a touchscreen. The system remained confusing even after setup, potentially distracting for new users.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan had digital instrumentation, with R-Line trims featuring a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system had a touchscreen display, measuring 6.5 inches in lower trims and 8 inches in others. Our test vehicle included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. The system's user interface was complex, with multi-layer processes for simple tasks. The voice-recognition system underperformed, often lacking a data connection.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, though most were not standard in Canada. Available features included forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Standard features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety features, with standard Front Assist and Side Assist. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Tiguan's safety technology worked well, with minimal false alerts. However, the NHTSA's crash-test ratings were incomplete, and the IIHS rating for 2023 was not available.