2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, characterized by its creased and symmetrical styling. The refreshed front aligned it with Volkswagen’s larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan offered four trim levels in Canada, all with standard AWD, and ranged in price from $33,395 to $43,395. The Highline R-Line trim, with its sportier look and Atlantic Blue Metallic paint, stood out with 20-inch wheels and a sophisticated interior featuring leather upholstery and ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 resembled a downsized CX-5 with its upright grille and smooth fenders. Built on the Mazda3 platform, it featured a raked windshield that could distort the view for taller drivers. The cabin was quiet and comfortable, with a blend of conventional and digital displays. The infotainment system, though attractive, had a steep learning curve. The CX-30 offered three trims in Canada, with the GT trim providing a power liftgate, leather upholstery, and an optional turbocharged engine.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It used an eight-speed automatic transmission with 4Motion AWD, offering various driving modes. Despite its nimble handling, the Tiguan experienced turbo lag, and its fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 L/100 km combined. The suspension provided a comfortable ride, but the vehicle lacked outright performance excitement.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a base 2.0-litre engine with 155 horsepower, while the GS and GT trims featured a 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower. The tested model had a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivering up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The CX-30’s six-speed automatic transmission and Sport mode enhanced its lively performance. The vehicle’s steering was precise, with minimal body roll, though it had a rough ride over uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was spacious, comparable to midsize SUVs, with an optional third row. The Highline R-Line trim offered leather seats with power adjustments and excellent visibility. The second row was roomy, and cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration. However, the touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard were challenging to use.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The GT trim included a power liftgate, and the front seats had a sliding centre console cover. While the rear seats offered decent headroom, they were less spacious than the larger CX-5. The centre console and door pockets provided ample storage for personal items.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone mirroring, and a Fender premium audio system. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had an elegant dash design with a non-touchscreen infotainment system controlled by a rotary dial. Inspired by luxury systems, it lacked usability, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was challenging to navigate, even after setup, and could be distracting for new users.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were available, enhancing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring. The 2021 model earned a “Top Safety Pick” from the IIHS, with hopes for improved ratings in 2022.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, with standard rain-sensing wipers and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims included adaptive headlights and a 360-degree camera. The CX-30 received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, excelling in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.