2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out in a market where many competitors were criticized for their aesthetics. Its design was characterized by a creased, folded, and symmetrical approach that leaned towards conservatism, appealing to those who appreciated simplicity and minimalism. The refreshed front styling aligned it with Volkswagen’s larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan offered a range of trims in Canada, all with standard 4Motion AWD, and prices varied from $33,395 to $43,395. The Highline R-Line trim, in particular, boasted a sportier look with 20-inch wheels and a choice of five paint colours, including the striking Atlantic Blue Metallic.

Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line offered a luxurious cabin with perforated leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting with 30 colour options. The interior was adorned with metallic accents, enhancing its upscale appearance, though the lower half's hard plastic hinted at its mass-market status. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with additional options like keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof available on higher trims. Overall, the 2022 Tiguan maintained its appealing design while adding new features to keep it fresh.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. It was known for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda transitioned the CX-5 to the CX-50, a strategic move to align with broader marketing strategies. Regardless of the trim, the CX-5 exuded quality and sophistication.

Buyers had a choice between a standard 187-horsepower engine or a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged variant. The Canadian lineup ranged from the GX at $31,250 to the GT at $39,850, with the 2.5 Turbo Signature model priced at $46,755. The test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather upholstery and additional upgrades, justifying its higher price. The CX-5's updates in structural rigidity, suspension, and noise reduction enhanced its driving dynamics, making it feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission delivered power to the 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. Drivers could choose from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings available. The Tiguan's Hill Descent Control system engaged in Offroad mode, but its 19 centimetres of ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The suspension and steering provided a nimble and responsive feel, though the engine's torque arrived later than some competitors, resulting in slight turbo lag. Fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a test drive averaging 9.5 L/100 km.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The turbocharged variant delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The turbo engine's updates improved the CX-5's structural rigidity, suspension, and noise reduction, enhancing its driving dynamics. The torque arrived at 2,000 rpm with regular gas and 2,500 rpm with premium, providing a quick and enjoyable driving experience. The CX-5's fuel economy was rated at 9.8 L/100 km, though a test drive returned 11.0 L/100 km. The CX-5 excelled on paved roads, offering a firm and connected ride with responsive steering and brakes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a spacious compact crossover, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though cargo space was compromised with it in use. The Highline R-Line trim featured comfortable leather seats with power adjustments, excellent visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, accommodating adults and children alike. Cargo space was generous, with 1,064 litres behind the back seat and a maximum of 2,078 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's updates included improved front seat comfort and support. Higher trims offered power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated options, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with smaller storage areas, cramped rear seats, and less cargo capacity than some rivals. It provided 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,680 litres with the seat folded down, more than some entry-luxury models but less than mainstream competitors.

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

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system had a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. The physical controls required memorization and focus, making them distracting. The system's control knob often required multiple steps to execute commands, and the user experience was lacking. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a 10-speaker Bose audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with available Travel Assist and Emergency Assist features. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, while Emergency Assist could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's LED headlights and driver aids aimed to improve that score.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with most i-Activsense features standard. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly, with an Active Driving Display showing alerts. The CX-5 also had an E911 system for collision notification. It received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS.