2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. It was known for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the appearance and feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, its small back seat, cramped cargo area, and frustrating infotainment system were potential drawbacks. Mazda had plans to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50, similar to how Infiniti rebranded its G37 models, hoping to smoothly guide loyal customers to the new model.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, following updates in 2022, remained largely unchanged. It was available in several trims, including the sportier R-Line versions, with prices ranging from $36,675 to $47,175, plus a destination charge. The Tiguan offered a variety of exterior and interior colour options, but choices were limited by trim level. Our test vehicle featured Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Grey leather seats, a combination not available in Canada unless opting for the Highline R-Line trim. The Tiguan's design was conservative yet aging gracefully, with features like adaptive front lighting and a light bar across the grille enhancing its appeal. Inside, the cabin was upscale, with quality materials and a range of features, including a panoramic sunroof and digital instrumentation.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base model featured a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). It had a fuel economy rating of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The more enticing option was the 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. This engine also used the six-speed automatic and AWD, with a fuel economy of 9.8 L/100 km. The turbo engine's power increase was subtle, but structural and suspension improvements made the CX-5 feel more solid and responsive. The turbocharged engine provided a satisfying driving experience, especially on winding roads, with a firm and communicative ride quality.

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 Tiguan came standard with VW's 4Motion AWD system, offering various driving modes. The Tiguan's fuel economy was rated at 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but our test returned 10.4 L/100 km. The Tiguan's powertrain was adequate but lacked the smoothness and power of some competitors. The automatic transmission occasionally stumbled, and turbo lag was noticeable. However, the Tiguan's dynamic qualities were rewarding, with excellent tire grip and stable handling. The ride was compliant, and the Tiguan provided good road feel without excessive body motions. Visibility was excellent, and the Tiguan was easy to park, thanks to its nimble steering and available parking aids.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 received updates to its front seats for improved comfort and support. It offered a range of features, including power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Signature trim added luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior had limitations, such as small storage areas, cramped rear-seat space, and limited cargo capacity. It provided 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,680 litres with the seats folded, which was less than many rivals.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space. It offered a roomy interior with comfortable front seats featuring power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The Tiguan's dashboard had ergonomic issues, with touch-sensing controls that were difficult to use. However, the rear seat was spacious, with generous legroom and headroom. The cargo area was cavernous, accommodating 1,064 litres of cargo behind the second row and 2,078 litres with the seats folded. The Tiguan's hands-free power liftgate and adjustable load floor added convenience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. It lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the physical controls were awkward. The system required memorization and focus, making it distracting. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The test vehicle also had a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation, with R-Line trims offering a larger 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system had an 8-inch touchscreen with touch-sensitive controls and physical knobs. It included features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Fender premium sound system. However, the system's user interface was complex, with multi-layer processes for simple tasks. The voice recognition system was underwhelming, and the touch-sensing controls were distracting.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety features, with most driver assistance technologies standard under the i-Activsense banner. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim added features like a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received top safety ratings, including a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. However, it lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night, a common issue.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and an Automatic Post Collision Braking System. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Tiguan's safety technology worked well, with minimal false alerts. However, its crash-test ratings were incomplete, and the NHTSA noted a safety concern with the driver's door unlatching during a side-impact test. The IIHS gave the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, but this did not apply to 2023.