2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented itself as a stylish and premium-looking compact SUV, especially when compared to its non-European competitors. Its design elements, such as standard LED headlights and taillights, along with an illuminated grille light line on the Highline R-Line trim, contributed to its upscale appearance. The exterior was further enhanced by silver roof rails on the Highline R-Line, while lower trims featured black rails. The rear end showcased the model name in a bold, all-caps style, complemented by the classic Volkswagen badge. Colour options were limited on the base Trendline trim, but higher trims offered more vibrant choices and varied interior colourways.

Inside, the Tiguan offered a range of features across its trims. The base Trendline came with heated front seats and cloth upholstery, while the Comfortline added power adjustability and leatherette upholstery. The R-Line trims included a panoramic sunroof, and the Highline R-Line upgraded to real leather, front-seat ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and more advanced seat adjustability. Despite its compact SUV classification, the Tiguan's design and features aimed to provide a more luxurious feel.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to its athletic stance. The interior continued this premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear, although some materials reflected its price point.

However, the CX-90's design was not without its flaws. Ergonomic issues included a confusing electronic shifter, an awkwardly placed hazard flasher button, and a lack of touchscreen operation for the native Mazda Connect infotainment functions. The climate panel's temperature-adjustment switchgear was also counterintuitive. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90's overall design and feel were sophisticated, setting it apart from many midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, avoiding the common continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). In Canada, the Tiguan came standard with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). Fuel economy ratings were 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 8.0 on the highway, and 9.4 combined for non R-Line configurations, while the R-Line trims had slightly higher consumption.

Driving the Tiguan Highline R-Line revealed some inconsistencies in power delivery, with both the turbo and transmission lagging in certain acceleration scenarios. The gas pedal was touchy, even in Eco mode, and the brake pedal had excessive travel. Steering was light and somewhat rubbery, though visibility and handling were commendable, making the vehicle feel more maneuverable than expected. Road noise was minimal, and the ride was comfortable, though seating surfaces drew some complaints.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The standard-output models produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). The power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, which biased power to the rear wheels for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered driving modes including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms.

Despite its impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain lacked refinement, especially shortly after engine start-up. Power delivery and transmission behaviour were unpredictable until warmed up, and unwanted engine surge was noted in certain situations. The vehicle also suffered from a lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness, affecting overall refinement. However, the CX-90's suspension was firm and communicative, providing a dynamic driving experience, especially in Normal mode.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a two-row seating configuration as standard, with an optional third row available for an additional cost. The two-row version provided 1,064 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. The three-row configuration reduced cargo space to 340 litres behind the third row, 934 litres with it folded, and 1,849 litres with only the front seats in position. Passenger space was minimally affected by the third row, with the second row offering 983 mm of legroom, dropping to 924 mm with the third row equipped. The third row was notably tighter, with 858 mm of headroom and 708 mm of legroom.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, in Signature trim, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and second-row captain’s chairs. The three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly, but once cooled, the eight-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable for long trips. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. However, the CX-90's long rear doors could make loading children challenging, and the third row was best suited for children on longer trips.

Cargo space in the CX-90 was 451 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,155 litres with it folded, and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened. Storage options were limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the centre armrest, and minimal door panel storage.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to operate. However, the physical volume knob was less user-friendly due to its integrated on/off button. The infotainment system relied on nearly monochromatic graphics, accessed through an 8-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the R-Line trims offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro screen. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard had a traditional look, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring the use of a centre console knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was lacking, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The 12-speaker Bose audio system delivered a rewarding listening experience, and the Active Driving Display provided helpful data.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though it had not yet received the same 2024 distinction. Standard safety features included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, emergency calling, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and Emergency Assist were available on higher trims, providing semi-autonomous highway driving and parking assistance.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, with the gas-only models receiving four-star ratings in frontal-impact testing. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system.