2025 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 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 low, long, athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90 continued this premium look with an elegantly rendered interior featuring polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 stood out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs for its sophistication and upscale feel.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, marking the start of its third generation. It adopted a sleek modernity reminiscent of VW's electric vehicles, particularly evident in the front with narrower headlights and an illuminated VW badge and light bar in the top Highline R-Line trim. The grille appeared larger, with smaller actual openings and prominent air intakes. The Tiguan's side profile featured a sportier tapering hatch, enhanced by a black contrasting roof and dark-tinted windows. The rear showcased a single bar taillight spanning the liftgate, echoing the front's illuminated elements. Inside, the Tiguan embraced modernization with a minimalist dashboard, digital instrument panel, and a tablet-like infotainment display. The interior materials were average for the class, with soft-touch materials in contact areas and durable plastics in the rear seats.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants, with the standard 3.3 Turbo generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. An eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system, biased towards the rear wheels, provided better driving dynamics. The CX-90's maximum towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour, especially when cold. Despite these issues, the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, offering a firm and communicative suspension. Sport mode enhanced throttle response and steering, but Normal mode provided smoother driving.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive ensured smooth power delivery. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to reach 100 km/h in approximately 8.5 seconds, adequate for most drivers. The suspension favoured comfort, smoothing over road imperfections while maintaining composure in corners. The Tiguan's cabin remained quiet, even on coarse roads, enhancing the overall driving experience. While not sporty, the Tiguan's performance was well-suited for its target audience. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, offering 268 hp and 258 lb-ft, appealing to more spirited drivers.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with height-adjustable armrests and window shades. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. The CX-90's cargo space measured 451 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,155 litres with the third row folded and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened. Storage options were limited, with a shallow bin under the centre armrest and minimal door panel storage.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, increasing second-row legroom by nearly 4 centimetres. The elimination of capacitive-touch buttons improved usability, with traditional controls on the steering wheel. Outward visibility was comparable to other small SUVs, with narrow front roof pillars and a sufficiently large rear window. The centre console offered more storage, with cupholders, a smartphone slot, and a deep armrest bin. The Tiguan's cargo capacity reached 1,668 litres behind the first-row seatbacks, though capacity behind the second row was not finalized. The angled liftgate hatch limited loading of bulkier items, but deep pockets behind the wheel humps provided convenient storage. Remote seatback releases and a power liftgate enhanced practicality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment screen in the Signature trim, with traditional gauges and smaller screens in lower trims. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was subpar, 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, including blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch display on the top trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, paired with a wireless phone charger in the centre armrest bin. A new volume knob replaced capacitive-touch sliders, simplifying control of the infotainment system and drive modes. The standard audio system featured seven speakers, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system available on the top trim. VW's Car-Net system offered remote monitoring and control.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. 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 steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, safe exit warning, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided hands-on driving aid, though it had some issues with speed reduction and lane marking detection.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash test results were not yet available. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, safe passenger exit warnings, parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The Emergency Assist system slowed the vehicle to a stop if the driver was incapacitated, and post-collision braking reduced the likelihood of secondary impacts. The Highline R-Line trim added a head-up display, surround-view camera system, and traffic sign reader. The safety and driver assist features functioned as expected, with no false alarms or oversensitivity issues.