2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

If you’ve recently shopped for an SUV, you’ve probably come across the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2023 Mazda CX-50. These two SUVs have spacious, comfortable, and tech-laden cabins. In addition, you get impressive capabilities with both. So, how do you determine which model is better? To help, we had our SUV experts provide a head-to-head comparison.

Images courtesy of vw.com and mazda.com

Trim Levels and Pricing

Volkswagen makes the Tiguan in four trim levels, while the CX-50 from Mazda comes in 10 trims. We’ve detailed the pricing by trim in the table below:

Volkswagen separates the Tiguan trims by equipment levels, while Mazda breaks down the models by engine type and equipment. Volkswagen keeps it simple, in part because there’s only one turbocharged engine to choose from in its lineup. When you compare equipment, the Tiguan base model comes better equipped at a lower price than the CX-50 2.5 S. However, to get an apples-to-apples comparison, the Tiguan S with its turbo engine should go against the CX-50 2.5 Turbo, which costs over $10,000 more.

Tiguan SE lines up with the 2.5 S Preferred Plus and comes in at a lower price. The top-tier Tiguan SEL R-Line Black compares with the Meridian Edition in terms of the signature style and the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus in terms of equipment, yet it still has a lower MSRP.

Edge: 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

When comparing trim levels and pricing, it’s clear that less is more. The Tiguan doesn’t need 10 trims to give you the equipment you desire at a fair price.

Performance

Tiguan’s 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. As a result, this powertrain produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, and the engine achieves 30 mpg on the freeway.

Mazda offers two powertrain configurations. The 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission deliver 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque and achieve up to 30 mpg on the highway.

Mazda’s 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder turbo engine boosts your power numbers to 256 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Plus, it achieves 29 mpg on the interstate.

Tiguan’s top model SEL R-Line Black comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). All other models feature a capable front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform. Unfortunately, Mazda doesn’t make an FWD CX-50.

Edge: Even

The Mazda CX-50 has more power, and both vehicles’ fuel economy remains the same. However, Volkswagen smartly set the Tiguan lineup as an FWD vehicle with the top tier as AWD. This setup allows you to save money if you don’t need the AWD. If you want the added capability, you should get the SEL R-Line Black trim. Mazda’s AWD platform offers the same capability as Tiguan’s AWD, but without the option for FWD, you don’t have a choice. Therefore, there’s no opportunity to save money.

Interior Comfort and Convenience

Perhaps the most significant difference in the interior is Tiguan’s three rows of seats. The base model S comes with premium cloth upholstery, while the middle trims have V-Tex seating material. V-Tex offers the beauty and comfort of leather with more durability. However, the SEL R-Line Black comes standard with leather seats if you want a more luxurious style.

Tiguan’s 50/50 split-folding third row folds flat to accommodate oversized cargo. The 40/20/40 split-folding second row can fold flat for more cargo and reclines for comfort. Behind the third row, you have 12 cu ft of storage. Folding the third row flat gives you 37.3 cu ft; with the second and third rows folded, you open it up to 73.4 cu ft.

A heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated seats add refined comfort. Plus, all your in-vehicle tech runs through a touch screen equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, which come pre-installed. These systems let you sync your smartphone for hands-free operations.

The Mazda CX-50 only has two rows of seats for five people. The lower trims have premium cloth seats, and the middle tiers feature partially trimmed faux leather material. Only the top models come with leather upholstery. However, you have 31.4 cu ft of cargo space behind the second row. Folding the rear seat flat creates 56.3 cu ft of space.

Mazda also has cutting-edge in-vehicle tech with touch-screen capability, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth streaming.

Edge: 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

In this case, more is more. Tiguan’s three rows provide superior passenger volume, and when you need to haul gear, the Tiguan can handle more.

Safety Systems

Every Volkswagen Tiguan has a suite of driver-assist systems that monitor, alert, and intervene if necessary. For example, the front assist system scans the way forward for obstacles and alerts you when present. If you fail to react, the system engages emergency brake support to help mitigate or avoid an accident.

Other systems, such as travel assist and lane assist, help you stay within marked lanes. The emergency assist system can detect when you stop steering, accelerating, and braking. For example, if you pass out due to a medical condition, the system notices and begins slowing and stopping your Tiguan safely. Then, the system dispatches emergency response teams to help.

The Mazda CX-50 offers all the same driver-assist systems, with the notable absence of the emergency assist system.

Edge: 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

The emergency assist system adds a layer of protection you don’t get with the CX-50.

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Beats the 2023 Mazda CX-50

The Tiguan offers the same equipment as the CX-50 at lower prices. In addition, you enjoy similar power numbers. Inside, the Tiguan has the advantage of a third row, and the emergency assist system puts Volkswagen way ahead of not just the CX-50 but also all the competition. If you’re ready to explore the benefits of Tiguan, we invite you to browse our inventory online. Of course, you can always visit the VW of Marion showroom on DeYoung Street, and one of our friendly staff will show you the Tiguan and let you take it for a spin.