Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Mazda CX-50: A Compact SUV Comparison
Buying a new car, much like choosing an ice cream flavor, often boils down to personal taste. While objective qualities can be measured, the final decision hinges on which vehicle brings the most joy. In the competitive compact SUV segment, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 and the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan stand out as strong contenders, each with its own set of strengths. Ultimately, the choice between these two vehicles is a matter of preference.
Overview
The Mazda CX-50 boasts a wider trim lineup, starting at $31,675, and offering eight total trim levels. The top-trim CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus is priced at $44,675. In contrast, the Volkswagen Tiguan offers four trim levels. The Tiguan SEL R-Line, loaded with options, comes in at a more modest $40,700, including the Kings Red Metallic paint for $395. All-wheel drive is standard across the entire CX-50 lineup and on the SEL R-Line Tiguan, but it's a $1500 option on lower Tiguan trims.
The Mazda features a zippy turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. A less powerful naturally aspirated version is also available. All Tiguan trims are equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque.
Interior Comparison: Style vs. Utility
The Mazda CX-50's interior exudes class and sophistication. Dark leather drapes the cabin, creating a premium feel, enhanced by contrast piping and stitching on the seats. Forward visibility is good, but the low roofline slightly hinders rearward visibility, and some evaluators found the A-pillars to be too thick, potentially creating blind spots. Headroom in the Mazda could also be improved.
The Volkswagen Tiguan's interior leans towards a more utilitarian aesthetic. While the materials are of good quality, they lack the flashiness and style of the Mazda's moody feel. The driver sits more upright in the Volkswagen, which minimizes blind spots. The rear seat of the Tiguan feels more spacious compared to the Mazda's somewhat cramped rear seat.
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Ergonomics are a mixed bag in both vehicles. The Mazda's rotary-dial infotainment control is not particularly user-friendly, while the Volkswagen's imprecise touch-sliders and haptic climate controls can be frustrating. The Mazda offers a touchscreen as an alternative, but it requires an uncomfortable reach.
Fuel Economy and Practicality
The Volkswagen Tiguan demonstrates its value in fuel economy, outperforming the Mazda CX-50 in overall testing. During approximately 600 miles of evaluation, the Tiguan achieved 26 mpg, while the Mazda returned 23 mpg. However, in real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy testing, the difference narrowed, with the Tiguan earning 30 mpg and the Mazda achieving 29 mpg.
The Tiguan's extra length and taller roofline contribute to its superior cargo capacity. With the rear seats folded, the Tiguan can accommodate 25 carry-on-sized boxes, compared to 20 in the Mazda. With the rear seats up, the Tiguan still leads with 11 boxes, while the Mazda holds 9. Thus, the Tiguan crushes the CX-50 in practical storage.
Driving Experience and Performance
The Mazda CX-50 compensates for its lower fuel efficiency with a more engaging driving experience. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivers smooth acceleration and linear power. The turbocharger sound adds an element of excitement, appealing to driving enthusiasts. The CX-50 goes from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 6.4 seconds.
In contrast, the Volkswagen Tiguan's throttle response is sharp, but acceleration quickly diminishes. The Tiguan reaches 60 mph in a more leisurely 8.2 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission can be hesitant, often selecting a gear higher than desired during spirited driving.
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Compared to other crossovers in the segment, such as the Nissan Rogue and the Kia Sportage, both the CX-50 and the Tiguan exhibit impressive body control and handling. Both models offer precise steering. While the Mazda's steering feels artificially weighted, it provides slightly more precision and confidence compared to the Tiguan's somewhat overboosted steering. The Mazda effectively masks its compact crossover nature, offering a more enjoyable driving experience.
Additional Features of Volkswagen Jetta
The power windows standard on both the Jetta and the Mazda 3 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Jetta is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. If the windows are left open on the Jetta SE/R-Line/SEL/SEL Premium the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows with the driver’s door power window switch. The Jetta’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Jetta SEL to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Jetta’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Both the Jetta and the Mazda 3 offer available heated front seats. The Jetta SEL also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Standard air-conditioned seats in the Jetta SEL keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Jetta has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Compared to traditional radio, the Volkswagen Jetta’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience.
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