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2021 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. 2021 Mazda CX-5

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2021 Mazda CX-5 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2021 Mazda CX-5.

In comparing the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan's and the 2021 Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan's and the 2021 Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is a better car than the 2021 Mazda CX-5.

Pricing: A used 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan ranges from $18,198 to $27,981 while a used 2021 Mazda CX-5 is priced between $20,499 to $28,974.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan loses 41.3 percent of its value and the 2021 Mazda CX-5 loses 36.2 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Mazda CX-5 retains 5.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Tiguan is 8.2 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-5's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 8 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 10 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Volkswagen Tiguan is ranked 24 and the Mazda CX-5 is ranked 28.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.4 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-5 the reliability rating is 7.2 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Tiguan a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-5.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan’s base engine makes 184 horsepower, and the 2021 Mazda CX-5 base engine makes 187 horsepower. The Tiguan is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 444 miles. The CX-5 is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 459 miles. This gives the 2021 Mazda CX-5 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room and rear shoulder room. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.65 out of 5 Stars.

Overview

The Tiguan and CX-5 have similar MPG ratings, similar price points, and similar powertrains. Both have front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The Volkswagen Tiguan has a third-row option that the Mazda CX-5 lacks, and more cargo space with the second row up or down. The CX-5 has slightly more towing capacity and more legroom and headroom in both the first and second rows. In terms of drive quality, the VW aims primarily for mainstream drivers looking for comfort and confident handling while the Mazda embraces the corporate “Zoom Zoom” mantra with a noticeably sportier feel for driving enthusiasts. Neither of these small crossovers pretends to be an off-road player, preferring to stay on pavement and provide the confident, car-like ride and handling that most compact SUV shoppers are seeking.

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Model & Pricing
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
2021 Mazda CX-5

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
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2021 Volkswagen Tiguan for Sale

2021 Mazda CX-5
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2021 Mazda CX-5 for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$25,245

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$25,515

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$23,700 - $27,890

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$25,370

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$25,515

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$23,700 - $27,890

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$22,803

Price Range:

$18,198 - $27,981

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,444

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$20,734 - $27,641

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1,317

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

43,845

# Good or Great Deals:

450

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$24,631

Price Range:

$20,499 - $28,974

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,444

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$20,734 - $27,641

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

2,001

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

35,738

# Good or Great Deals:

624

Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.2 / 10

Reliability:

7.4 / 10

Retained Value:

7.9 / 10

Safety:

9.3 / 10

Mazda CX-5 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.2 / 10

Reliability:

7.2 / 10

Retained Value:

8.3 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

7.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

7.9

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

6.9 - 10.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.8%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Mazda CX-5

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

9.3

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

7.9

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

6.9 - 10.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

23.9%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

6.5

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.4

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.7 - 13.9

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

1.7

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.4

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.7 - 13.9

Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

2 / 4

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 34

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

7 / 20

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

7 / 14

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

8 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

8 / 21

Best Small SUVs

8 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

8 / 19

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

9 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

12 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

12 / 19

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 39

Most Reliable Small SUVs

13 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

13 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

13 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

13 / 13

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

15 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

15 / 19

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

Best Off-road Small SUVs

18 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

18 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

20 / 30

Best Crossover SUVs

24 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

24 / 59

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

25 / 39

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

27 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

27 / 39

Safest Crossover SUVs

28 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

30 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

31 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

32 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

32 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

32 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

32 / 39

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

33 / 67

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

33 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

35 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

37 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

45 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

46 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

47 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

47 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

63 / 67

Mazda CX-5 Rankings

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

3 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for Teens

4 / 7

Best Small SUVs for Teens

4 / 6

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

5 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

8 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

9 / 20

Best Small SUVs for Towing

9 / 19

Best Family Small SUVs

9 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

9 / 19

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

9 / 14

Best Small SUVs

10 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

12 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

14 / 19

Best Off-road Small SUVs

14 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

14 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

15 / 19

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

17 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

18 / 19

Best Family Crossover SUVs

19 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

20 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

20 / 59

Best Crossover SUVs

28 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

32 / 67

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

34 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

35 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

35 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

36 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

39 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

43 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

47 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

50 / 67

Summary Review

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact sport utility vehicle with a reputation for engaging driving dynamics and upscale interior materials. The Tiguan has become VW’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. and is currently in its second generation, with new models averaging $30,442 and 3-year-old models averaging $22,319.

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Summary Review

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover with seating for five and a reputation as a favorite for drivers. The current Mazda CX-5 was redesigned for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $32,211 and recent models averaging $23,771.

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Pros and Cons

  • New generation is roomier and more fuel efficient
  • Optional three-row seating is occasionally useful
  • Driving dynamics are engaging

  • Acceleration not as strong as some competitors
  • Fuel efficiency could be better
  • First-generation’s cargo space was limited

Pros and Cons

  • Dynamic driving experience
  • Near-luxury interior design and materials
  • Available 250-hp turbo engine on newer models

  • No hybrid available
  • Fuel economy lags class leaders
  • Non-turbo models could use more power

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels

S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line Black, SE R-Line Black 4Motion, SEL, SEL 4Motion, SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion

2021 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels

Carbon Edition, Carbon Edition Turbo, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, Signature, Sport, Touring

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.65 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

184 hp @ 4400 rpm

Torque:

221 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.049 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

187 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.053 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


23 / 29 / 25

Range (city/hwy):

352 / 444 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


25 / 31 / 28

Range (city/hwy):

370 / 459 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

N/A

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

N/A

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

Standard

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Lane Departure Warning:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Available

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.6 inches

Front Leg Room:

40.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.1 inches

Rear Leg Room:

36.5 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.9 inches

Cargo Space:

12 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

65.7 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

135.9 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

41 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

39 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.6 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

54.8 inches

Cargo Space:

30.9 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

59.6 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

134.5 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3735 lbs

Width:

72.4 inches

Height:

66.3 inches

Length:

185.1 inches

Wheelbase:

109.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.9 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3552 lbs

Width:

83.3 inches

Height:

66.2 inches

Length:

179.1 inches

Wheelbase:

106.2 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.5 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

215/65R17

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P225/65R17

Exterior Colors

Black

Deep Black Pearl

Blue

Atlantic Blue Metallic

Gray

Platinum Gray Metallic

Silver

Pyrite Silver Metallic

White

Pure White

Red

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Jet Black Mica

Blue

Eternal Blue Mica

Gray

Not available

Silver

Not available

White

Snowflake White Pearl Mica

Red

Soul Red Crystal Metallic

Interior Colors

Black

Titan Black

Gray

Storm Gray

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Not available

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