Mazda CX-9 vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda CX-9 and Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Mazda CX-9 and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
In comparing the Mazda CX-9's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Mazda CX-9's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2023 Mazda CX-9 ranges from $24,480 to $34,299 while a used 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is priced between $19,699 to $30,897. For a new model, the Mazda CX-9's price is between $38,027 and $46,161, with the Volkswagen Tiguan priced between $28,874 and $35,463.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda CX-9 loses 50.7 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Tiguan loses 47.8 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Tiguan retains 3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda CX-9.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 7.9 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Tiguan's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 8 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 13 out of 34. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 16 and the Volkswagen Tiguan is ranked 31.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 7.9 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Tiguan the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Mazda CX-9 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda CX-9’s base engine makes 250 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Tiguan base engine makes 184 horsepower. The CX-9 is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 507 miles. The Tiguan is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 474 miles.This gives the Volkswagen Tiguan the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Mazda CX-9 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mazda CX-9, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Tiguan, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the area of rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Mazda CX-9 has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Tiguan, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.45 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
38027 - 46161
Starting MSRP:
38750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
36046
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
28750 - 41535
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
28874 - 35463
Starting MSRP:
26950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
27723
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23610 - 37695
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
29384
Price Range:
24480 - 34299
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
34361
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
24907 - 50072
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
639
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
41027
# Good or Great Deals:
291
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
24899
Price Range:
19699 - 30897
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
26187
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
21318 - 30705
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
830
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
34624
# Good or Great Deals:
383
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
7.4 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-9
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.0
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.7 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.16
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Tiguan
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
9.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
7.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.02
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.7552022033699368
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 27.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2207382862833493
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.3 - 17.9
Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 67Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
9 out of / 34Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 20Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 56Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
33 out of / 34Ranking
34 out of / 34Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
39 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Ranking
65 out of / 67Summary Review
Mazda’s CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV that’s slightly smaller but more engaging to drive than most of its direct competitors.
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.
Pros and Cons
- Outstanding standard features make CX-9 a near-premium vehicle
- The Turbocharged engine is a reviewer’s favorite
- Aging infotainment setup
- Smaller than most of its segment peers
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature, Touring, Touring Plus
Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels
S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line Black, SE R-Line Black 4Motion, SEL R-Line 4Motion
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.45 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
250 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
320 foot-lbs @ 2500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
221 foot-lbs @ 1900 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 507 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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):
24 / 31 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
367 / 474 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
14.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
150.1 cubic feet
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:
36.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
12 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
65.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4409 lbs
Width:
86.9 inches
Height:
69 inches
Length:
199.4 inches
Wheelbase:
115.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3765 lbs
Width:
82.6 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
186.1 inches
Wheelbase:
109.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Gray
Machine Gray Metallic
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Sonic Silver Metallic
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Not available
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Interior Colors
Beige
Sand
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Storm Gray
