2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

$30,500 · Crossover

$30,245 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan often comes down to prioritizing rugged capability versus urban efficiency. If you need genuine all-weather confidence standard, the CX-50 has you covered with its standard All-Wheel Drive, despite a slightly lower combined MPG of 28 versus the Tiguan's 29 MPG. The Tiguan counters with a slightly lower MSRP at $30,245 compared to the CX-50's $30,500, and offers more power, boasting 201 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. However, the Tiguan's standard FWD configuration is a trade-off for commuters. Dimensionally, the CX-50 is wider at 75.6 inches, while the taller Tiguan stands at 66.1 inches. While the Tiguan offers a quicker-shifting 8-speed automatic, the CX-50 provides substantially more maximum cargo space at 31.4 cubic feet, which is a significant advantage for practical haulers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy (29 combined MPG) and slightly lower entry price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 offers superior practicality with its significantly larger 31.4 cu ft cargo capacity, ideal for family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan offers superior performance metrics with 201 hp and a more modern 8-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan is the slightly better value proposition, offering more horsepower for a $255 lower starting MSRP.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability right out of the box for adverse weather.
You prioritize maximum cargo space, as the CX-50 offers 31.4 cu ft compared to 26.5 cu ft.
You prefer the specific driving dynamics and feel of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Choose the Volkswagen Tiguan if...

Your driving is mostly on dry, city roads where FWD is sufficient and MPG efficiency is key (29 combined MPG).
You want the punchier performance delivered by the 201 hp engine.
You appreciate the taller stature (66.1 inches height) for potentially easier ingress/egress.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Volkswagen Tiguan
Length	185.8"	184.4"
Width	75.6"	73.0"
Height	63.5"	66.1"
Wheelbase	110.8"	109.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	201 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	207 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	377.0/493.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	12.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	7
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.0 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	54.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	53.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	215/65R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Tiguan than the CX-50?

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan has a noticeable power advantage, delivering 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the standard Mazda CX-50 configuration provides 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover is better for hauling cargo and gear?

The Mazda CX-50 is the clear winner for pure cargo volume, offering 31.4 cubic feet. The Volkswagen Tiguan provides 26.5 cubic feet, which is less capacity for those bigger grocery hauls or trips to the home improvement store.

Is the base drivetrain significantly different between these two models?

Yes, the drive types are a major differentiator; the CX-50 includes standard All-Wheel Drive, while the Tiguan comes standard with Front Wheel Drive. This impacts standard traction capabilities immediately upon purchase.

Which vehicle saves more money at the gas pump?

The Tiguan edges out the CX-50 slightly in fuel economy, achieving 29 combined MPG versus the CX-50's 28 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Tiguan's City/Highway ratings (26/34 MPG) are slightly better than the CX-50's (25/31 MPG).

How does the transmission technology compare?

The Tiguan utilizes a more modern 8-speed automatic transmission designed for smoother shifts and efficiency. The CX-50 sticks with a tried-and-true 6-speed shiftable automatic.

Are these crossovers similarly sized for tight parking spots?

They are close in length, with the Tiguan being slightly shorter at 184.4 inches compared to the CX-50's 185.8 inches. However, the CX-50 is significantly wider at 75.6 inches versus the Tiguan's 73.0 inches.