Mazda CX-5 vs Volkswagen Tiguan

The Mazda CX-5 starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Tiguan opens at $44,990. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $5,000.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $43,989 and $49,489 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Mazda CX-5 and 83% for the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Volkswagen Tiguan, against 5 on the Mazda CX-5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

The Mazda CX-5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Tiguan gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mazda CX-5 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Volkswagen Tiguan counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mazda CX-5 uses a Petrol producing 132kW and 242Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.

The Volkswagen Tiguan responds with a 1.4 litre TSI making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a 7-speed dsg driving the front wheels.

The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mazda CX-5 measures 4,690mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 151mm longer than the Volkswagen Tiguan at 4,539mm (2,681mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 466L in the Mazda CX-5 and 652L in the Volkswagen Tiguan, giving the Volkswagen Tiguan a 186L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1594L vs 1650L.

For towing, the Volkswagen Tiguan leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tiguan. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-5.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tiguan). Both match on warranty length.