Yahoo Autos Comparison Test: 2024 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Split a Lot of Hairs
Buying ice cream—much like shopping for a car—is a matter of taste. Sure, there are objective qualities to measure (something we focus on quite extensively), but after mulling over your fourth free sample, you choose the flavor you think will bring you the most joy. None of the options is bad; ice cream is a delicious treat no matter the flavor, but in the end, you follow your gut. Literally.
New-car shopping is quite similar. When choosing between compact SUVs like the 2024 Mazda CX-50 and the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan—two vehicles with more positive qualities than negative—the final choice often comes down to a simple matter of taste. We rounded up a pair of crossovers dressed to the nines with options, loaded up a weekend's worth of luggage, and headed for the hills to see which SUV our taste buds preferred.
What We Tested
The Mazda's trim lineup offers more flavors than the Volkswagen's, with an entry model starting at $31,675 and eight total trim levels compared to the VW's four. Our top-trim CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus fetched $44,675, while our Tiguan SEL R-Line was equally loaded and stickered at a more modest $40,700, with the only addition being the Kings Red Metallic paint for $395. All-wheel drive is standard across the entire CX-50 lineup and on the SEL R-Line, but on lower Tiguan trims, all-wheel drive is a $1500 option.
The Mazda's zippy turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder is good for 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque (there's also a less powerful naturally aspirated version). No matter the trim, all Tiguans feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder putting out 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque.
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line
HIGHS: Costco-ready interior, compliant ride and handling.
LOWS: Unenthusiastic powertrain, frustrating mix of new and old infotainment controls.
VERDICT: Practicality without any flashiness.
Interior Comparison
The CX-50's interior is all class from the moment you open the door. Dark leather is draped throughout the cabin, helping the CX-50 feel certifiably premium, especially with contrast piping and stitching on the seats. Forward visibility from the driver's seat is good, but the low roofline hinders rearward visibility a bit. Headroom in the Mazda also could be better, and one evaluator complained about too-thick A-pillars.
The vibe from the German is a bit more utilitarian, to the surprise of nobody. The Tiguan's materials are nice but not too flashy or stylish against the Mazda's moody feel. The driver sits more upright in the Volkswagen, minimizing blind spots. And whereas the Mazda's rear seat feels cramped, the Volkswagen's earned praise for its airiness.
Neither car manages to earn top marks in the ergonomics department. The Mazda's finicky rotary-dial infotainment control is far from our favorite, while the Volkswagen frustrated our testers with its array of imprecise touch-sliders and haptic climate controls. The Mazda at least offers a workaround of sorts, with the inclusion of a touchscreen that you have to lean uncomfortably far forward to use.
