Compact SUVs are the modern do-it-all vehicle, combining value, efficiency, easy driving manners, and excellent everyday practicality. No wonder they are the most popular vehicles and the segment with the most choices. Two such examples with standout features are the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. Here’s how they compare.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has all the traits shoppers are looking for in a compact SUV, including practicality, value, and efficiency. Yet its x-factor is that the Mazda is also among the most fun-to-drive vehicles in its class. Even with the base 187-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, the CX-5 is more invigorating than you might expect. If you opt for the turbocharged CX-5 with up to 256 horsepower, this compact SUV becomes just plain quick.
All CX-5 models come with a long list of standard features, including driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control. This year, the base S trim returns, which means an even more approachable starting price.
Mazda CX-5 Highlights
All-wheel drive: Mazda is among the few automakers whose SUV lineups come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The VW Tiguan offers it, but you have to pay extra.
Premium design: The CX-5 is a sharp-looking SUV inside and out. Its exterior is curvy and athletic, and Mazda continues to create some of the most vibrant paint colors available. Inside, Mazda’s fine build quality and premium materials make it feel like a more expensive vehicle.
Turbo engine: If you’re buying a Mazda CX-5 for its athletic nature and really want to make the most of its excellent chassis, consider opting for this upgrade engine. It really dials up the fun factor in this compact SUV.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-5 models for sale near you
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is all-new this year, which marks its third generation. It sheds the former 3-row cabin setup of the last generation and gains more technology, more power, and more amenities. In addition to its European manners and panache, the Tiguan brings one class-exclusive feature that commuters might love. See below.
Volkswagen Tiguan Highlights
Massaging seats: The Tiguan becomes the first mainstream compact SUV to offer this luxurious feature. Top-line models get massaging driver and front passenger seats, which are also heated and ventilated for further comfort.
Harman Kardon audio: Also standard on the top SEL R-Line, our ears love hearing tunes from Harman Kardon systems, and we love that one can be had in a mainstream compact SUV.
Ample screen space: All Tiguan models come with a slick 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and the three lower trims have a crisp 12.9-inch touchscreen to handle infotainment duties. Want bigger? The top trim grants that with a 15-inch unit.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Tiguan models for sale near you
Similarities
These 5-passenger compact SUVs are both among the more exciting and fun-to-drive vehicles in their class, plus boast similar practicality.
New 2025 MAZDA CX-5 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (68101)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$30,265 |
$29,235 |
|||
$31,595 |
$30,100 |
|||
$32,245 |
$31,509 |
|||
$33,845 |
$32,606 |
|||
$36,895 |
$35,869 |
|||
$38,695 |
$37,503 |
|||
$39,495 |
$38,306 |
|||
$42,295 |
$41,330 |
New 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (68101)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$30,920 |
$30,920 |
|||
$32,420 |
$32,420 |
|||
$33,720 |
$33,720 |
|||
$35,220 |
$35,220 |
|||
$36,880 |
TBD |
|||
$38,380 |
$38,380 |
|||
$41,180 |
$41,180 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-5 vehicles and New 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 MAZDA CX-5 | 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 pounds | 1,500 pounds |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 201 hp @ 4,400 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 207 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 6-speed skyactiv-drive w/manual & sport modes | automatic, 8-speed w/tiptronic & sport mode |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/29 highway/25 combined mpg | 26 city/34 highway/29 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.2 inches | 109.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 180.1 inches | 184.4 inches |
| Width | 83.3 inches | N/A |
| Height | 66.1 inches | 66.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.1 feet | 38.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.0 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.6 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.1 inches | 57.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 54.8 inches | 55.7 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 59.3 feet | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 starts at a slightly lower price and has all-wheel drive standard, further enhancing its value proposition. It’s the older among these two, yet it still brings a lot to the table, especially if you like a more dynamic driving experience. With its revamp for 2025, the Tiguan is fresher and brings enhanced tech and its own set of amenities. Each really does have its winning ways. We recommend assessing your budget, test driving both, and seeing which woos the driver in you.
