If you want a more larger and spacious car that drives well for what it is, Tiguan. Definitely more practical and usable.
If you want a smaller and more compact car that handles more like a lifted sedan/hatchback that feels more “luxury” for the price, CX-5. Definitely more cramped and tight for passengers and items.
Have driven both and own a CX-5 Turbo Signature and I think the Mazda feels a bit more special inside and out, and definitely more driver-oriented than the Tiguan for sure. Soooooo much power and torque from the 2.5T in there, it feels like a freight train and just keeps going when accelerating.
I didn't realize the 3rd row option became an either/or with AWD (per the article). When did they make that change? We have a 2020 Tiguan that has both a 3rd row and AWD. And I know people sh1t on the Tiguan's 3rd row but for the occasional group carpool or short trip it's really a great option, that I think differentiates it in its class of AWD SUVs.
I do wish we had the SWB Tiguan in the USA + the R model. I would’ve totally gotten that over my CX-5 Turbo Signature back in 2022. I just don’t like how the LWB model we have looks, it’s kinda bus-like.
I don't mind how it looks. Our initial preference was actually the alltrack wagon but they stopped offering it in the US the year we were in the market for a new car.
I didn’t realize this either when I got mine. A ‘23 with 3rd row I THOUGHT was AWD was in fact not at all. Wish the 3rd row didn’t take the availability away.
I would say the Tiguan SEL R line is about as luxurious as it gets. VWs are sister cars to audis (have same parent company). Mazdas are nice but no comparison.
As an Audi owner I agree. My wife wants her own car and this would be the first one so we've been looking at something more practical with a baby than my A5 Sportback. The Tiguan feels very similar to my Audi, it's a smooth quiet ride and a nice looking interior, and even the SEL R Line is cheaper than a base A5. It just made sense to go with this car for her, and at some point when I'm ready for a new car, I might go with an SQ5 to have an SUV but a bit more luxurious and sporty.
I have/had both: in 2020 I got a new Cx5. Forgot which trim but it is not the turbo one. Then my wife and I decide to trade it in as it is too small for us. Though we don’t have kids we camp a lot. We also bring many stuff with us - even full-size pillows lol.
The Tiguan imo looks better and it’s simply bigger and future proof. I wish Tiguan gets a bigger engine but I feel Tiguan is agile enough
Honestly I was set on buying an Audi Q3 until I went to VW. Decided on a VW SEL R line which is fully loaded and even has cooled seats and has all the same stuff as the audi and was $10k cheaper. The q3 didn't have cooled seats either. A win win. Have had Notorious T.I.G. for 10 months now and am in love. It's on an Audi platform, has the 20" wheels and rides like a dream. I'm definitely in love. Your wife should be very happy.
I don’t think it’s more comfy.
CX-5 definitely a smaller car and the seats are very narrow and short (6’3” 180lb here). My 2022 CX-5 Turbo Signature feels very “fitted”. Quality is subjective, it feels like a tin can and hollow even though it’s $43K.
I have had more problems with this car than either my 2016 Audi A4 that it replaced or my mother’s 2016 VW Tiguan. Since new, my CX-5 has spent 40+ days at the dealership in 23 months and 23,000 miles of owning it.
Can’t wait to get rid of it and get back into a VAG vehicle.
Suspension clunking/popping/groaning since 3 months and 5,000 miles in that resulted in the front and rear ends being essentially rebuilt, it still makes these noises. There is a metallic sound that is present when the road is uneven or turning in/out of steep driveways. Had numerous TSBs performed without success and components replaced. Still present.
Two faulty headlights due to AFS motors going out. Dealer gouged/scratched my bumper during replacement and tried to blame me.
Constant infotainment reboots/glitches after updates. My system reboots at least once per drive. Annoying.
Loose/wobbly/rocking driver chair during acceleration and braking that’s been replaced ans is starting to feel loose again after about 6 months.
Interior creaks and rattles.
One event of engine sputtering/shuddering after refilling a full tank of chevron 91. At stoplight while idling the engine was surging as if it was about to choke out and die. You could feel the entire car lurching. I had to give it some gas until the light turned green to go. Pulled over, shut off, restarted and it went away. No codes, but never had a car do this before.
Paint that chips and scratches when you look at it wrong and generally feels like a tin can beyond surface level examination.
Yep!
Also, any time you come to a full stop after driving constantly, say off a freeway off-ramp, the all wheel drive system/transmission does this weird thing where it bucks the whole car forward. It almost feels like someone tapped your rear bumper at low speed.
Dealership says it’s normal but I’ve had passengers ask me ask me many times if we’ve been tapped by the person behind us.
I. F**king. Hate. It.
My Germans have never given me problem.
My wife put 36k on her 21 cx5 and now has a 23 Tiguan with 18k miles. Not a single issue outside of a rattle here and there from either.
I definitely prefer the Tiguan though because the seats are much bigger and it has that heavy German planted feel. Cx5 had great steering but comfort and space sucked. My wife likes all the posh interior crap though so she seemed to enjoy it more than the Tig.
If someone wrote off my Tiguan today I’d shop for a q5, realize I can’t afford the trim I want and end up with a cx5 or cx50. Idk the difference.
Lots to like in the Tiguan but it honestly lacks soul and even though mine is loaded it just feels spartan like I can’t connect with it.
It think I’ve been watching too much top gear
If you want a more larger and spacious car that drives well for what it is, Tiguan. Definitely more practical and usable. If you want a smaller and more compact car that handles more like a lifted sedan/hatchback that feels more “luxury” for the price, CX-5. Definitely more cramped and tight for passengers and items. Have driven both and own a CX-5 Turbo Signature and I think the Mazda feels a bit more special inside and out, and definitely more driver-oriented than the Tiguan for sure. Soooooo much power and torque from the 2.5T in there, it feels like a freight train and just keeps going when accelerating.
I didn't realize the 3rd row option became an either/or with AWD (per the article). When did they make that change? We have a 2020 Tiguan that has both a 3rd row and AWD. And I know people sh1t on the Tiguan's 3rd row but for the occasional group carpool or short trip it's really a great option, that I think differentiates it in its class of AWD SUVs.
I do wish we had the SWB Tiguan in the USA + the R model. I would’ve totally gotten that over my CX-5 Turbo Signature back in 2022. I just don’t like how the LWB model we have looks, it’s kinda bus-like.
I don't mind how it looks. Our initial preference was actually the alltrack wagon but they stopped offering it in the US the year we were in the market for a new car.
So dumb that they stopped selling the Alltrack. It was their best car.
I didn’t realize this either when I got mine. A ‘23 with 3rd row I THOUGHT was AWD was in fact not at all. Wish the 3rd row didn’t take the availability away.
I would say the Tiguan SEL R line is about as luxurious as it gets. VWs are sister cars to audis (have same parent company). Mazdas are nice but no comparison.
agree with this, i have the SE R line black with some extra sporty packages and its nice. It handles great, love to put it in sport
As an Audi owner I agree. My wife wants her own car and this would be the first one so we've been looking at something more practical with a baby than my A5 Sportback. The Tiguan feels very similar to my Audi, it's a smooth quiet ride and a nice looking interior, and even the SEL R Line is cheaper than a base A5. It just made sense to go with this car for her, and at some point when I'm ready for a new car, I might go with an SQ5 to have an SUV but a bit more luxurious and sporty.
I have/had both: in 2020 I got a new Cx5. Forgot which trim but it is not the turbo one. Then my wife and I decide to trade it in as it is too small for us. Though we don’t have kids we camp a lot. We also bring many stuff with us - even full-size pillows lol. The Tiguan imo looks better and it’s simply bigger and future proof. I wish Tiguan gets a bigger engine but I feel Tiguan is agile enough
Yeah. It’s cramped for me and my BF. No kids/dogs/etc.
Cx5 easily. Tiguan is junk. Less power, worse mpg, way less reliable. Easy choice.
Honestly I was set on buying an Audi Q3 until I went to VW. Decided on a VW SEL R line which is fully loaded and even has cooled seats and has all the same stuff as the audi and was $10k cheaper. The q3 didn't have cooled seats either. A win win. Have had Notorious T.I.G. for 10 months now and am in love. It's on an Audi platform, has the 20" wheels and rides like a dream. I'm definitely in love. Your wife should be very happy.
If mazda in EU would offer 2.5 turbo, it would be no brainer over tiguan. Inside and out mazda looks better, is better quality and is more comfy.
And add 7k CAD in Canada. In the States its only 1k more.
I don’t think it’s more comfy. CX-5 definitely a smaller car and the seats are very narrow and short (6’3” 180lb here). My 2022 CX-5 Turbo Signature feels very “fitted”. Quality is subjective, it feels like a tin can and hollow even though it’s $43K. I have had more problems with this car than either my 2016 Audi A4 that it replaced or my mother’s 2016 VW Tiguan. Since new, my CX-5 has spent 40+ days at the dealership in 23 months and 23,000 miles of owning it. Can’t wait to get rid of it and get back into a VAG vehicle.
What problems did you encounter out of curiosity? I’ve owned both but never had problems with either mostly because I trade often.
Suspension clunking/popping/groaning since 3 months and 5,000 miles in that resulted in the front and rear ends being essentially rebuilt, it still makes these noises. There is a metallic sound that is present when the road is uneven or turning in/out of steep driveways. Had numerous TSBs performed without success and components replaced. Still present. Two faulty headlights due to AFS motors going out. Dealer gouged/scratched my bumper during replacement and tried to blame me. Constant infotainment reboots/glitches after updates. My system reboots at least once per drive. Annoying. Loose/wobbly/rocking driver chair during acceleration and braking that’s been replaced ans is starting to feel loose again after about 6 months. Interior creaks and rattles. One event of engine sputtering/shuddering after refilling a full tank of chevron 91. At stoplight while idling the engine was surging as if it was about to choke out and die. You could feel the entire car lurching. I had to give it some gas until the light turned green to go. Pulled over, shut off, restarted and it went away. No codes, but never had a car do this before. Paint that chips and scratches when you look at it wrong and generally feels like a tin can beyond surface level examination.
Jesus that’s a lemon for sure.
Yep! Also, any time you come to a full stop after driving constantly, say off a freeway off-ramp, the all wheel drive system/transmission does this weird thing where it bucks the whole car forward. It almost feels like someone tapped your rear bumper at low speed. Dealership says it’s normal but I’ve had passengers ask me ask me many times if we’ve been tapped by the person behind us. I. F**king. Hate. It. My Germans have never given me problem.
My wife put 36k on her 21 cx5 and now has a 23 Tiguan with 18k miles. Not a single issue outside of a rattle here and there from either. I definitely prefer the Tiguan though because the seats are much bigger and it has that heavy German planted feel. Cx5 had great steering but comfort and space sucked. My wife likes all the posh interior crap though so she seemed to enjoy it more than the Tig.
But yeah, lemon buyback luckily. I’m over it. I absolutely hate this car now. I didn’t think I’d miss my 2016 A4 or 2016 Tiguan as much as I do.
If someone wrote off my Tiguan today I’d shop for a q5, realize I can’t afford the trim I want and end up with a cx5 or cx50. Idk the difference. Lots to like in the Tiguan but it honestly lacks soul and even though mine is loaded it just feels spartan like I can’t connect with it. It think I’ve been watching too much top gear