Mazda AWD CX-5 GT w/Tech or VW Tiguan SE 4 Motion NAV & Sunroof

[zoomzoom_cx9]

Looking for some insight from people who may have been considering a new CX-5 or Tiguan. Which did you decide on and why?

We currently have a 2010 CX-9 which we love, and recently I have been driving a 2012 VW GLI Autobahn. I may want to trade the GLI in for a small crossover. The GLI has the same 200hp turbo the Tiguan would have and now that Mazda came out with the 2.5 I would say they could compare better.

I would be looking for a AWD CX-5 GT w/tech or a 4Motion Tiguan SE with NAV & Sunroof, I am aware the Tiguan will price out more when comparing apples to apples but if cost was not a factor which vehicle would you prefer?

 

[CX-SV]

Still prefer CX-5 over Tiguan, (being much more stylish/wider stance, roomier, more reliable, more economical).

 

[ALafya]

The Tiguan is really small; it is essentially a higher and heavier Golf with a little more ground clearance.
I'd be seriously concerned about reliability and keep away.

 

[xtrailman]

Tiguan is a dated car, and much smaller than a CX5.

 

[sxa]

I never realized how small the Tiguan was until today, we pulled up behind one during my test drive in the CX-5 and it was much smaller then I had thought. I haven't considered one because of the overall cost of repairing German vehicles. I know the argument for German engineering but I am focused on the best bang for the buck and I think I will have a better bang for the buck with a Mazda.

 

[Kayger12]

I haven't considered one because of the overall cost of repairing German vehicles. I know the argument for German engineering

Yeah, that's why I just bought a CX-5-- because if you need me on any given weekend, I'll be under the BMW... repairing, replacing, or doing preventative maintenance on the superior German engineering.

 

[jtl]

^ Totally agree after owning a Passat for 11 years.

 

[zoomzoom_cx9]

Thanks everyone, very valid points all around.

 

[ekcooper]

My neighbors have a Tiguan that looks nice, but it is less roomy than the CX-5. When I compared reviews the bottom line in one of the reviews was that the Tiguan was a nice vehicle but overpriced for what you get.

 

[backpackerx]

the bottom line in one of the reviews was that the Tiguan was a nice vehicle but overpriced for what you get.

I drove one before I bought the CX-5 and that was my thoughts exactly.

 

[Mazdafreak16]

I would go with the CX-5. The Tiguan doesn't have the cargo capacity, and it's not quite as efficient. It is also overpriced; you pay for the engine, but nothing else.

 

[spoogenhatch]

Having extensively driven the Tiguan SEL, I can say that the Tiguan had a couple nice extras (pano-roof, better nav, power folding mirrors/heated, motor). But it truly faltered in price against it's comparable stablemates, cargo space, and ride quality. Needless to say, it's a pretty nifty ride, but I'm glad we bought our '14 GT AWD. It get's better MPG too.

 

[KnurledNut]

I looked at VW's when I was researching my CX-5. While I did fall in love with the Sportwagen, I couldn't handle the expensive routine maintenance, especially since most of it I couldn't DIY it.

 

[Bombadil]

I looked at VW's when I was researching my CX-5. While I did fall in love with the Sportwagen, I couldn't handle the expensive routine maintenance, especially since most of it I couldn't DIY it.

I loved my test drives of the JSW. Was ready to pull the trigger on one, then I found out about the high failure rate of the high pressure fuel pump, which costs thousands to replace. This on top of their already higher cost long term maintenance. Like the TDI engine needing the timing belt changed at 100,000 miles and the DSG auto tranny needing a $300-$400 service very 40,000 miles. As I am looking for a long-term vehicle, on which to put 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more, the VW route looks like a very expensive one.

 

[prhac]

I changed from a Tiguan to a CX5. I had the Tiguan for over 3 years. Both a diesel.
A few points:
Tig interior slightly better in the sense of solidness.
Had many problems with the Tig - some of which are common )I'm of a Tiguan forum). Auto handbrake wouldn't release. This was dangerous as I was on a busy road at traffic lights
2 sensors needed replacing at different times. The last one cost money as it was past the 3 yr guarantee. One sensor was a common problem.
The exterior door handles stuck - common problem
Fuel flap kept flipping open
Rear sqeak when reversing (something to do with the brakes - but not dirt etc) - common
Stereo swallowed a cd

Other things:
Tig boot/trunk much smaller. BUT the rear seats do slide forward for extra space. Overall the CX is much better for space.
mpg were comparable to the CX5 which is surprising. (both were the higher powered diesels) I'm expecting the CX mpg to increase
CX looks better, more modern. Wife's colleague commented yesterday about its good looks
Stereo quality similar even though the CX has Bose
Safety features better in CX (in UK get city brake etc)
CX better acceleration. I had the Sport Tig and handling was similar but the ride in the CX is much better. The Tig SE you mention has a better ride than the Sport but worse handling.
Air con much better cool air distribution in CX and quieter but no rear outlet vents like Tig
Generally get more gadgets for the money with the CX
Engine quieter in CX and pulls from lower revs to higher more easily (diesel)
Engine stays cleaner in CX
Insurance cost slightly less for CX (surprised me)
CX rear seats lay flatter. Note: When rears seats a slid forward in Tig to increase boot space, there is a wide gap between the boot floor and the base of the rear seats.
Tig has more useful storage spaces inside the car. For example, an under seat tray.
Centre storage area lid between the front seats of the Tig could be raised and moved forward for better arm rest.
Overall CX is the better car.