Features & Specs Of The 2023 Mazda CX-50 Vs. Volkswagen Tiguan

When searching for a compact crossover to fit your family’s lifestyle, you’re likely to consider both the Mazda CX-50 and the Volkswagen Tiguan. Both SUVs offer a range of upscale features and innovative technologies, but there are many differences between them that may influence which one you choose to buy. Explore this one-stop guide for a complete comparison of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. the Volkswagen Tiguan. View our new inventory today, or If you have any questions give us a call at (817) 663-7404.

Trim Levels

Both the 2023 Mazda CX-50 and the Volkswagen Tiguan come in a range of trim levels so you can get the exact features you want. The CX-50 has 10 trims: the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Preferred Plus, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Each trim refers to its engine and specifications. As you go up in trim levels, the CX-50 adds various premium features to enhance your driving experience.

Similarly, the VW Tiguan comes in several trim levels, including the S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line. Each 2023 Tiguan comes with the same engine, no matter the trim you choose. Like the CX-50, the Tiguan gains additional features as you advance in trim levels.

Engine Specifications

Under the hood of a 2023 Mazda CX-50, you’ll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. CX-50 Turbo models come equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that’s capable of generating 256 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both engines mate with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Every 2023 CX-50 comes standard with all-wheel drive to provide additional traction on slippery roads or uneven surfaces. Among the trims, S models get the best fuel efficiency, achieving 30 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg city. Whether you’re driving around Fort Worth, Texas, or hitting the highway for a road trip, you’ll get maximum efficiency in a Mazda CX-50.

Comparatively, the 2023 VW Tiguan only offers one powertrain. Every Tiguan comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. You’ll have to choose the top-level Tiguan SEL R-Line if you prefer to have an all-wheel drive. The 2023 VW Tiguan has nearly identical gas mileage compared with the CX-50, achieving 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Exterior Design

When you drive the Mazda CX-50, you’ll make a statement on the Fort Worth highways. The crossover SUV has a sporty appearance, featuring a wide stance and dynamic curves. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 rides on 17-inch aluminum wheels with a metallic finish, or you can get 18- or 20-inch wheels in some trims. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance, the CX-50 allows you to travel off the beaten path. An available panoramic moonroof brings the outdoors into the cabin, allowing you to feel the warm sunshine or gaze up at the stars.

The VW Tiguan has a modern appearance with clean lines, emphasizing its functionality. The base trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, while other Tiguan models have 18- or 20-inch wheels. At 7.6 inches, the Tiguan has a lower ground clearance than the CX-50. A power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof comes on the two upper Tiguan trims and in an available package upgrade for the Tiguan SE.

Interior Features

Inside the 2023 Mazda CX-50, you’ll find upscale amenities and premium comfort features. Besides the base trim, every Mazda CX-50 comes with leatherette or leather-trimmed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Most CX-50 models have heated front seats, while some trims add ventilated front seats so you can stay comfortable in any weather. Dual-zone automatic climate control allows you and the front-seat passenger to control your own temperatures.

The 2023 Tiguan comes standard with cloth seats, but you’ll get leatherette seating surfaces in the SE trim and leather upholstery if you choose the SEL R-Line. The SUV comes with heated front seats, and the top trim offers ventilated seats. Like the CX-50, most Tiguan models come with dual-zone automatic climate control.

Space

One of the biggest differences between the 2023 Mazda CX-50 and the VW Tiguan is the space they offer. The CX-50 is a five-passenger vehicle with two rows of seats. In the Tiguan, you’ll get an extra row of seating to fit up to seven passengers. While the additional seating may be preferable for larger families, those sitting in the third row will have to sacrifice some comfort. Third-row passengers only get 27.9 inches of legroom. In comparison, second-row passengers have 39.8 inches of legroom in the CX-50 and 36.6 inches in the Tiguan.

When picking up groceries or transporting gear around Fort Worth, you’ll have more room in the back of the Mazda CX-50. With all seats upright, the SUV offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo volume. When you have the third-row seats upright in the Tiguan, you’ll only have 12 cubic feet of cargo volume.

Technology and Entertainment

Both the Mazda CX-50 and the Volkswagen Tiguan come with a wide range of technology and entertainment features to make your drive more pleasant. Besides the base trim, every CX-50 comes with a sizable 10.25-inch full-color infotainment display. The SUV comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay integration and Android Auto capability. An eight-speaker sound system comes standard, though some CX-50 trims feature a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system for enhanced clarity.

Like the CX-50, the base Tiguan comes with a smaller infotainment display, while all other models have an 8-inch touch screen. The Tiguan S doesn’t offer wireless smartphone integration, but all other trims have this feature. The Tiguan comes with a six-speaker audio system, while the top-tier SEL R-Line has a Fender audio system with a subwoofer.

Test Drive a 2023 Mazda CX-50 in Fort Worth, TX

While the Volkswagen Tiguan has some nice features, it can’t compete with the Mazda CX-50 in terms of style, performance, and technology. But don’t take our word for it. Test drive a brand-new CX-50 for yourself and see why it’s one of the leading crossover SUVs on the market. At Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth, we have a wide variety of all-new Mazda models, including the popular CX-50. Check out our current inventory online or stop by our dealership to learn more about the features and specifications of the CX-50. For more information, contact us today.