Mazda CX-5 80·Volkswagen Tiguan 73on the MotiveGrid Score·Mazda CX-5 about $3,976 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,976 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Volkswagen Tiguan counters with better mileage (29 vs 26 mpg combined).
Go with the Mazda CX-5 for the better long-term value; consider the Volkswagen Tiguan if you prioritize better gas mileage.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Mazda CX-5 vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Mazda CX-5 versus 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Metric
Mazda CX-5
Volkswagen Tiguan
MotiveGrid Score
80
73
Cost of Ownership
84
75
Powertrain
62
52
Driver Assistance
32
49
Livability
51
42
Safety
100
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$43,467
$47,443
Depreciation (5-yr)
$12,146
$15,248
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,829
$11,610
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,545
$9,840
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,790
$3,500
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,700
Financing (5-yr)
$4,512
$4,635
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$910
Starting Price
$29,990
$30,805
Horsepower
187 hp
201 hp
MPG (combined)
26 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
33.7 cu ft
26.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
—
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Gas
2026$29,990
MSRP
$29,990
Mo · 5yr
$724
$43,467 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$30,805
MSRP
$30,805
Mo · 5yr
$791
$47,443 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Mazda CX-5 scores higher overall.
Mazda CX-5
0
/ 100
Volkswagen Tiguan
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CX-5
84
Tiguan
75
Winner: CX-5
$3,976 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CX-5
62
Tiguan
52
Winner: CX-5
+10 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CX-5
32
Tiguan
49
Winner: Tiguan
+17 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CX-5
51
Tiguan
42
Winner: CX-5
+9 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mazda CX-5 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,976 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Volkswagen Tiguan still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Volkswagen Tiguan
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Mazda CX-5
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Mazda CX-5
Better safety rating with more cargo room
Highway driver
Volkswagen Tiguan
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Mazda CX-5
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Mazda CX-5
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$724
$43,467 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$724/mo
Volkswagen Tiguan
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$791
$47,443 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$791/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Mazda CX-5 comes out about $3,976 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
