Head-to-head · vehicle level

Mazda CX-5 vs. Volkswagen Tiguan

Mazda CX-5 73Volkswagen Tiguan 74on the MotiveGrid ScoreMazda CX-5 about $2,761 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $2,761 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.
MetricMazda CX-5Volkswagen Tiguan
MotiveGrid Score7374
Cost of Ownership8478
Powertrain6252
Driver Assistance3249
Livability5142
Safety8094
5-Year Cost to Own$43,442$46,203
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)$1,765$2,260
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
Horsepower187 hp201 hp
MPG (combined)26 mpg29 mpg
Cargo volume33.7 cu ft26.9 cu ft
Seating55
Towing capacity1,500 lbs
DrivetrainAWDFWD
Gas
2026$29,990
2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus front three-quarter view
MSRP
$29,990
Mo · 5yr
$724
$43,442 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$30,805
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$30,805
Mo · 5yr
$770
$46,203 / 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 →

Volkswagen Tiguan 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
78
Winner: CX-5
$2,761 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.
CX-5
80
Tiguan
94
Winner: Tiguan
+14 pts
5-star overall NHTSA rating
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Mazda CX-5 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $2,761 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
Volkswagen Tiguan
Stronger safety
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
$43,442 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$724/mo
Volkswagen Tiguan
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$770
$46,203 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$770/mo
04

Frequently asked questions

Mazda CX-5 comes out about $2,761 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.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

What each one costs at the counter

Both five-year totals above count yearly registration. Neither counts what the state takes on the day you sign — sales tax and the title fee. Those are one-time, they are not the dealer’s to negotiate, and on a car at this price they run to four figures in most states. Work out yours:

Compare tax, title and license across all 22 states we cover →

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