2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium vs 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE
3 mpg better vs $1,795 less and 35 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 187 vs 201 hp, 28 vs 25 MPG.
The CX-5 2.5 S Premium leads on 3 MPG better. The Tiguan SE leads on $1,795 less, 35 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium | 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $36,900 | $35,105 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 26 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 30 |
| Combined MPG | 28 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.3 gal | 15.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,750/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,856 lbs | 3,801 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 109.9" |
| Length | 184.6" | 184.4" |
| Width | 73.2" | 73.0" |
| Height | 66.7" | 66.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 4yr/50k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE starts at $35,105, $1,795 less than the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium at $36,900. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $32/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $180/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,795 in your pocket and the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE covers your needs.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium or 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium rates 28 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium or 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE produces 201 hp, 14 more than the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium at 187 hp. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE also leads in torque at 221 lb-ft vs 186 lb-ft. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium bigger than the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium is 0.2″ longer at 184.6″ vs 184.4″. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium has a 0.9″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Mazda CX-5 comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Volkswagen Tiguan offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Mazda trims, Mazda CX-5 trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Tiguan trims
How the CX-5 and Tiguan Stack Up
Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium ($36,900) and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE ($35,105) solve similar problems in different ways. The $-1,795 gap is about $32/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
Powertrain: CX-5 vs Tiguan
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo. The 14 hp difference (201 vs 187) is marginal in daily driving. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE adds 35 more lb-ft of torque (221 vs 186), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium saves roughly $180/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $900.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $180/year less on fuel. Choose the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE when you want to keep $1,795 in your pocket and the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE covers your needs.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Mazda or Volkswagen or any dealership.