2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select vs 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S
$2,405 less vs 36 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $2,405 price gap, 187 vs 201 hp, 26 vs 25 MPG.
The CX-50 2.5 S Select leads on $2,405 less. The Tiguan S leads on 36 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-50 2.5 S Select | 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $29,900 | $32,305 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 24 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 30 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.9 gal | 15.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,750/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,741 lbs | 3,801 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 109.9" |
| Length | 185.8" | 184.4" |
| Width | 75.6" | 73.0" |
| Height | 63.5" | 66.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | No published data |
| 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-50 2.5 S Select and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select starts at $29,900, $2,405 less than the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S at $32,305. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $42/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,405 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $65/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S is the stronger pick when you prefer the Volkswagen approach to the compact SUV segment.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select or 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select rates 26 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select or 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S produces 201 hp, 14 more than the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select at 187 hp. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S also leads in torque at 221 lb-ft vs 185 lb-ft. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select bigger than the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select is 1.4″ longer at 185.8″ vs 184.4″. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select has a 0.9″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Mazda CX-50 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-50 trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Tiguan trims
How the CX-50 and Tiguan Stack Up
Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select ($29,900) and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S ($32,305) solve similar problems in different ways. The $2,405 gap is about $42/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
Powertrain: CX-50 vs Tiguan
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo. The 14 hp difference (201 vs 187) is marginal in daily driving. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S adds 36 more lb-ft of torque (221 vs 185), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select saves roughly $65/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $325.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select when you want to keep $2,405 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S when you prefer the Volkswagen approach to the compact SUV segment. At $42/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
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.