WHEEL 2 WHEEL | 2018 Mazda CX 5 vs VW Tiguan - The Best Small SUVs

With everyone flocking to small SUVs, automakers are flooding the segment with their best effort to grab as much market share as they can. Today we're comparing two very good, yet very different, options if you're searching for a small SUV for you and/or your family!
The Volkswagen Tiguan is the practical choice if things such as cargo space, quality materials, and technology matter to you. For my full review on the Tiguan please visit this link:
The Mazda CX-5 is the bad boy of the segment. With the best looks and best handling dynamics, the Mazda is on the opposite end of the spectrum. My full review of the CX-5 goes in depth on what makes this the sexiest option in the segment:
A HUGE thank you goes out to HALL Volkswagen for providing both cars for this video!!!
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#VWTiguan #MazdaCX5 #Wheel2Wheel

[@ecmcomichael1]

We purchased our 2018 VW Tiguan S 4-Motion for $24K out the door in July. Love it! We have actually achieved 39 mpg on the highway in this vehicle, but more regularly about 34-35 mpg. Not bad for a vehicle that's only supposed to get 27 mpg based on EPA figures. We are very happy with our purchase!

[@slmax131]

Any issues?

[@michaelswanson1105]

@@slmax131 the only issue we’ve had in three years and now 36,000 miles is a phantom indicator on our instrument cluster that informs us that the transmission is in emergency mode. It happens only when we start up, so we turn off the key, then restart and it always goes away. That’s it. We’ve had the dealer look at it and they’ve been unable to find out what’s causing it. More of an annoyance than anything else. Not one other issue though and we are so happy we purchased this vehicle. We now have a kayak rack on top of our car and still get 38 mpg on our highway trips even with that rack up there. Amazing. And it’s a gutsier vehicle than you might have read about. That 221 ft. lbs. of torque really moves it upon demand. Great vehicle!

[@Moisi547]

Mazda is coming up big.I would love to see the mid cycle refresh of the tiguan with standard LED headlights. Great video

[@dwnshft]

Marcel Tansie thank you!

[@badongtagalog5737]

So the measurement for quality is measured on how good the thunk of the door now?

[@oldtimer3824]

Thank you for the insightful review, At 6’1” which drivers seat and drivers leg room was the most comfortable?

[@dwnshft]

The Tiguan had more space for sure, but I had a much better time in the Mazda. It's just a nicer cabin

[@dariencurtis3981]

In my opinion, I have the Tiguan, and my co-worker has the cx-5. I've driven both a respectful distance to get a feel and I think the Tiguan. Not only does it have more room laterally, but you can comfortably move your seat back and not feel like you are cutting into rear seat's leg space.

[@NBCbannedME]

STOP clapping your damn hands.

[@TheRealK6]

If price wasn’t a factor... How do you feel about the Tiguan R-line’s styling???? As it’s all just exterior cosmetic additions... does it score better???

[@dwnshft]

Absolutely. The rline is actually pretty attractive. Love the wheels

[@blankajindrich6849]

I dont think it is boring if you are looking to buy a car and need all the info you can get to help you decide.

[@michaeltan9512]

Which trim of cx5 you were actually reviewing? I saw no fog light of the black cx 5, wondering is that a touring trim?

[@denziiey]

it's the touring trim

[@ignatiuschakundura2186]

I own both these cars and I don’t think the CX-5 “is the most fun to drive.” Get behind the steering again and on the road

[@MrMazda-ih8cw]

You certainly picked two of the best today but the CX-5's driving experience wins out the day in my experience. Thanks for sharing!

[@rondail5675]

@Downshift, do you feel the same for the 2019 models?

[@dwnshft]

Neither gets much of an update for 2019 so I'd say more than likely yes I'd feel the same

[@ofri6309]

Nice review! is this coming from Canada?

[@dwnshft]

Ofri Klein Wisconsin! So close, but not quite

[@ofri6309]

OK, I sensed an accent there... :)

[@dwnshft]

Ofri Klein hahaha seriously?! 🤣 I've never gotten that one before

[@sandradavis847]

Thanks.

[@snapunderst33r]

So what segment is the Tiguan in now? The RAV4 went from something hardly larger than a Suzuki X90 (take a look at a 1st gen 2dr RAV4) , to a compact 3rd row SUV with a 290hp V6, back down to a compact 4cyl SUV. Is the Tiguan now more of a Toyota Highlander competitor or just doing what the rav4 did and moving up a half-segment (thats not a thing) like the 2nd gen. 3rd row rav4 did? Regardless, I think I’d take the Mazda

[@dwnshft]

Good question Brian! I would still classify it within the compact segment since the third row is essentially uninhabitable. It's definitely blurring the lines though. As a daily driver I'd have the Mazda over the Tiguan as well. Thanks for watching!

[@babiraj6155]

Why you not comparing 5 seater tiguan with cx5?

[@jpch8814]

Because they are American, not the brightest :P

[@joshuapalomares7925]

you did the Tiguan so dirty. how are you going to show the top trim for the Mazda but not the VW? I was deciding between these two cars at the dealership in July and the Mazda is made much more cheap. the VW Sel Premium Trim has white leather seats. there’s a reason why you’re paying more for a Tiguan than a CX-5.

[@craigbreslow6251]

dude everyone drives while reviewing cars. Take a lesson from REDLINE reviews. slow down, and relax.

[@dwnshft]

craig breslow fair point. Sofyan has been at it for years and gets a week with each car though haha I've been at this for under a year and only get a few hours with the car. However you're right and all my other videos are filmed while I'm driving the cars. Thanks for watching and being constructive!

[@elefterioskoukoulis7612]

Mazda interior look amatur with its after thought screen, vw has a beautiful interior that's neat and fully integrated

[@2bookoo4u]

The CX-5's Grand Touring trim is far from being ametuer. Like this reviewer said, it's one of the best in this segment. People like what they like I guess.

[@dace8030]

Completely agree John. Alot of people can't handle that Mazda is now competing with low end Audi and BMW.

[@jross9800]

It’s simple. If you have no kids get a cx5, if you have a family get a Tiguan.

[@chaikneesnollies5398]

The interior of the tig is much better than a 3? Lol 😝

[@dace8030]

Apple car play and Android auto do come standard as of 2017.

[@stephenragsdale9274]

Too much talking, why not trim up the dialog and show a graphic with your ratings?

[@dwnshft]

Not a bad idea, thanks for the suggestion!

[@rayofsunshine1219]

The way you said dangerous cracked me up 😂 Mazda all the way 👌🏼

[@dwnshft]

Rayyan Khaify hahaha thanks for watching! Glad to know someone likes a little personality with their videos 😂

[@rayofsunshine1219]

Downshift MKE haha, you're welcome 😄 keep up the good work 😎

[@njcdailo8934]

I’d say Tiguan all day.

[@moshimokrein4902]

my mother japanese my father germany, not easy to choose.

[@dwnshft]

Go with Japanese here

[@Kingthin]

I am a 5 time mazda buyer. Just got the 2018 mazda cx5 and dude maybe u need to rethink that door closing thing because mine closed and sounds solid when I close it and apple car is coming soon, its not the most important thing in the world, safety is..

[@dwnshft]

Rey D don't get me wrong it's still a great car and yeah I saw apple car play is coming but Mazda is going to make you pay for it I heard? I'm getting my fiance a cx5 next week so yeah I stand by it

[@HakeemKaree]

But apple car is safer to use when driving than the current infotainment system. Also its rated that great in crash test.

[@aib0160]

"Small SUV shootout" and the Mazda gets marked down on being small compared to the Tiguan which for me isn't small?

[@dwnshft]

AIB01 even in the world of small SUVs I get a good amount of feedback from people saying they want space. The Honda CR-V is a perfect example. It's a small SUV but it has a lot more room. My only complaint is the rear legroom. Would you agree or no?

[@aib0160]

I suppose it depends on what you want. If you want as much space for as little money then perhaps you shouldn't be looking at the CX-5. If however like me you don't have a young family and all that brings but you just need something practical, reasonably spacious and nicely finished then a small SUV is the way to go. The two cars may be similar in price but I would suggest the VW isn't small.

[@dwnshft]

AIB01 totally agree! I think the Mazda is the more sporty offering and the size conveys that. No car will be everything to everyone. Mazda CX-5 is a fantastic SUV and the one I would have. It just isn't as big objectively as the competition

[@aib0160]

I hope its good as I've just ordered one. I've had a Jaguar XE for 3 years now and while its great to drive its about as practical as an ashtray on a motorbike. I'm hoping this will be a good bit easier to live with albeit I'll miss throwing the Jag about.

[@dwnshft]

hahah love your analogy! yeah it will be quite a bit different, but definitely a good option. I'm actually picking one up for my fiance next Thurdsday

[@sammey1919]

Why are there so many young people doing reviews on vehicles marketed to older people?

[@dwnshft]

Me and my wife are under 30 and we’re on our second CX5....?

[@fon267]

Burp coming at 5:10

[@dace8030]

This guy is biased as hell...

[@sobeit712]

A car review without any specifics on fuel efficiency? Also, pretty dry and boring talk for almost 20 minutes. Just something to consider if you wish to grow your audience base.

[@dwnshft]

Paul Zhao that's a valid point thanks for letting me know! I'll work on it moving forward

[@west-Co_exploration]

Was this a comparison or a Mazda commercial? Fanboy much?

[@franklinsahagun6584]

Japanese car always win these battle

[@dwnshft]

Mazda>

[@taahirkarim3685]

3 for vw interior design and 9 for mazda design????????? The vw looks muccccchhhhh more better than tht mazda...nd dont talk so long which makes viewers skip parts...disappointed

[@takuan650]

You don't test these cars head to head on the road? Makes Your 'review' useless for me. I just don't sit in my cars and twiddle with the buttons and read specs. Had enough after 6 minutes! Your private opinions on stationary cars bores me shitless.

[@dwnshft]

Takuan I'm going to reluctantly assume you're not entirely inept and you heard me say that you can watch my INDIVIDUAL reviews of BOTH of these vehicles in which I drive both of these. Before "contributing" to my community please be sure you have removed your head from your ass

[@takuan650]

You can assume reluctantly whatever You like, I was missing a head to head driving review comparison, like many other reviewers do and not being redirected to some of Your previous concoctions. If You can't handle my perspective then go and get a hernia.

[@saeedkafina8079]

You bias to mazda !!! Tiguan is way better

[@mihailadrian5665]

Dude u don t know what is what about this 2 cars gtfofh......

[@moshimokrein4902]

you speak too fast dude

[@dwnshft]

My blunder

[@TommyRingstad]

Stop clapping youre hands all the time 😅

[@GusGus1996]

In my opinion, the cx 5 is ok. The interior is much more boring than the Tiguan. It is a typical Japanese interior

[@anniehe8550]

it's interior is simpler but not typical Japanese in case you never been in the other Japanese cars. You must be American....!

[@mhevak]

What is "typical Japanese interior"? Mazda? Subaru? Nissan? Suzuki? These cars have absolutely different interior. Absolutely.

[@jackattacktwo6665]

You talk too much

[@NAN0SPEED]

N clap too much

[@solid1378]

The Tiguan has already had 7 recalls. There are also some major flaws buyers are finding with its powertrain (dangerous hesitation issue), interior rattles (B-Pillar structural defect) and fire hazard for which there is no current fix. Fyi, the Atlas also isn't faring so well either. It also had 7 recalls, 2 very dangerous involving fuel leaks (VW/Audi/Lamborghini specialty) and leaking A/C causing airbag to unexpectedly deploy. Cost cutting has engineering consequences. forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?7075286-Tiguan-Hesitation-Issue#/topics/9237567?page=1 Recalls: www.cars.com/recalls/volkswagen-tiguan-2018/

[@danpena4472]

7 recalls? Nope. 1 for a possible water leak when it rains through the firewall.

[@rickdenu3759]

Why even bother comparing Mazda to CrapWagen.

[@Kingthin]

Mazda all the way! U can’t compare a Mazda to a turd VW

[@Kingthin]

Wally G. Its very clear that u are a complete sub moron and a douche bag. Go play on the freeway blindfolded

[@sunnydays822]

I'm a 20 plus year VW driver and just bought a CX-5....only to try something new. Honestly, VW still ranks high but Mazda is a nice different compromise.

[@dmitryadamenko6518]

Mazdas are terribly loud inside. I would have a headake driving it daily... Good mpg is the only pro in mazda.

[@windwater7777]

Dmitry Adamenko not the 2017 or 2018