Mazda CX-5 2.5 vs Toyota Harrier 2.0 vs Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0
18 Sep 2017|71,815 views
Mazda CX-5
Sportiest and sharpest styling
Most fun to drive
Modern and plush interior
Toyota Harrier
Least attractive styling
Not much fun to drive
Is easy-to-drive and comfortable
Most fuel efficient at 12.3km/L
Volkswagen Tiguan
Appealing masculine business-like looks
Smoothest and punchiest powertrain
Feels the airiest to be in and offers the most boot space
If there's anything more competitive than the Singapore education system, it's probably the sport utility vehicle segment, where manufacturers are pumping out models to fill every nook and cranny in sight.
As far as mid-sized ones go, the latest to join the already expansive list of choices here is the new made-for-Singapore turbocharged Toyota Harrier.
The Harrier, which is perceived by many as a more atas Toyota, is an already established namesake here and this new turbocharged variant promises to offer more performance and higher levels of desirability.
The exclusive-for-Singapore turbocharged Toyota Harrier joins the ever increasingly crowded mid-sized utility vehicle market
To find out just how well it ranks amongst its peers, we pit a 2.0 Premium-trimmed Harrier against the equally new Mazda CX-5 2.5 Super Luxury and the more expensive, second generation Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI DSG R-line.
On that premium front
While all three are good-looking cars in our eyes, the Harrier - as the most affordable car here at $155,988 (as of 15th August) - does look the least impressive.
That could be attributed to two things in our opinion; its odd plasticky front grille and the fact that the car is commonplace on our roads. However, it's a safe design that's slightly more upmarket for the brand, which many Toyota loyalists will appreciate.
The Tiguan may not be as hawkish as its rivals, but its striking proportions and powerful presence make it the most majestic
The CX-5 on the other hand has a cleaner, but sportier design that oozes seduction, aggression and elegance. In the Japanese market today, Mazda is killing the game with its fantastic 'KODO: Soul of Motion' design language and the CX-5 is the latest example of that.
The Tiguan, in R-line trim, is distinctive and masculine thanks to its well-defined shoulder lines. The best way to describe its sheet metal is as if a BMW X5 had an unholy mating with the Volkswagen Golf R, resulting in a car that looks expensive and has tons of road presence.
As far as mid-sized ones go, the latest to join the already expansive list of choices here is the new made-for-Singapore turbocharged Toyota Harrier.
The Harrier, which is perceived by many as a more atas Toyota, is an already established namesake here and this new turbocharged variant promises to offer more performance and higher levels of desirability.
To find out just how well it ranks amongst its peers, we pit a 2.0 Premium-trimmed Harrier against the equally new Mazda CX-5 2.5 Super Luxury and the more expensive, second generation Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI DSG R-line.
On that premium front
While all three are good-looking cars in our eyes, the Harrier - as the most affordable car here at $155,988 (as of 15th August) - does look the least impressive.
That could be attributed to two things in our opinion; its odd plasticky front grille and the fact that the car is commonplace on our roads. However, it's a safe design that's slightly more upmarket for the brand, which many Toyota loyalists will appreciate.
The CX-5 on the other hand has a cleaner, but sportier design that oozes seduction, aggression and elegance. In the Japanese market today, Mazda is killing the game with its fantastic 'KODO: Soul of Motion' design language and the CX-5 is the latest example of that.
The Tiguan, in R-line trim, is distinctive and masculine thanks to its well-defined shoulder lines. The best way to describe its sheet metal is as if a BMW X5 had an unholy mating with the Volkswagen Golf R, resulting in a car that looks expensive and has tons of road presence.
But to be fair, it is also the priciest car in this comparison with an asking price of $195,400 (as of 11th August).
Quite the same story on the inside
The Harrier's cabin, when compared to Toyota models before, has a plusher and more comfortable vibe thanks to its all-black, soft-touch interior panels and button-less centre console.
Although the Harrier may not have as posh a cabin as its rivals, it's undoubtably a very comfortable place to be in
However, jumping over from the CX-5 and Tiguan cabins, you immediately begin to feel a noticeable difference, in the sense that the faux leather, which clads the Harrier's cabin, is tacky and has an unattractive shine to it. The poorer quality of the Harrier's switchgear is apparent, too.
That said, credit has to be given for how comfortable and quiet the Harrier is to ride in, with very little road and wind noise trespassing.
Despite costing just $2,812 more than the Harrier, the CX-5's cabin quality is a few notches higher in terms of materials used and overall build. In fact, take away the Mazda badging on the steering wheel and you might be misled to believe you're in a European-made car.
Mazda's infotainment systems have come a long way and this latest generation in the CX-5 is stylish and very user-friendly
Design is modern and minimalistic, too, with a touchscreen infotainment system that's as highly intuitive as the Tiguan's. In comparison, the Harrier's less user-friendly unit will take some getting used to.
Quite the same story on the inside
The Harrier's cabin, when compared to Toyota models before, has a plusher and more comfortable vibe thanks to its all-black, soft-touch interior panels and button-less centre console.
However, jumping over from the CX-5 and Tiguan cabins, you immediately begin to feel a noticeable difference, in the sense that the faux leather, which clads the Harrier's cabin, is tacky and has an unattractive shine to it. The poorer quality of the Harrier's switchgear is apparent, too.
That said, credit has to be given for how comfortable and quiet the Harrier is to ride in, with very little road and wind noise trespassing.
Despite costing just $2,812 more than the Harrier, the CX-5's cabin quality is a few notches higher in terms of materials used and overall build. In fact, take away the Mazda badging on the steering wheel and you might be misled to believe you're in a European-made car.
Design is modern and minimalistic, too, with a touchscreen infotainment system that's as highly intuitive as the Tiguan's. In comparison, the Harrier's less user-friendly unit will take some getting used to.
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As the priciest, most premium proposition here, it comes as no surprise that the Tiguan's cabin is the poshest, thanks to a fully digital instrument panel, highest-quality finish and solid switchgear.
On top of that, the Tiguan also feels the most airy and spacious all around, and has the largest boot of the three at 615 litres. The CX-5 and Harrier boots measure 442 litres and 456 litres, respectively. Making up for that, the CX-5 does offer more rear headroom than the Harrier, although both offer similar amounts of legroom.
The Tiguan isn't just the most spacious for passengers, but also the most generous in terms of cargo space with 615 litres
On the road
With its downtuned version of a Lexus NX 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the Harrier is the most powerful car in this test, making 227bhp and 350Nm of torque. The Tiguan comes in a close second with 217bhp and 350Nm from its GTI-gifted 2.0-litre turbo, but in real world conditions, feels quicker than the Harrier from the word go.
This has largely to do with the latter's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which shifts quicker and has closer gear ratios than the Harrier's six-speed conventional autobox.
The CX-5 is no slow car by any means but due to its naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine, which is down on power compared to its rivals' much torquier units, it doesn't deliver as much punch when you mash the throttle.
Despite having the least horses of the three, the CX-5's non-tutbo engine is responsive and highly rewarding to drive
However, it's also because of this that the CX-5 delivers better linearity and response, which stalwarts would prefer as a driver's car.
As the only car here equipped with all-wheel drive, the Tiguan isn't just fast off the line but also more surefooted in corners. The downside to this configuration is that the Tiguan does feel slightly clunkier at low speeds compared to the front-wheel driven CX-5 and Harrier.
On top of that, the Tiguan also feels the most airy and spacious all around, and has the largest boot of the three at 615 litres. The CX-5 and Harrier boots measure 442 litres and 456 litres, respectively. Making up for that, the CX-5 does offer more rear headroom than the Harrier, although both offer similar amounts of legroom.
On the road
With its downtuned version of a Lexus NX 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the Harrier is the most powerful car in this test, making 227bhp and 350Nm of torque. The Tiguan comes in a close second with 217bhp and 350Nm from its GTI-gifted 2.0-litre turbo, but in real world conditions, feels quicker than the Harrier from the word go.
This has largely to do with the latter's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which shifts quicker and has closer gear ratios than the Harrier's six-speed conventional autobox.
The CX-5 is no slow car by any means but due to its naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine, which is down on power compared to its rivals' much torquier units, it doesn't deliver as much punch when you mash the throttle.
However, it's also because of this that the CX-5 delivers better linearity and response, which stalwarts would prefer as a driver's car.
As the only car here equipped with all-wheel drive, the Tiguan isn't just fast off the line but also more surefooted in corners. The downside to this configuration is that the Tiguan does feel slightly clunkier at low speeds compared to the front-wheel driven CX-5 and Harrier.
At higher speeds though, the CX-5 is the most spirited of the three, offering the best steering feel and feedback, which make for dartier direction changes. Paired with said naturally aspirated engine, it was the most fun we've had from a car in this segment. Despite being front-wheel driven, its handling capabilities aren't far off from the Tiguan's either, if not as good.
While the Harrier isn't as capable or dynamic as the Tiguan and the CX-5, what it offers is perhaps most dear to buyers of such cars and that's a super easy drive and a softer, more comfortable almost Lexus-like ride.
No contest here; the Tiguan's seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission is the smoothest and quickest shifter in this test
It also excels as a sipper, which is another huge plus point for potential buyers. Driven on the same route at the same time, the Harrier returned fuel economy figures of 12.3km/L, while the CX-5 did 11.5km/L and the Tiguan 11.2km/L.
But the one that appears to be the best buy is...
If you're looking at crossing over into German ownership, there seems to be no better value than the Volkswagen Tiguan, which at its price point is expensive compared to Japanese makes, but offers a lot more car for your money than even some entry-level luxury brands. It feels properly premium, is classily styled and has the performance to boot.
But if you just want a simple, comfortable and fuss-free family hauler and aren't too concerned with styling, quality or the driving experience, then the Toyota Harrier would be right up your alley.
The CX-5 has our vote for the best marriage of bang and buck, with a bonus of foxy styling and fun-to-drive characteristics
However, should you want whatever you own for the next 10 years to look a little sporty, feel a little posh and be fun to drive, then look no further than the Mazda CX-5.
While the Harrier isn't as capable or dynamic as the Tiguan and the CX-5, what it offers is perhaps most dear to buyers of such cars and that's a super easy drive and a softer, more comfortable almost Lexus-like ride.
It also excels as a sipper, which is another huge plus point for potential buyers. Driven on the same route at the same time, the Harrier returned fuel economy figures of 12.3km/L, while the CX-5 did 11.5km/L and the Tiguan 11.2km/L.
But the one that appears to be the best buy is...
If you're looking at crossing over into German ownership, there seems to be no better value than the Volkswagen Tiguan, which at its price point is expensive compared to Japanese makes, but offers a lot more car for your money than even some entry-level luxury brands. It feels properly premium, is classily styled and has the performance to boot.
But if you just want a simple, comfortable and fuss-free family hauler and aren't too concerned with styling, quality or the driving experience, then the Toyota Harrier would be right up your alley.
However, should you want whatever you own for the next 10 years to look a little sporty, feel a little posh and be fun to drive, then look no further than the Mazda CX-5.
Mazda CX-5
Sportiest and sharpest styling
Most fun to drive
Modern and plush interior
Toyota Harrier
Least attractive styling
Not much fun to drive
Is easy-to-drive and comfortable
Most fuel efficient at 12.3km/L
Volkswagen Tiguan
Appealing masculine business-like looks
Smoothest and punchiest powertrain
Feels the airiest to be in and offers the most boot space
If there's anything more competitive than the Singapore education system, it's probably the sport utility vehicle segment, where manufacturers are pumping out models to fill every nook and cranny in sight.
As far as mid-sized ones go, the latest to join the already expansive list of choices here is the new made-for-Singapore turbocharged Toyota Harrier.
The Harrier, which is perceived by many as a more atas Toyota, is an already established namesake here and this new turbocharged variant promises to offer more performance and higher levels of desirability.
To find out just how well it ranks amongst its peers, we pit a 2.0 Premium-trimmed Harrier against the equally new Mazda CX-5 2.5 Super Luxury and the more expensive, second generation Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI DSG R-line.
On that premium front
While all three are good-looking cars in our eyes, the Harrier - as the most affordable car here at $155,988 (as of 15th August) - does look the least impressive.
That could be attributed to two things in our opinion; its odd plasticky front grille and the fact that the car is commonplace on our roads. However, it's a safe design that's slightly more upmarket for the brand, which many Toyota loyalists will appreciate.
The CX-5 on the other hand has a cleaner, but sportier design that oozes seduction, aggression and elegance. In the Japanese market today, Mazda is killing the game with its fantastic 'KODO: Soul of Motion' design language and the CX-5 is the latest example of that.
The Tiguan, in R-line trim, is distinctive and masculine thanks to its well-defined shoulder lines. The best way to describe its sheet metal is as if a BMW X5 had an unholy mating with the Volkswagen Golf R, resulting in a car that looks expensive and has tons of road presence.
As far as mid-sized ones go, the latest to join the already expansive list of choices here is the new made-for-Singapore turbocharged Toyota Harrier.
The Harrier, which is perceived by many as a more atas Toyota, is an already established namesake here and this new turbocharged variant promises to offer more performance and higher levels of desirability.
To find out just how well it ranks amongst its peers, we pit a 2.0 Premium-trimmed Harrier against the equally new Mazda CX-5 2.5 Super Luxury and the more expensive, second generation Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI DSG R-line.
On that premium front
While all three are good-looking cars in our eyes, the Harrier - as the most affordable car here at $155,988 (as of 15th August) - does look the least impressive.
That could be attributed to two things in our opinion; its odd plasticky front grille and the fact that the car is commonplace on our roads. However, it's a safe design that's slightly more upmarket for the brand, which many Toyota loyalists will appreciate.
The CX-5 on the other hand has a cleaner, but sportier design that oozes seduction, aggression and elegance. In the Japanese market today, Mazda is killing the game with its fantastic 'KODO: Soul of Motion' design language and the CX-5 is the latest example of that.
The Tiguan, in R-line trim, is distinctive and masculine thanks to its well-defined shoulder lines. The best way to describe its sheet metal is as if a BMW X5 had an unholy mating with the Volkswagen Golf R, resulting in a car that looks expensive and has tons of road presence.
But to be fair, it is also the priciest car in this comparison with an asking price of $195,400 (as of 11th August).
Quite the same story on the inside
The Harrier's cabin, when compared to Toyota models before, has a plusher and more comfortable vibe thanks to its all-black, soft-touch interior panels and button-less centre console.
However, jumping over from the CX-5 and Tiguan cabins, you immediately begin to feel a noticeable difference, in the sense that the faux leather, which clads the Harrier's cabin, is tacky and has an unattractive shine to it. The poorer quality of the Harrier's switchgear is apparent, too.
That said, credit has to be given for how comfortable and quiet the Harrier is to ride in, with very little road and wind noise trespassing.
Despite costing just $2,812 more than the Harrier, the CX-5's cabin quality is a few notches higher in terms of materials used and overall build. In fact, take away the Mazda badging on the steering wheel and you might be misled to believe you're in a European-made car.
Design is modern and minimalistic, too, with a touchscreen infotainment system that's as highly intuitive as the Tiguan's. In comparison, the Harrier's less user-friendly unit will take some getting used to.
Quite the same story on the inside
The Harrier's cabin, when compared to Toyota models before, has a plusher and more comfortable vibe thanks to its all-black, soft-touch interior panels and button-less centre console.
However, jumping over from the CX-5 and Tiguan cabins, you immediately begin to feel a noticeable difference, in the sense that the faux leather, which clads the Harrier's cabin, is tacky and has an unattractive shine to it. The poorer quality of the Harrier's switchgear is apparent, too.
That said, credit has to be given for how comfortable and quiet the Harrier is to ride in, with very little road and wind noise trespassing.
Despite costing just $2,812 more than the Harrier, the CX-5's cabin quality is a few notches higher in terms of materials used and overall build. In fact, take away the Mazda badging on the steering wheel and you might be misled to believe you're in a European-made car.
Design is modern and minimalistic, too, with a touchscreen infotainment system that's as highly intuitive as the Tiguan's. In comparison, the Harrier's less user-friendly unit will take some getting used to.
As the priciest, most premium proposition here, it comes as no surprise that the Tiguan's cabin is the poshest, thanks to a fully digital instrument panel, highest-quality finish and solid switchgear.
On top of that, the Tiguan also feels the most airy and spacious all around, and has the largest boot of the three at 615 litres. The CX-5 and Harrier boots measure 442 litres and 456 litres, respectively. Making up for that, the CX-5 does offer more rear headroom than the Harrier, although both offer similar amounts of legroom.
On the road
With its downtuned version of a Lexus NX 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the Harrier is the most powerful car in this test, making 227bhp and 350Nm of torque. The Tiguan comes in a close second with 217bhp and 350Nm from its GTI-gifted 2.0-litre turbo, but in real world conditions, feels quicker than the Harrier from the word go.
This has largely to do with the latter's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which shifts quicker and has closer gear ratios than the Harrier's six-speed conventional autobox.
The CX-5 is no slow car by any means but due to its naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine, which is down on power compared to its rivals' much torquier units, it doesn't deliver as much punch when you mash the throttle.
However, it's also because of this that the CX-5 delivers better linearity and response, which stalwarts would prefer as a driver's car.
As the only car here equipped with all-wheel drive, the Tiguan isn't just fast off the line but also more surefooted in corners. The downside to this configuration is that the Tiguan does feel slightly clunkier at low speeds compared to the front-wheel driven CX-5 and Harrier.
On top of that, the Tiguan also feels the most airy and spacious all around, and has the largest boot of the three at 615 litres. The CX-5 and Harrier boots measure 442 litres and 456 litres, respectively. Making up for that, the CX-5 does offer more rear headroom than the Harrier, although both offer similar amounts of legroom.
On the road
With its downtuned version of a Lexus NX 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the Harrier is the most powerful car in this test, making 227bhp and 350Nm of torque. The Tiguan comes in a close second with 217bhp and 350Nm from its GTI-gifted 2.0-litre turbo, but in real world conditions, feels quicker than the Harrier from the word go.
This has largely to do with the latter's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which shifts quicker and has closer gear ratios than the Harrier's six-speed conventional autobox.
The CX-5 is no slow car by any means but due to its naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine, which is down on power compared to its rivals' much torquier units, it doesn't deliver as much punch when you mash the throttle.
However, it's also because of this that the CX-5 delivers better linearity and response, which stalwarts would prefer as a driver's car.
As the only car here equipped with all-wheel drive, the Tiguan isn't just fast off the line but also more surefooted in corners. The downside to this configuration is that the Tiguan does feel slightly clunkier at low speeds compared to the front-wheel driven CX-5 and Harrier.
At higher speeds though, the CX-5 is the most spirited of the three, offering the best steering feel and feedback, which make for dartier direction changes. Paired with said naturally aspirated engine, it was the most fun we've had from a car in this segment. Despite being front-wheel driven, its handling capabilities aren't far off from the Tiguan's either, if not as good.
While the Harrier isn't as capable or dynamic as the Tiguan and the CX-5, what it offers is perhaps most dear to buyers of such cars and that's a super easy drive and a softer, more comfortable almost Lexus-like ride.
It also excels as a sipper, which is another huge plus point for potential buyers. Driven on the same route at the same time, the Harrier returned fuel economy figures of 12.3km/L, while the CX-5 did 11.5km/L and the Tiguan 11.2km/L.
But the one that appears to be the best buy is...
If you're looking at crossing over into German ownership, there seems to be no better value than the Volkswagen Tiguan, which at its price point is expensive compared to Japanese makes, but offers a lot more car for your money than even some entry-level luxury brands. It feels properly premium, is classily styled and has the performance to boot.
But if you just want a simple, comfortable and fuss-free family hauler and aren't too concerned with styling, quality or the driving experience, then the Toyota Harrier would be right up your alley.
However, should you want whatever you own for the next 10 years to look a little sporty, feel a little posh and be fun to drive, then look no further than the Mazda CX-5.
While the Harrier isn't as capable or dynamic as the Tiguan and the CX-5, what it offers is perhaps most dear to buyers of such cars and that's a super easy drive and a softer, more comfortable almost Lexus-like ride.
It also excels as a sipper, which is another huge plus point for potential buyers. Driven on the same route at the same time, the Harrier returned fuel economy figures of 12.3km/L, while the CX-5 did 11.5km/L and the Tiguan 11.2km/L.
But the one that appears to be the best buy is...
If you're looking at crossing over into German ownership, there seems to be no better value than the Volkswagen Tiguan, which at its price point is expensive compared to Japanese makes, but offers a lot more car for your money than even some entry-level luxury brands. It feels properly premium, is classily styled and has the performance to boot.
But if you just want a simple, comfortable and fuss-free family hauler and aren't too concerned with styling, quality or the driving experience, then the Toyota Harrier would be right up your alley.
However, should you want whatever you own for the next 10 years to look a little sporty, feel a little posh and be fun to drive, then look no further than the Mazda CX-5.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
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Car Information
Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI DSG R-line (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.5km/L
Horsepower
162kW (217 bhp)
Torque
350 Nm
Acceleration
6.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen TiguanToyota Harrier 2.0 Premium (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.1km/L
Horsepower
169kW (227 bhp)
Torque
350 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Toyota HarrierMazda CX-5 2.5 Super Luxury (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.9km/L
Horsepower
143kW (192 bhp)
Torque
258 Nm
Acceleration
8.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Mazda CX-5
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