Comparing The 2025 Volkswagen Taos And Mazda CX-5: Key Differences
Consider the rivalry in our Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-5 matchup: These two spacious SUVs come packed with modern features and cutting-edge technologies. But which offers better everyday versatility?
With its more fuel-efficient powertrain and straightforward four-trim lineup, we think the VW Taos is ideal for drivers who value practicality and iconic German engineering. Read on to see why we've made this assessment. Then, get the playful and intuitively designed Taos at Wallace Volkswagen of Bristol.
2025 Volkswagen Taos at a Glance
- The Volkswagen Taos is thoughtfully designed and engineered for everyday practicality.
- A single engine option is found in the VW Taos lineup, offering 177 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
- The VW Taos is a spacious five-seater, but when the second row is folded, drivers get up to 65.9 cubic feet of total cargo space.
- The Taos is fuel-efficient, offering a maximum EPA-estimated 28/36/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 with front-wheel drive.
2025 Mazda CX-5 at a Glance
- The Mazda CX-5 is available in eight trim levels and with multiple powertrain options, which can overwhelm some drivers.
- Although comfortable and sporty, the Mazda CX-5 only gets 59.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
- To get the full benefit of its most powerful engine option, the Mazda CX-5 will need costly premium fuel.
- Because of its standard AWD and hefty engines, the Mazda CX-5 is less fuel-efficient than some of its counterparts.
VW Taos vs. Mazda CX-5 Performance & Specs
Our review of the Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-5 specs reveals a matchup between two thoughtfully crafted and capable vehicles, but one makes things simpler to understand than the other. While the Mazda CX-5 lineup is stretched to eight trims with three powertrains, the refined Volkswagen Taos sticks to a single powertrain across all four trim levels.
Under the hood of the VW Taos is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 177 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Lightweight front-wheel drive is standard, but 4MOTION all-wheel drive is available on higher-level trims.
Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-5 offers three choices, giving drivers more choices but adding complexity to the decision-making process:
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Cylinder Deactivation and i-Stop that makes 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque
- 2.5-liter Dynamic Pressure Turbo four-cylinder engine that makes up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque (with premium fuel)
Although the Mazda SUV may have more power output, you'll need to fill up with pricey premium fuel to take advantage of its full benefits. Meanwhile, the VW Taos streamlines performance with the same turbocharged engine across the board – which uses cost-effective regular unleaded fuel.
| 2025 Volkswagen Taos S | 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4-cyl | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 177 | 187 |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft |
| Curb Weight | 3,201 lbs | 3,679 lbs |
| 0-60 MPH Time | 7.3 - 7.5 s2 | 8.1 s3 |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 6-speed auto |
| Turning Circle (Curb-To-Curb) | 35 ft | 36 ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 28 / 36 / 311 | 23 / 29 / 254 |
Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-5 Interior Features & Tech
Both SUVs in our comparison are intuitive and well-equipped, but in different ways. The Mazda CX-5 may be sporty, gearing itself to those who value looks, while the VW Taos is all about German precision engineering and everyday practicality. As a result, both come with Bluetooth® capability and smartphone integration, among other perks.
However, the VW Taos offers a little more convenience earlier in the lineup. For example, it comes standard with a heated steering wheel, while the Mazda CX-5 only offers this on its fifth trim. If you're looking for that sporty feel without skimping on practicality, consider the Taos SE Black, which comes with an integrated light bar in the front grille – a feature the Mazda CX-5 doesn't have at all.
2025 Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-5 Size & Dimensions
The next stop in our VW Taos vs. Mazda CX-5 matchup is a look at their sizing and dimensions. The two are five-seater compact SUVs with a nimble frame, but the Taos is more agile. It dances along the road with a shorter frame in both length and height. It's easier to sink into, given its ride height, and easier to park in tight spaces.
The Taos also has more second-row shoulder room, and models without a sunroof get more first and second-row headroom than the Mazda CX-5.
As noted above, both SUVs in our 2025 VW Taos vs. Mazda CX-5 comparison are thoughtfully designed, but the Taos elevates everyday transport with its greater maximum cargo capacity:
- 2025 Volkswagen Taos: 65.9 cubic feet
- 2025 Mazda CX-5: 59.3 cubic feet
While the Mazda CX-5 has its strengths, the Volkswagen Taos stands out with its greater practicality and agility for daily commuting.
| 2025 Volkswagen Taos S | 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.9 in | 180.1 in |
| Width (excluding mirrors) | 72.5 in | 72.6 in |
| Height | 64.5 in | 66.1 in |
| Shoulder Room (First / Second) | 56.5 / 55.2 in | 57.1 / 54.8 in |
| Maximum Headroom (First / Second Row) |
|
39.7 / 39.0 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Space (Standard / Maximum) | 27.9 / 65.9 cu ft | 29.1 / 59.3 cu ft/ 311 |
Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-5 Fuel Economy
In a word, both of these compact SUVs are "efficient," but the VW Taos zips forward in efficiency and leaves the Mazda CX-5 struggling to keep up. In its standard configuration with FWD, the new VW Taos for sale gets an EPA-estimated 28/36/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1
To compare, the standard Mazda CX-5 comes equipped with all-wheel drive – which enables it to get excellent road grip and expert handling in tough weather conditions, but makes the vehicle heavier and requires more gasoline to move. As a result, it gets an EPA-estimated 23/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4
Even in different configurations, the Volkswagen Taos outpaces the Mazda CX-5 in fuel economy. See how below:
- VW Taos with 4MOTION AWD: an EPA-estimated 24/33/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)5
- Mazda CX-5 with Cylinder Deactivation and i-Stop: an EPA-estimated 26/30/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)4
- Mazda CX-5 with Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine: an EPA-estimated 22/27/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)4
Our Assessment: The Forward-Thinking Taos Takes the Crown
The Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-5 rivalry has been fierce, but it comes to a close with the Taos on top. Its more fuel-efficient values and focus on daily practicality and versatility allow the Taos to reign supreme over its competitor. And, you can get one of these confident-handling VW SUVs at a cost-effective price when you use one of our VW Taos lease deals.
If you're curious about other versatile models by the Volkswagen brand, compare the VW Taos vs. Tiguan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency: the Volkswagen Taos or the Mazda CX-5?
In fuel efficiency, the VW Taos takes the crown over its Mazda SUV competitor. The standard Mazda CX-5 offers an EPA-estimated 23/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),4 while the standard Volkswagen Taos offers an EPA-estimated 28/36/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 Even with AWD, the VW Taos continues to be more fuel-efficient than the Mazda CX-5 at every level.
Which vehicle provides more cargo space: the Volkswagen Taos or the Mazda CX-5?
The vehicle that wins out regarding cargo space depends on the area you're looking at. The Mazda CX-5 has more cargo space behind the second row, offering 29.1 cubic feet, while the VW Taos offers 27.9 cubic feet. The VW Taos makes up for this with 65.9 cubic feet of total space, while the Mazda CX-5 offers only 59.3 cubic feet.
Which SUV has more advanced infotainment features: the 2025 Volkswagen Taos or the Mazda CX-5?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has a larger infotainment screen than the VW Taos, but the two have the same capabilities. Both SUVs have Bluetooth® capabilities, smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and have robust sound systems. They also have Rear View Monitors to assist with reversal and can display other pertinent driving information like routing and your favorite audio entertainment.
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128 city/36 highway mpg (2025 Volkswagen Taos 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
2This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-volkswagen-taos-first-drive-review/
3This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-5
4EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
524 city/33 highway mpg (2025 Volkswagen Taos 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.