2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Volkswagen Taos

$25,195 · Crossover

$26,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a premium compact crossover like the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the efficient, spacious 2026 Volkswagen Taos can be tricky for first-time buyers. If dynamic driving matters, the CX-30 offers a noticeable performance edge with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Taos' 174 hp. However, the Taos counters with superior practicality, boasting significantly more cargo room at 27.9 cu ft versus the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft. Fuel economy is another clear split: the Taos achieves 31 MPG combined on standard fuel, edging out the CX-30's 29 MPG combined. While the CX-30 has a slightly lower starting MSRP at $25,195, the Taos compensates with a larger overall footprint (175.9 inches long) and an extra two gears in its automatic transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Taos

The 2026 Volkswagen Taos wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 31 MPG and increased visibility from its taller stance.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Taos

Families will appreciate the Taos' superior cargo capacity of 27.9 cu ft, offering 7.7 cu ft more space than the CX-30.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 191 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 offers better baseline power for a slightly lower entry price of $25,195 compared to the Taos' $26,500.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize responsiveness, as the Mazda CX-30 delivers 191 horsepower.
You prefer the security of standard All-Wheel Drive across all trims.
You want the nimbler driving experience due to the CX-30's shorter length of 173.0 inches.

Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...

Maximizing utility is key, given the Taos’ excellent 27.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
You travel long distances, benefiting from the Taos' superior 36 MPG highway rating.
You prefer the smoother cruising characteristics provided by the Taos' 8-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-30	Volkswagen Taos
Length	173.0"	175.9"
Width	70.7"	72.5"
Height	61.7"	64.5"
Wheelbase	104.4"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6000 rpm	174 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	28/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	330.2/419.1 mi.	369.6/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.7 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	8.8 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	38.1 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	56.5 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	53.9 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	45.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/65R16	215/55R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Volkswagen Taos.

Which crossover is better on gas for daily driving?

The 2026 Volkswagen Taos is the clear winner here, offering a better combined fuel economy rating of 31 MPG (28 city/36 highway). The 2025 Mazda CX-30 achieves 29 MPG combined.

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-30 faster than the 2026 VW Taos?

Yes, the CX-30 has the advantage in performance specifications, producing 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Taos generates 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle is better suited for hauling gear or luggage?

The 2026 Taos is significantly more practical for cargo, offering 27.9 cu ft of space behind the rear seats, which is substantially more than the CX-30’s 20.2 cu ft.

What is the main difference in standard drivetrain setups?

The Mazda CX-30 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which is great for mixed weather conditions. Conversely, the Volkswagen Taos utilizes a standard Front-Wheel Drive setup for its base price.

How do their prices and size compare?

The CX-30 has a lower MSRP at $25,195 compared to the Taos' $26,500, but the Taos is physically larger in every dimension, being nearly three inches longer.

Are the transmissions significantly different between the two models?

Yes, the CX-30 uses a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the newer Taos utilizes an 8-speed automatic, potentially leading to smoother operation or better cruising efficiency.