2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
The most significant quantifiable divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2025 Volkswagen Taos is fuel economy, with the Taos achieving a 31 MPG combined rating versus the CX-5's 25 MPG combined, a 6 MPG advantage. This efficiency difference is coupled with a substantial $3,275 starting MSRP gap, as the Taos begins at $25,495 against the CX-5's $28,770. Performance favors the Mazda, delivering 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Taos's 174 hp and 184 lb-ft. However, the CX-5 is dimensionally larger, measuring 180.1 inches in length to the Taos's 175.9 inches, which correlates to slightly superior storage capacity at 30.8 cu ft versus 27.9 cu ft. While the CX-5 utilizes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), the base Taos is Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), introducing different traction capabilities to the equation for prospective buyers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG versus the CX-5's 25 MPG.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 offers more usable space with 30.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Taos's 27.9 cubic feet.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 provides higher output, generating 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Taos's 174 hp and 184 lb-ft.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos offers a better entry point with an MSRP that is $3,275 less expensive than the base Mazda CX-5.
Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability straight from the base model.
- Your priority is marginally higher engine output (187 hp vs 174 hp).
- You need the maximum available cargo volume, accessing 30.8 cu ft.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, given the Taos's 36 MPG highway rating.
- Budget constraints favor a lower initial purchase price of $25,495.
- You prefer the benefit of an 8-speed automatic transmission over a 6-speed unit.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-5 | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 175.9" |
| Width | 72.6" | 72.5" |
| Height | 66.1" | 64.5" |
| Wheelbase | 106.2" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 187 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/443.7 mi. | 369.6/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume 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 | 39.7 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 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 | 39.0 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.6 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.3 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 | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 215/55R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | 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-5 and 2025 Volkswagen Taos.
What is the main difference in fuel consumption between the 2025 CX-5 and the 2025 Taos?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is significantly more fuel-efficient, achieving 31 MPG combined, which is 6 MPG higher than the 2025 Mazda CX-5's 25 MPG combined rating. The Taos also boasts a better highway rating at 36 MPG compared to the CX-5's 29 MPG.
How much more powerful is the Mazda CX-5 compared to the VW Taos?
The Mazda CX-5 leads in power output, offering 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Volkswagen Taos produces 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 13 hp difference favoring the CX-5.
Is the standard drivetrain significantly different between these two crossovers?
Yes, the base 2025 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Conversely, the standard 2025 Volkswagen Taos utilizes Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), which may impact performance in slippery conditions.
Which vehicle offers a higher starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has the higher entry price, starting at $28,770. The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is the more affordable option at $25,495, creating a price disparity of $3,275.
Are there notable differences in their physical dimensions and cargo volume?
The CX-5 is physically larger in all aspects; for instance, it is 180.1 inches long compared to the Taos's 175.9 inches. This translates to the CX-5 having 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Taos's 27.9 cubic feet.
Do both vehicles use the same type of transmission?
Both vehicles feature shiftable automatic transmissions, but they differ in the number of gears. The CX-5 employs a 6-speed unit, while the Taos utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission.
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