2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Volkswagen Taos

$28,770 · Crossover

$26,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 exudes premium athleticism, drawing drivers in with its standard 187 hp and mandatory All-Wheel Drive grip. Conversely, the 2026 Volkswagen Taos captivates with efficiency, boasting an exceptional 31 MPG combined, significantly besting the CX-5’s 25 MPG rating. While the CX-5 offers more substantial dimensions at 180.1 inches long and 30.8 cu ft of cargo space, the Taos starts at a lower $26,500 MSRP compared to the Mazda's $28,770. Enthusiasts might prefer the CX-5's slightly higher 186 lb-ft of torque, whereas daily drivers prioritizing fuel savings will appreciate the Taos’s 36 MPG highway rating. This battle pits Mazda’s focus on driving feel and robustness against VW’s superior economy and lower entry cost, making the final decision a true tug-of-war between dynamic polish and fiscal sensibility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos is the definitive winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the CX-5's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

Families gain an advantage with the CX-5's larger interior volume, offering 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Taos's 27.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its standard 187 hp output and mandatory AWD system.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Taos

The Volkswagen Taos presents better base value, starting at an MSRP of $26,500 against the CX-5’s $28,770.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You prioritize confident, year-round traction provided by standard All-Wheel Drive.
You desire a more powerful engine delivering 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
You need the maximum available utility with 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...

Saving on fuel is paramount, leveraging the 31 MPG combined rating (a 6 MPG advantage).
You are focused on the lowest initial purchase price at $26,500 MSRP.
You prefer the smoother shifting feel of an 8-speed automatic transmission.

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 2026 Volkswagen Taos.

How much better is the fuel economy between these two crossovers?

The difference is substantial for long-term ownership costs; the 2026 Taos achieves 31 MPG combined, which is exactly 6 MPG better than the 2025 CX-5’s 25 MPG combined rating.

Which vehicle offers better standard performance metrics?

The Mazda CX-5 edges out the Taos in raw power, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Taos’s 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-5 significantly larger than the 2026 VW Taos?

Yes, the CX-5 is physically larger, measuring 180.1 inches long compared to the Taos's 175.9 inches. This translates to better storage, with the CX-5 providing 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 27.9 cu ft in the Taos.

Does the drivetrain affect my buying decision?

Absolutely, the CX-5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, offering superior grip in poor conditions, while the base Taos utilizes Front Wheel Drive, which contributes to its better fuel economy.

What is the price difference at the entry level?

The Volkswagen Taos commands a lower entry price point at $26,500 MSRP, providing nearly $2,300 in savings compared to the 2025 Mazda CX-5, which starts at $28,770.

How do the transmissions compare between the two models?

The CX-5 uses a robust 6-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the Taos is equipped with a more modern 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which assists in achieving its higher MPG ratings.