2025 Volkswagen Taos vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$25,495 · Crossover

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 often comes down to prioritizing economy versus dynamic performance in a compact crossover package. If minimizing stops at the pump is your primary concern, the Taos pulls ahead immediately with a combined MPG of 31, significantly better than the CX-30's 27 combined MPG. However, the Mazda offers a slight edge in pure output, boasting 186 horsepower compared to the VW's 174 hp. Financially, the Taos has a lower entry point at $25,495 versus the CX-30's $25,975 MSRP. But where the Taos offers more utility with 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space, the CX-30 includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). This comparison forces buyers to weigh the Taos's efficiency and size against the Mazda's marginally better power and standard traction system.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy and lower overall running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Taos

Families will benefit more from the Taos's larger 27.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 appeals more to enthusiasts with its slightly higher 186 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive for better road holding.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos offers better value by providing a lower MSRP of $25,495 and significantly better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...

You need maximum cargo space, as the Taos offers 27.9 cubic feet versus 20.2 cu ft in the CX-30.
Fuel savings are a top priority, highlighted by the Taos achieving 36 Highway MPG.
You want the lowest initial cost of entry at $25,495.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You regularly encounter slippery conditions, thanks to the CX-30's standard All-Wheel Drive.
You prefer slightly punchier acceleration, evidenced by the CX-30's 186 horsepower.
You favor a more compact exterior length of 173.0 inches for easier city parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volkswagen Taos	Mazda CX-30
Length	175.9"	173.0"
Width	72.5"	70.7"
Height	64.5"	61.4"
Wheelbase	105.9"	104.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
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 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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	174 hp @ 5500 rpm	186 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm	186 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Volkswagen	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/36 MPG	24/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	369.6/475.2 mi.	304.8/393.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	12.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Volkswagen	Mazda
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited 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 Volkswagen Taos and 2026 Mazda CX-30.

Which crossover is better on gas for highway driving?

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is the clear winner for highway mileage, achieving 36 MPG on the highway compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-30’s 31 MPG highway rating. This nearly 5 MPG difference adds up significantly over regular commuting.

Does the extra cost of the Mazda CX-30 buy me better performance?

Yes, the CX-30 costs $480 more at the base MSRP but delivers 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, slightly surpassing the Taos’s 174 hp and 184 lb-ft, making it marginally quicker.

How much more cargo space does the Taos really offer?

The Taos provides substantially more usable space for gear, offering 27.9 cubic feet of cargo room. The CX-30 is notably tighter in the rear with only 20.2 cubic feet of storage.

Why would I choose the Mazda if it gets worse MPG?

You would choose the CX-30 primarily for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which the Taos lacks in its base Front Wheel Drive setup, providing better traction in poor weather.

Are these cars drastically different in size?

While both are compact crossovers, the Taos is slightly longer at 175.9 inches compared to the CX-30’s 173.0 inches, but the CX-30 is significantly shorter in height at 61.4 inches versus the Taos's 64.5 inches.

Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?

No, both the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 are specified to run optimally on regular unleaded fuel, which keeps ongoing running costs predictable for both models.