2025 Volkswagen Taos vs 2026 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 lies in fuel economy, where the Taos achieves a superior combined 31 MPG compared to the CX-50's 26 MPG. This efficiency advantage comes alongside a substantial $4,405 lower MSRP for the Taos at $25,495 versus the CX-50's $29,900 entry price. However, the CX-50 counters with greater utility and output, offering 31.4 cu ft of cargo space against the Taos's 27.9 cu ft, and producing a slight edge in power with 187 hp compared to the Taos's 174 hp. The Taos utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission supporting its FWD setup, while the CX-50 includes standard AWD and a 6-speed automatic. Dimensionally, the CX-50 is longer by nearly 10 inches (185.8 vs 175.9 inches), suggesting a more substantial physical presence on the road.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 31 MPG versus the CX-50's 26 MPG.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 offers superior space for families, providing 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Taos's 27.9 cubic feet.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 appeals more to enthusiasts by including standard All-Wheel Drive and possessing slightly higher output at 187 horsepower.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos presents better upfront value, boasting a $4,405 lower starting MSRP while still delivering an efficient 28/36 MPG city/highway.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing fuel stops, given the 31 combined MPG.
- Budget consciousness is paramount, demonstrated by the $25,495 MSRP.
- You prefer the operational advantage of an 8-speed automatic transmission over a 6-speed.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability right from the base trim.
- Maximum cargo volume is necessary, as 31.4 cu ft surpasses the competitor.
- You prioritize 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque for acceleration.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volkswagen Taos | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.9" | 185.8" |
| Width | 72.5" | 75.6" |
| Height | 64.5" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 110.8" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 185 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
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 | 24/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/475.2 mi. | 381.6/477.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 15.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.3 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 |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.1 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.9 in. | 53.6 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 | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.9 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.4 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 215/55R H | P225/65R17 |
| 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-50.
What is the primary financial difference between the 2025 Taos and 2026 CX-50?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos starts at an MSRP of $25,495, which is $4,405 less than the 2026 Mazda CX-50's starting price of $29,900. This represents a significant initial investment advantage for the Taos.
Which crossover provides better fuel efficiency for city driving?
The Volkswagen Taos is rated for 28 MPG in city driving, whereas the Mazda CX-50 is rated for 24 MPG in the city. This 4 MPG difference translates to more frequent stops at the regular unleaded pump for the CX-50 owner.
Is the extra cost of the CX-50 justified by increased interior utility?
The CX-50 is physically larger, measuring 185.8 inches long compared to the Taos's 175.9 inches. This translates to a measurable benefit in cargo space, offering 31.4 cu ft versus the Taos's 27.9 cu ft.
How do the drivetrains compare between these two small crossovers?
The standard 2025 Taos is configured with Front Wheel Drive, paired to an 8-speed automatic. Conversely, the 2026 CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Do either of these vehicles use premium fuel?
No, based on the specifications provided, both the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 are listed as requiring regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle delivers more performance output?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 has a modest performance advantage, generating 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, slightly eclipsing the Taos's 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
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