Compare the2027 Volkswagen Taos VS 2026 Mazda CX-5

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the Taos deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The Taos’ side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The CX-5’s side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

Compared to metal, the Taos’ plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Mazda CX-5 has a metal gas tank.

Both the Taos and the CX-5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all-wheel drive and rear parking sensors.

The Taos comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck. The CX-5’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Taos’ corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the CX-5’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Taos for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-5.

There are over 15 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Taos’ warranty.

On the EPA test cycle the Taos gets better mileage than the CX-5:

			MPG
Taos
	FWD	1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	27 city/35 hwy
	AWD	1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	25 city/33 hwy
CX-5
	AWD	2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	24 city/30 hwy

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Taos higher (7 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-5 (6). This means the Taos produces up to 1.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-5 every 15,000 miles.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Volkswagen Taos, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-5.

The Taos stops shorter than the CX-5:

	Taos	CX-5
70 to 0 MPH	176 feet	182 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	134 feet	146 feet	Consumer Reports

For better traction, the Taos 4Motion® SE Black/SEL’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-5 (235/45R19 vs. 225/65R17).

The Taos 4Motion®’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-5’s standard 65 series tires. The Taos 4Motion® SE Black/SEL’s tires have a lower 45 series profile than the CX-5 Preferred/Premium’s 55 series tires.

The Taos has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The CX-5’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The Taos SEL 4Motion® handles at .85 G’s, while the CX-5 S Premium Plus pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Taos SEL 4Motion® executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the CX-5 S Premium Plus (27.4 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 28.2 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Taos 4Motion®’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the CX-5’s (34.8 feet vs. 36.8 feet). The Taos’ turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the CX-5’s (35.1 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

The Volkswagen Taos may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 650 pounds less than the Mazda CX-5.

The Taos is 8.7 inches shorter than the CX-5, making the Taos easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Taos easier. The Taos’ cargo hatch lift-over height is 27 inches, while the CX-5’s liftover is 28.5 inches.

The power windows standard on both the Taos and the CX-5 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Taos is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-5 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Taos’ standard KESSY Keyless Access allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the CX-5 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Taos 4Motion to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The CX-5 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Taos has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the CX-5 Preferred/Premium.

Compared to traditional radio, the Volkswagen Taos’ standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-5 Premium.

The Taos is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.