Performance, power and 0-100 km/h
2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Skyactiv-G AWD has the quicker recorded 0-100 km/h time at 8.3 seconds, compared with 8.5 seconds for 2025 Volkswagen Taos SEL 1.5T. 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Skyactiv-G AWD has the higher listed output at 187 hp; 2025 Volkswagen Taos SEL 1.5T is rated at 174 hp, a difference of 13 hp. The torque figures follow 2025 Volkswagen Taos SEL 1.5T at 265 Nm and 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Skyactiv-G AWD at 252 Nm. These figures describe straight-line potential only; they do not establish braking performance, ride quality, steering response or durability under repeated hard use.
Range, battery, charging and efficiency
2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Skyactiv-G AWD has the lower recorded consumption at 7.5 L/100km; 2025 Volkswagen Taos SEL 1.5T is listed at 7.8 L/100km. Test cycle, temperature, wheel size and charging conditions can materially affect these results, so only figures measured on the same basis should be treated as directly comparable.
Dimensions, cargo space and towing
2025 Volkswagen Taos SEL 1.5T provides the larger quoted cargo volume: 694 litres versus 438 litres, a difference of 256 litres. 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Skyactiv-G AWD carries the higher towing rating at 2,000 kg, while 2025 Volkswagen Taos SEL 1.5T is listed at 680 kg. 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Skyactiv-G AWD is 114 mm longer overall. Exterior size is not a benefit by itself: a longer body may create useful room, but cargo shape, rear-seat space and ease of parking still require a physical inspection.
Price and overall assessment
2025 Volkswagen Taos SEL 1.5T has the lower listed starting price at $28,995, compared with $30,090 for 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Skyactiv-G AWD. 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Skyactiv-G AWD leads in more of the shared headline fields, but that is not a universal verdict: a buyer should weight price, performance, range and utility rather than simply count category wins. The assessment is based on the specifications shown here; it is not presented as a two-car road test.